Some fans brought flowers, while others carried banners with photos of the artist they supported at the concert featuring The Ben and Bruce Melodie.
BK Arena was filled with thousands of fans who gathered for the concert that brought together The Ben and Bruce Melodie, with each person openly showing which side they supported.
Some carried flowers to express their love for Mugisha Benjamin, popularly known as The Ben, while others held placards and large shirts printed with “001,” Bruce Melodie’s signature brand.
As it was the first time these two artists—who have long been rumored to be rivals in the music industry—shared the same stage, the concert took place on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at BK Arena. It ushered Rwandans into the new year 2026 and also made a significant contribution to the growth of Rwanda’s music industry.
Over the nearly 15 years Bruce Melodie has spent in the music industry, he has built a large fan base, especially among young people. The Ben, on the other hand, has over 20 years of experience in music and enjoys fans of all age groups due to his long career and timeless hit songs.
Inside BK Arena, fans were seated in different sections, with some carrying whistles and placards, all aimed at making their support for their chosen artist clearly heard.
This is not new in the music world, as in other countries as well, concerts featuring artists believed to be rivals often attract fans who take different sides.
This discussion has been reignited by Bruce Melodie’s song “Munyakazi,” which some music followers and fans of The Ben claim was directed at The Ben, although Melodie has consistently stated that the song was a personal reflection about himself.
On the other hand, The Ben’s song “Indabo Zanjye” has also been interpreted by some Bruce Melodie fans as a song aimed at Melodie.
Regarding these disagreements, commonly referred to as music diss battles, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs—who is also known as a music enthusiast—once wrote on X:
“But these things of constantly pitting Rwandan artists against each other, young people, you really need to stop!”
The concert, hosted by Bruce Melodie, was highly anticipated, with some attendees coming to see which artist would receive greater public support from fans.
For others, it was an opportunity to put to rest long-standing debates, while for the organizers and partners, it was also a major opportunity for business and profit.
The Ben recently told RBA that the main goal of the concert was to entertain Rwandans, saying:
“Our aim is to give Rwandans joy.”
He added that Bruce Melodie was very respectful and welcoming in accepting the invitation. The Ben, who began his music career while still a secondary school student, also recently told BBC News Gahuza that his musical journey had not been easy, as fame has affected his mental well-being.
He said:
“Fame grows bigger than you; sometimes it even outweighs what you earn. That causes great exhaustion and stress.”
On the other hand, Bruce Melodie, who entered the music industry after The Ben, brought remarkable energy and captured many hearts through rhythm and meaningful lyrics in songs such as “Ikinya,” “Saa Moya,” “Katerina,” “Fresh,” “Rosa,” and others.
