Rwandan singer Bruce Melodie released from custody in Burundi

Burundi's Ministry of the Interior and Public Security reported Thursday that the singer would be charged with an offence relating to fraud after he failed to refund funds extended to him for concerts that were cancelled.

Local media reports say Melodie, real name Bruce Itahiwacu, was initially scheduled to perform in Burundi in 2018 but a diplomatic row between Kigali and Bujumbura arose and the concert was cancelled. When the impasse thawed in 2021, Melodie couldn’t perform again due to COVID-19 restrictions in place.

The reports add that the concert promoter, named Toussaint Niyukuri, has since been demanding the singer reimburse $2 000 paid to him as booking fee as well as close to €60 000 for costs arising due to cancellation.

The details of the agreement entered between the artist and promoter were not made public.

According to AFP, Melodie was extracted from a vehicle he had boarded at the airport around 5pm and taken to a police station. A relative of the singer told AFP he was willing to pay the amount on condition of his release.

The 20 year old singer and songwriter is the CEO of Igitangaza music label.