Bruce Melody delivers on his promise as “Munyakazi” drops, fueling heated musical Rivalry with The Ben

BY PRINCE BORIS CYUBAHIRO

The Rwandan music industry has been thrust back into the spotlight following the release of “Munyakazi,” a brand-new song by Bruce Melody, just days after a heated press conference exchange involving fellow music star The Ben.

During the press conference, Bruce Melody stirred public debate after trading sharp words with The Ben, before confidently promising fans that he would release a new song titled “Munyakazi” within three days. True to his word, Melody has now delivered and the response has been explosive.

“Munyakazi” Takes Over the Internet

Released today, “Munyakazi” has quickly gained massive traction across Rwanda and beyond. Within only a few hours of its release on YouTube, the song recorded an unusually high number of views, a clear sign that fans had been eagerly awaiting Bruce Melody’s return, especially after a noticeable break from releasing new music.

Social media platforms such as Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook have been flooded with reactions, debates, and praise, with many fans applauding Melody’s confidence, lyrical delivery, and artistic comeback.

The Animal Nickname Debate Resurfaces

For years, Bruce Melody has been questioned about why he never adopted an animal nickname, unlike other prominent African artists. The Ben has often been associated with the nickname “Tiger,” Diamond Platnumz with “Simba,” while Juno Kizigenza refers to himself as “Ikirura.”

When asked about this in the past, Bruce Melody bluntly responded:“I cannot name myself after any animal.”

That statement appears to be reinforced in “Munyakazi,” where Melody emphasizes that he should not be compared to “small animals.” Fans have widely interpreted this as a subtle jab at The Ben, although Melody does not mention any artist by name.

The Ben Responds With New Music on the Way

Not one to stay silent, The Ben has announced that he will release his own new song titled “Indabo Zanjye” within five days. The upcoming track is expected to carry strong messages aimed at critics and rivals alike, further intensifying the rivalry.

Music fans are now eager to see whether “Indabo Zanjye” will rival or surpass the success of “Munyakazi”, setting the stage for a musical showdown.

All Eyes on “The New Year Groove” Concert

Adding more fuel to the fire, both artists have confirmed that they will perform their new songs live at the highly anticipated “The New Year Groove” concert scheduled for January 1st. Industry observers believe this event could serve as the ultimate test of popularity and performance dominance between the two artists.

Both Bruce Melody and The Ben boast millions of followers across social media platforms, major brand endorsements, and years of influence within and beyond Rwanda’s music scene — making this rivalry one of the most talked-about moments in recent Rwandan entertainment history.

Who Will End the Rivalry?

For now, the debate remains wide open.
Will Bruce Melody’s confident comeback and viral hit secure him the crown?
Or will The Ben’s anticipated release shift the balance in his favor?

The answer, it seems, will be revealed on January 1st, when the music speaks louder than words and the fans decide.