ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Bruce Melodie
Bruce Melodie's musical odyssey, from Kanombe to global acclaim, began in Kigali's vibrant heart. Influenced by a singing family and rooted in East Africa, he fuses Afrobeats, R&B, and Pop. Collaborating with Shaggy, he aspires to convey hope globally. Grateful for awards, he creates music that unites, celebrating African joy worldwide.
1. Can you share a bit about your musical journey, from your early days in Kanombe to becoming one of East Africa's most decorated artists?
Answer: My journey in music has been a blend of passion and hard work. Growing up in Kanombe, Kigali, my love for music started early, fostered within the church choir and at home. Despite challenges, including restrictions on music at school, I found solace and expression in music. From my debut songs like "Tubivemo" and "Telefone," through my participation in Coke Studio Africa, to winning multiple awards - each step has been a milestone. My music, a fusion of various styles, is a reflection of my journey and the vibrant spirit of Rwandan music.
2. Growing up in a family that loved to sing, how did your early experiences influence your passion for music?
Singing with my family and in the church choir laid the foundation for my musical career. These experiences not only nurtured my vocal skills but also instilled in me the values of hard work and perseverance. They gave me an opportunity of being around people who sing and access to church musical instruments and I learnt the importance of connecting emotionally with music, which I strive to do in all my songs.
3. Your musical style has evolved over the years, incorporating various genres. How would you describe your current sound, especially with the fusion of Afrobeats, R&B, and Pop in your latest single, "When She's Around (Funga Macho)"?
My current sound is a vibrant blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and Pop. This fusion reflects my desire to connect with a global audience. "When She's Around (Funga Macho)" is a perfect example of this, showcasing energetic rhythms and a melody that resonates across different cultures.
4. How do you think being from East Africa has shaped your approach to creating Afrobeats music, traditionally associated with West Africa?
Being from East Africa has given me a unique perspective on Afrobeats. I bring a blend of East African rhythms and melodies to the genre, which traditionally has its roots in West Africa. This cultural fusion enriches the music and makes it more inclusive.
5. Collaborating with Shaggy on "When She's Around (Funga Macho)" must have been a significant experience. How did this collaboration come about, and what did you learn from working with such an established artist?
Collaborating with Shaggy was an incredible experience. The collaboration was made possible by S curve records led by Steve Greenberg, he heard the original song “FUNGA MACHO” and he liked it so he contacted my team 1:55 AM ltd to see if we were open to work with Shaggy, of course that was an opportunity we could not pass. Working with an artist of Shaggy's caliber taught me the importance of versatility and staying true to one's art while also adapting to new styles and influences.
6. How has this collaboration with Shaggy influenced your aspirations to become a global success, and what message do you hope to convey through your music on an international stage?
The collaboration with Shaggy has definitely amplified my aspirations for global success. It has shown me the power of music to transcend borders. My aim is to convey messages of hope, Love, and the rich cultural heritage of Rwanda and Africa at large, resonating with audiences worldwide.
7. Winning multiple awards in Rwanda, including Artist of the Year for three consecutive years, is an incredible feat. How do these accolades impact your creative process and the expectations you set for yourself?
Winning these awards has been humbling and motivating. They reinforce my commitment to excellence and push me to set higher standards in my creative process. While accolades are gratifying, my primary focus remains on creating music that connects with and inspires my audience.
8. Can you share a memorable moment from the Trace Music Awards, where you performed "When She's Around (Funga Macho)" with Shaggy?
A standout moment was the energy and excitement during our performance. Feeling the audience's response to our collaboration and seeing the joy our music brought was truly unforgettable. It was a celebration of African music's global reach
9. You've expressed a desire for people worldwide to appreciate both your work and the culture you represent. How do you infuse elements of Rwandan culture into your music, and why is it essential for you to share this cultural richness with a global audience?
My music often includes elements of Rwandan culture, be it through traditional rhythms, local languages, or storytelling. Sharing this cultural richness is crucial as it showcases the diversity of African cultures. It's a way of connecting the world to Rwanda, offering a glimpse into our heritage and identity.
1. Your discography showcases a diverse range of styles, from zouk to R&B. How do you approach the creative process when experimenting with different musical genres?
Experimentation is key in my creative process. I'm not bound by one genre; instead, I let the emotion and message of each song guide its style. Whether it's zouk, R&B, or something else, it's all about what feels right for the track. My focus is on how the music resonates with the listeners and me.
2. "Katerina" marked your first song in English. What motivated this linguistic shift, and how do you navigate maintaining simplicity for broader accessibility while expressing your artistic vision?
Singing in English with "Katerina" was about reaching a wider audience. It's important to me that my music is accessible, so I strive to keep the language simple without losing the song's essence. This balance allows me to express my artistic vision while connecting with fans globally.
3. Are there specific artists or musical influences that have inspired your artistic journey?
My musical influences are diverse. I draw inspiration from various genres and artists, both local and international. These influences shape my sound, helping me create music that's unique yet familiar to my audience.
4. Your gospel song "Urabinyegeza" was written in a challenging situation. How does your faith and personal experiences influence the themes you explore in your music?
My faith and personal experiences deeply influence my music. "Urabinyegeza" is a testament to this, I wrote this song when I was wrongfully arrested in Burundi and while I was in a jail cell, I felt the need to write the song, just a way to be grateful to the creator. Such songs reflect my journey and beliefs, resonating with listeners who might be facing similar situations.
5. "Selebura" has become a celebratory anthem in Rwanda. How does it feel to create music that becomes an integral part of people's joyous occasions?
It's incredibly fulfilling. "Selebura" being embraced as a celebratory anthem is a reminder of music's power to unite and bring joy. It's an honor to be part of people's happiest moments through my music.
6. With your latest single "When She's Around (Funga Macho)" released in October 2023, what can fans expect from your upcoming projects, and are there any dream collaborations you have in mind?
o My fans can expect more fusion of genres and perhaps some surprises. I'm working on my new album but we have not yet set the release date. As for dream collaborations, there are many artists I admire and would love to work with, both within Africa and internationally.
7. As the top-earning artist in Rwanda in 2021, how do you handle success, and what advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
Handling success is about staying grounded and true to your art. My advice to aspiring musicians is to be authentic, work hard, and never stop learning. Success comes when you're true to yourself and your craft.
8. Looking back on your career, is there a specific moment or achievement that stands out as a defining milestone for you?
Winning the "Best Rwandan Artist" award at the Trace Awards stands out. It was a recognition not just of my music but of the journey and hard work that got me there.
9. Finally, what message would you like to convey to your fans, both in Rwanda and around the world, and what legacy do you hope to leave through your music?
o To my fans, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your support. I hope my music inspires you, brings you joy, and connects us across borders. My legacy, I hope, will be one of unity, resilience, and the power of music to transcend boundaries. Thank you