The Burundian Ministry of Information on Wednesday confirmed that Rwandan singer Bruce Itahiwacu alias Bruce Melodie, was detained upon arrival in Bujumbura
following allegations that he failed to reimburse the money he was paid to perform in 2018 but never showed up.
Media reports indicate Bruce Melodie, was arrested while exiting Melchoir Ndadaye airport in Bujumbura, ahead of two shows he is supposed to hold in the Burundian capital.
Melodie is believed to have been arrested following allegations by one Burundian entertainment guru- known as Toussaint who accused him for taking an advance payment on an earlier performance in Bujumbura but didn’t turn up nor refund the upfront payment- which many artists get in varying percentages before performance.
Media reports indicate that Melodie managed to seal a gentleman’s agreement with the complainant and was released after hours in police custody in condition he refunds the money to the local promoters.
However, later it emerged that a settlement is yet to be reached as the singer is willing to pay the owed amount, and not an extra $14,612.4 as accumulated interest and the losses the organisers said he incurred.
Meanwhile, the case is under investigation.
