Bwiza Unites Bruce Melodie and The Ben for the First Time on "25 Shades" Album
Summary: Young Rwandan star Bwiza breaks records by bringing together Bruce Melodie and The Ben on her debut album "25 Shades," releasing May 16, 2025.
Bruce Melodie and The Ben, two icons in Rwandan and regional music, have long been celebrated for their extraordinary contributions to the industry. Yet, what adds intrigue to their legacies is the fact that they had never collaborated—until now.
While previous efforts to unite the stars had failed, Bwiza has accomplished the historic feat with her debut album "25 Shades," marking a groundbreaking milestone in Rwandan music.
Bwiza’s collaboration with Bruce Melodie on the track “Ogera” gained prominence during events supporting President Paul Kagame, while her track with The Ben, “Best Friend,” has already become a beloved anthem in the Amapiano genre.
Her album comprises a total of 12 tracks, including fan-favorites like “Ahazaza,” “To You,” “Maritha,” “Isi,” “Hello,” “Symbol,” “Ndabaga,” “Nasara” (featuring Loader), “Ginger,” and the widely streamed “Best Friend.”
The production team behind "25 Shades" reads like a who’s who of the music industry, with contributors such as Loader, Prince Kiiiz, Davy Denko, Phantom, and Santana Sauce. Final mastering was handled by the highly esteemed Bob Pro, lending credibility and polish to the project.
According to Bwiza's manager, Claude Uhujimfura, this star-studded album was deliberate: “We chose Bruce Melodie and The Ben because they are the biggest names in Rwandan music today,” he told InyaRwanda.
In a heartfelt social media post, Bwiza expressed profound appreciation for the artists and collaborators that contributed to the project. “This album is born from passion, teamwork, and unwavering effort,” she said.
She continued, “Words cannot truly express my gratitude. Thank you all for putting your hearts into this creation. Your talent, dedication, and love made this possible, and I’m elated with what we’ve accomplished.”
Bwiza then reflected on the unforgettable experience, saying, “The process—full of laughter, late nights, and overcoming obstacles—created memories I will cherish forever. Each of you brought unique energy to this project, and I learned so much from working with everyone.”
The anticipation is palpable for the album release celebration on May 16, 2025, where Bwiza aims to connect with her fans around the globe.
"25 Shades" represents a major moment in Rwandan music history, as it’s the first project to feature Bruce Melodie and The Ben working together—a monumental achievement for a rising young star like Bwiza.
Releasing an album is a landmark moment for any artist, but Bwiza’s ability to unite two of Rwanda’s top-tier musicians signifies her rising stature in the industry. The involvement of heavyweights like Bruce Melodie and The Ben affirms her growing influence as a respected, visionary artist.
The Ben echoed this sentiment in a recent interview with InyaRwanda, describing Bwiza as “a young talent to watch and support.”
An album of this magnitude is no small feat. It requires not only artistic creativity but also meticulous planning, collaboration, and resources. Experts agree that albums offer artists a medium to reflect their journey, their vision, and their message, going deeper than what single releases can achieve.
Albums that demonstrate authenticity and are crafted with precision can help artists attract new audiences while strengthening bonds with existing fans. For musicians like Bwiza, strong projects like these pave the way for international collaborations, high-profile performances, and even global acclaim.
"25 Shades" is more than an album; it’s a bold statement about Bwiza’s artistic vision and her roadmap for the future. By collaborating with top-tier artists, she cements her credibility while setting the stage for a thriving music career.
Bwiza's collaboration with The Ben on the hit track "Best Friend" has already gained critical and fan praise for its chemistry and authenticity. 
The young star shared high-energy moments with Bruce Melodie during promotional events for President Paul Kagame. 
Adding another milestone to her journey, Bwiza made history by bringing these music legends together for a cohesive project—a feat captured brilliantly in "25 Shades." 
Tracklist for "25 Shades," showcasing its rich diversity, was realized with the help of producers spanning all genres. 