Sallam Ahmed Sharaff, popularly known as Sallam SK and longtime manager of Tanzanian music superstar Diamond Platnumz, has arrived in Kigali for a visit aimed at finalizing a music project featuring Bruce Melodie and Diamond. The highly anticipated collaboration is expected to drop in the summer of 2025 and is already generating excitement across East Africa.
On Thursday, April 24, 2025, upon his arrival in Kigali, Sallam SK attended a basketball game between UGB BBC, coached by Karomba Gael, and Dar City BBC, which is led by his younger brother. The match took place at Kigali Universe as part of a tournament organized in remembrance of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, now commemorated for the 31st time.
Following the game, Sallam SK held a meeting with Kenny Mugarura, the CEO of 1:55 AM Ltd, to review the final stages of the song’s production and release strategy. According to Kenny, most of the foundational work is already complete, and what’s left includes wrapping up the visuals and planning the song’s official rollout on digital platforms.
Bruce Melodie has previously expressed his desire to collaborate with Diamond, describing it as one of his long-held dreams. That dream is now becoming reality after several months of negotiations and preparations. This track will mark the third time Diamond collaborates with a Rwandan artist—having previously released two songs with The Ben and one with Mico The Best.
The song brings together a blend of international talents in songwriting and production. Contributors include Rwandan artist and songwriter Kivumbi King, and Nigerian artist Brown Joel—well known for his role in Davido’s remake of Ogechi. Joel not only helped write the song but may also feature in it. Bruce Melodie also provided creative input in both the songwriting process and the musical arrangement.
Audio production has been handled by Ghanaian producer City Boy, alongside another renowned producer who has worked with Nigerian artist Patoranking. With such names involved, the song is expected to be of high quality and to resonate widely with audiences.
Since April 6, 2025, clips have surfaced online showing Bruce Melodie and Diamond together in what appears to be behind-the-scenes footage from the project. Rumors spread that 55 million Rwandan Francs (approx. $44,000 USD) had been invested into the song, but Kenny Mugarura dismissed the figure, saying the actual amount spent was “much higher.”
More than just a music release, this collaboration is seen as a bridge-building effort between Rwanda and Tanzania’s music industries and a significant step toward expanding Bruce Melodie’s reach on the international stage.
The song is slated for release in the summer of 2025, though an exact date has yet to be announced.
On Thursday, April 24, 2025, Dar City from Tanzania was defeated by UGB BBC with a score of 75-71. UGB BBC thus secured a ticket to enter the semi-finals of the tournament.
