Bruce Melodie Reveals How President Kagame’s Name Helped His Music Career Globally

Rwandan musician Bruce Melodie has revealed that the international reputation of President Paul Kagame has played a significant role in easing his professional journey abroad, saying that mentioning the President’s name often helped open doors during international engagements.

The artist made the remarks on February 6, 2026, while speaking at the 20th National Consultative Forum (Umushyikirano), where he was among the speakers on the second day of the forum.

President Kagame’s Global Reputation

Bruce Melodie praised President Kagame for building a strong and respected image for Rwanda on the global stage, noting that this reputation benefits all Rwandans when they travel or work abroad.

“I thank you for making Rwanda known worldwide,” Bruce Melodie said. “When I traveled to the United States to promote a song I worked on with international artist Shaggy, interviewers would ask me where I came from. When I said Rwanda, some struggled to understand, but once I mentioned your name, everything became clear.”

He said this recognition created a sense of pride and credibility that made his international engagements smoother and more successful.

Music as an Economic Opportunity

Bruce Melodie emphasized that music, when well supported, has the potential to generate significant revenue for Rwanda and contribute to the growth of tourism.

He told forum participants that the music industry should be viewed as a legitimate profession and an emerging economic sector, despite having developed later compared to other industries.

“The fact that music developed later is understandable,” he said. “The country first had to rebuild itself before focusing on entertainment.”

Early Resistance to Music Careers

The artist also shared personal experiences highlighting how pursuing a music career was once widely misunderstood.

He recounted growing up in a religious family that initially opposed his decision to become a musician.

“I come from a born-again Christian family,” he said. “When I told them I wanted to be a musician, they prayed for me instead. When I later adopted dreadlocks, my mother said evil spirits had taken over me.”

Despite these challenges, he said the music industry has since proven itself as a viable source of income for artists and a contributor to national development.

Call for Greater Support to the Music Industry

While acknowledging the progress made, Bruce Melodie said artists are not yet satisfied with the level of support the sector receives. He expressed hope that the creative industry could eventually contribute at least 20 percent of Rwanda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He called on the government and stakeholders to invest more in artists and creative infrastructure, describing musicians as key contributors to foreign currency earnings.

“Music has no borders and does not require visas,” he said. “It promotes tourism and attracts visitors. If well supported, we promise to deliver results.”

Role of Infrastructure in Creative Growth

Bruce Melodie also highlighted the importance of modern infrastructure in the growth of the entertainment industry. He cited facilities such as BK Arena and Stade Amahoro as essential venues that enable artists to host large-scale events and deliver high-quality performances.

He added that access to such infrastructure helps elevate Rwanda’s profile as a destination for international entertainment and cultural tourism.

Promoting Rwanda Through Culture

The artist concluded by stressing that music and the arts are powerful tools for promoting Rwanda globally. He said investing in the creative sector would not only benefit artists but also strengthen the country’s international image.

Bruce Melodie’s remarks added to ongoing discussions at the National Consultative Forum on how creative industries can contribute to Rwanda’s economic transformation and global visibility.