Rwandese singer Bruce Melodie has revealed how his hit song Katerina gained massive traction in Kenya, thanks in part to former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho. In a recent interview with Mpasho’s Dennis Milimo, the artist reflected on the song’s journey, from its initial release in 2017 to becoming a viral sensation in Kenya in 2019.
According to Bruce Melodie, Katerina was not an immediate success when he first dropped it in 2017. However, two years later, it took off in Kenya, earning him recognition in the country’s music scene. “I released Katerina in 2017 but they started playing it here in 2019. After that, I released other songs that they also loved. So from then, I was introduced to the Kenyan market,” Melodie stated.
One of the most notable moments that propelled Katerina to viral status was the Katerina Challenge, a dance trend that took social media by storm. Among those who participated in the challenge was Hassan Joho, a well-known political figure in Kenya. However, at the time, Bruce Melodie had no idea who Joho was.
The singer recalled being surprised when he learned that a popular Kenyan governor had taken part in the challenge. “He actually called me and congratulated me, saying I was doing good music. I didn’t know who he was; I was like, maybe he was just a fan. But he mentioned something like, ‘I’m the Gooney of Mombasa.’ Shout out to Joho, he did a good thing because everyone was sending me videos saying the Governor is dancing to your song,” Melodie shared.
Joho’s participation in the challenge played a key role in increasing the song’s visibility in Kenya. His endorsement added credibility to Melodie’s music, drawing more attention from Kenyan fans who had not yet discovered his work. This moment marked a turning point in Melodie’s career, cementing his presence in the Kenyan music scene.
Following the success of Katerina, Bruce Melodie continued to release hit songs that resonated with Kenyan audiences. His growing fan base in the country has seen him perform in various Kenyan cities and collaborate with local artists, further solidifying his status as a major player in the East African music industry.
In hindsight, Bruce Melodie acknowledges that Katerina’s delayed success in Kenya was a blessing in disguise. The song’s popularity, amplified by Joho’s unexpected endorsement, opened new doors for him, proving that music has no borders and that the right moment can turn a song into a timeless hit.
