Rwandan pop star Bruce Melodie has released his highly anticipated debut album Colorful Generation on S-Curve Records – available to stream worldwide.
The album marks a significant milestone in Bruce Melodie’s already impressive career, showcasing his diverse musical influences and further cementing his place as one of East Africa and Africa’s brightest stars.
Ahead of the release, the artist expressed his excitement about the the new album, saying: “This album is for the new generation – Gen Z, Gen Alpha. It shows that it’s okay to be seen as different. This album describes our struggles, our happiness and our perspectives on various matters, while also embracing the stories and melodies in songs.”
Alongside his latest album, Bruce Melodie has released the album’s lead single ‘Beauty on Fire’, a captivating collaboration with Nigeria’s Afro-pop sensation Joeboy. Directed by Bahali Ruth and J Chretien Munezero, the music video tells a compelling story of a lover who refuses to give up on their partner despite the challenges they face. In the end, it is her fiery beauty that always saves the day. The single blends infectious Afropop rhythms with heartfelt emotion, celebrating both love and beauty—the very essence of the genius that fans adore in Bruce and Joeboy.
Colorful Generation is a 21-track album that masterfully blends Afropop, amapiano and R&B, showcasing Bruce Melodie’s diverse musical range. The proejct’s standout track is ‘When She’s Around (Funga Macho)’, a bonus collaboration with GRAMMY-winning Jamaican dancehall legend Shaggy, highlighting Bruce Melodie’s versatility and international appeal.
The album also features an exciting array of collaborations with top African artists, including South African chart-topping duo Blaq Diamond as well as Kenyan hitmakers Bensoul and Bien. One of the album’s key tracks is ‘Niki Minaji’ a smash hit with Blaq Diamond that took the continent by storm. Its infectious amapiano beats continue to resonate across Africa and beyond.
Another major highlight is the album’s debut single ‘Iyo Foto’, featuring pop star Bien, formerly of Sauti Sol, who was recently named Kenya’s most streamed artist on Spotify in 2024. The track has amassed over 100 million views on TikTok in just three months, topping East African charts and further solidifying Bruce Melodie’s growing influence in the music scene.
Bruce Melodie’s rise to international fame has been unstoppable and Colorful Generation is a byproduct of this, while poised to take his career to new heights. This album release marks an exciting new chapter for the artist who has become an influential figure in the East African music industry. His music, blending the Kinyarwanda language and traditional African sounds with a modern twist, transcends borders and continues to resonate with his fans worldwide.
As an artist who has earned numerous accolades, including the 2023 Trace Awards’ Best East African Artist, Bruce Melodie continues to break barriers, pushing African music to global stages. He already kicked off a promotional tour for the album. In December 2024, he headlined Kenya’s Raha Fest and hosted successful events and listening parties in Uganda and Rwanda. He is now set to continue his journey, connecting with his fans across Africa in 2025.
Colorful Generation is an album that speaks to the heart of a diverse and dynamic generation, offering a fresh, authentic perspective on African music while highlighting the power of individuality and unity.
Bruce Melodie sums it up: “Our generation has become so diverse—those of us who are embracing the beauty of diversity, individuality and inclusivity. Colorful Generation tells our stories, our joys and our love. It’s a celebration of who we are as people and as Africans, and it shows that it’s okay to be different.”
