Speaking in an interview with Kiss FM, Bruce Melodie said one of the things he will never accept is disrespect, emphasizing that, regardless of Diamond Platnumz’s status as an internationally recognized artist, he also deserves respect.
The singer, who is among Rwanda’s most prominent music artists and refers to himself as number one [001], explained that there were aspects of the performance they could not agree on. He therefore decided that both sides should proceed separately to avoid further misunderstanding.
Bruce Melodie also said that there have been situations in Rwanda where foreign artists have looked down on local musicians, particularly when Rwandan artists were still emerging. However, he noted that as the country’s music industry has continued to grow, such treatment should no longer be tolerated.
His comments came shortly after the release of his latest song, “Irya4,” which was released on Friday, September 25, 2026. The song contains a set of 10 principles that Bruce Melodie presents as lessons for young people and social media users.
The comments relate to events at the “Diamond Platnumz Experience” concert, held in the BK Arena parking area on the evening of August 29, 2026.
Diamond Platnumz shared the stage with several Rwandan artists, including Bruce Melodie, Nel Ngabo and Ish Kevin.
Bruce Melodie and Diamond Platnumz had been expected to perform their collaboration “POM POM” together, but the performance did not unfold as many fans had anticipated. What happened afterward generated considerable discussion on social media.
In his interview with Kiss FM, Bruce Melodie explained his side of the story, making it clear that he was not willing to accept what he described as disrespect, even when it came from an internationally established artist such as Diamond Platnumz.
The 10 rules featured in Bruce Melodie’s “Irya4”
Bruce Melodie’s new song “Irya4” carries a range of messages, including advice directed at young people and social media users.
The 10 rules [in Kinyarwanda] he mentions in the song are:
Iga kwigira ‘bazanga’, bitari ibyo natwe tuzakwanga.
Iga kugira ibanga kuko na mucyeba yakwatsa.
Nupfa kigabo, emera ko haso zibaho. Bro, byaba ari fo wemeye ko birangira uko.
Ntugasambane, mureke niba yizanye cyangwa se zikwakane.
Subiramo irya kane, ni ko byahoze.
Iga kwiyoroshya mwana. Iyo utangiye kwibona birapfa.
Nufatisha iyi mihanda, ba ingona na bo ntabwo ari injanga.
Peya ideni rirajena.
Ntugakine n’itegeko nta mu-lawyer ufite.
Ntabwo uri uwa danger niba uri aho utagomba kuba uri.
Through the song, Bruce Melodie touches on themes including personal conduct, self-reliance, keeping secrets, humility and understanding the law.
The release comes as the singer continues to expand his musical activities while highlighting the growing presence of Rwandan artists on the international music scene.