HE IS touted to be one of the most promising talents in the Rwandan music industry and his album launch was highly awaited. When time came, he did not disappoint. 

It was a fun-filled Saturday evening for ladies in Kigali as Bruce Melodie launched his debut album dubbed ‘Ndumiwe’. 

It was clearly evident that the ‘Uzandabure’ singer is a Ladies man as the majority of the revellers were ladies – no wonder he chose to launch his debut album on the International Women’s day. Whether it was the effect of the Day or not, that will be a story for another day. 

The turn-up was not very impressive but it wasn’t disappointing either. The Kigali Serena Banquet was packed anyway.

Considering that the upper hall is way bigger than the lower auditorium where most artistes launch their albums, it was not a bad turn up at all. 

The fans in attendance enjoyed to their money’s worth as they were treated to amazing performances from several artistes who did live renditions of their songs.

The event, that started at 7p.m, was curtain raised by Fireman doing his hit ‘Itagishaka’ followed by Mico ‘The Best’ who sang ‘Akabizu and ‘Folomina’. 

Afro beat singer Uncle Austin sang his ‘Umugisha w’undi’ as well as ‘Nashima’, a song he did with Bruce Melodie, among others.

Later at around 8:35p.m, Bruce Melodie hopped on stage with his band, clad in a black suit, white shirt, a black tie complete with a black cap. He opened his act with some of the songs that launched his musical career, including ‘Tubivemo’ and ‘Telephone’. 

He then mixed in new ones such as ‘Hello’, a collaboration he did with Uganda-based Rwandan singer Fille Mutoni. He also performed ‘Nyerekana’, saving the best for last. 

He then took a break paving way for Mani Martin with his Kesho band to turn things on. Mani Martin performance gave the audience a glimpse into what the night would turn out to be. He did songs like ‘Destiny’, ‘Amani’ and ‘Ibihe’, warming up the audience for the big show. 

At this point, people were really beginning to get in the mood. After Mani Martin, comedian Arthur ‘Rutura’ Nkusi hit the stage to crack a few jokes and he did not disappoint either. 

The Comedy Knights frontman made some quite hilarious jokes which left the crowd in jiggles. 

At about 10p.m, Ugandan RnB artiste Jamal was called on to stage. The dreadlocked star was also a crowd favourite. 

His band came first doing a live rendition of ‘Kangende’ before joining them clad in a grey stripped suit, a red shirt and black bow tie. 

The ‘Abakyaala Balabye’ singer kicked off his performance with ‘Eno Love Teri Fair’ causing excitement among the fans. 

He later sang one of the ladies favourite ‘Onosonyiwa’ before taking a break. In a short speech, Jamal called on the Rwandan public to believe in and support their local talent. He said he personally respects Rwandan artistes, adding that they have the potential to take Rwandan music to the next level. 

Jamal later did songs like ‘Obawuwo’, ‘Omusomesa’, ‘Abakyala Balabye’ and ‘Abasingabayaye’ crowning his performance with ‘Hero’, a song that launched his career. 

At 10:30p.m, Bruce Melodie returned on stage clad in black faded jeans, a white T-shirt and a black leather jacket.  

The ‘Ndumiwe’ hit maker kept his fans on their feet as he performed songs like ‘Mfite Isoni’, ‘Uzandabure’, ‘Indorerwamo’ and the album cover ‘Ndumiwe’ along with live renditions of Lucky Dube’s songs. He was later joined on stage by Jamal to do their duet dubbed ‘Inchwi’.

Bruce Melodie thanked his fans for their support in his music journey and pledged to work hard to keep them entertained. 

The show ended at midnight when fans were still asking for more. In the end, Bruce Melodie pulled off a successful album launch. Everything was on point, from the setup, the sound, stage, lighting and the amazing voices of the artistes to complete the night.