The relationship between Producer Element and the 1:55 AM Label has been fraught with challenges, drawing attention across media outlets. Kenny Mugarura, the head of 1:55 AM, recently told InyaRwanda that their partnership with Element remains intact. However, he added that if Element chooses to leave, they are ready to abide by legal procedures.
Element joined 1:55 AM with only one song, encouraged by Bruce Melodie, who convinced Coach Gael of the need for a dedicated producer. Bruce Melodie also introduced artist Kenny Sol to the label.
In return, Element proposed that Coach Gael bring in Ross Kana and Producer Kompressor to the label. Ultimately, both Bruce Melodie and Element contributed two members to the label.
Interestingly, Coach Gael played no role in scouting these newcomers. Bruce Melodie joined as both an artist and a business partner after falling out with The Ben.
Element gained prominence while working at Country Records studio under the guidance of Nduwimana Jean Paul, famously known as Noopja. During this time, Element produced commercially successful hits that cemented his reputation.
Country Records played a crucial role in establishing Element’s career before 1:55 AM identified him as their choice for ongoing production collaborations.
A copy of Element’s contract with 1:55 AM indicates that he joined as a partner — a significant change from his previous setup at Country Records, where artists paid for studio time and he earned a percentage of the revenue based on an agreed formula.
Under this new contract, Element would earn 40% of the revenue from songs produced, while the label retained 60%. He was also required to submit detailed financial reports every 15 days, documenting songs produced and revenue generated.
However, according to a staff member at 1:55 AM, Element has failed to provide any reports over the past three years, leaving both song production and revenue tracking unaccounted for.
To date, Element has produced 38 songs, including hits like “Sikosa” by Kevin Kade featuring The Ben. Yet, he is accused of failing to disclose earnings or explain the financial aspects of these productions.
The contract spanning six pages also mandated Element to produce seven songs per month and dedicate at least 48 hours in the studio monthly. According to the label, Element violated these work-hour requirements, thus failing to meet his contractual duties.
To support Element in his role, 1:55 AM invested RWF 20 million to help set up a state-of-the-art studio with advanced equipment, including an upgraded laptop and industry-leading software. The agreement highlighted Element’s status as a partner, although the label retained its role as his employer, requiring strict financial reporting every two weeks.
What Are the Charges?
When joining the label, Element charged RWF 1 million per song. Based on the partnership terms, he would take home RWF 400,000 while the label retained RWF 600,000.
The agreement also classified Element as a brand representative, obligating him to contribute 50% of the revenue he earned from projects.
Reports indicate that Element participated in events in Uganda and the UK, earning $10,000. However, he allegedly withheld the percentage share owed to the label from these earnings.
While producing Bruce Melodie’s album "Colorful Generation," Element charged RWF 2 million per track. Songs for Ross Kana and Kenny Sol were billed at RWF 1.5 million each.
A staff member from 1:55 AM stated, “We have all the evidence to verify these payments. The records clearly show he was compensated.”
Additionally, the contract granted the label the right to review Element's finances from all income streams during their three-year partnership.
If taken to court, 1:55 AM could legally access Element’s Mobile Money transfers, bank accounts, and other channels to validate his earnings during the partnership.
The contract analysis shows that Element was supposed to produce 84 songs annually, equating to 252 songs over three years — each valued at RWF 1 million. This would total RWF 252 million over the contract period.
Based on this revenue, Element owed RWF 151,200,000 to the label while retaining RWF 100,800,000.
According to records, Element has produced only 38 songs to date, earning RWF 38 million. Out of this, he still owes 60% — RWF 22,800,000 — to the label.
As a producer, Element’s responsibilities included being available for work whenever required, committing at least 48 hours per month while completing seven songs monthly for release. Additionally, each track was required to include the 1:55 AM logo and signature jingle in its promotional material, such as posters and music videos.
Financial reviews were scheduled quarterly, with revenue deductions made before the remaining amount was credited to Element’s account.
Online sources reveal that contracts like this are standard for producers partnering with large labels, ensuring mutual profitability. However, some major labels are known to strip producers of their branding prematurely if contract breaches occur. Element narrowly avoided this situation when leaving Country Records.
Repeated attempts by InyaRwanda to contact Element for comments yielded no response.
Coach Gael pictured with Producer Element, a partner under contract, and Bruce Melodie, one of Rwanda’s most revered artists at 1:55 AM.