His arrival in Kigali on August 7, 2025, marked a new chapter in an exciting collaboration with Rwandan superstar Bruce Melodie, Tanzanian sensation Diamond Platnumz, and Nigerian hitmaker Joel Brown ahead of their eagerly awaited single Pom Pom.
The trio, through the Rwandan label 1:55AM Ltd, has enlisted Adesope to spearhead international promotions for 'Pom Pom,' which is positioned to open new markets for the artists.
Adesope's influence stretches far beyond hosting; he's a key player in amplifying African popular culture worldwide. Having worked with continent-wide icons like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Olamide, his presence in Rwanda is no mere visit; it's a strategic move to propel East Africa's booming music scene onto the global stage.
Adesope first set foot in Rwanda during the 2023 Trace Awards, Africa's premier entertainment event. But this return is more intimate and immersive.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, he described Kigali as 'beautiful, clean, calm, with stunning hills and vibrant sights.'
'Any opportunity to come back, I'm first on the plane,' he said.
Pom Pom collab
The upcoming track Pom Pom is set to be a historic fusion of East, West, and Southern African sounds. Adesope explained the significance:
'People have been waiting for a Bruce Melodie and Diamond Platnumz collaborationâ€"two East African giants. Adding Joel Brown, a rising Nigerian star with a monster hit last year, makes it even bigger. The song is fun, energetic, and unifying, blending Rwandan, Tanzanian, and Nigerian vibes with an Amapiano and Afrohouse sound.'
On the bigger picture, he noted, 'Musicians have done what African governments haven't â€" bridging gaps between countries, tribes, and ethnicities effortlessly. Collaborations like this are powerful unifiers.'
Social media, identity, and the global stage
Adesope's role extends well beyond hosting and promotion. He is a vital connector, bringing African artists closer to global audiences. His partnership with Bruce Melodie, for example, was sparked by a genuine X (Twitter) exchangeâ€"no intermediaries, just pure passion.
He reflected on the importance of identity and cultural pride:
'As an African immigrant in the UK, our culture wasn't mainstream or celebrated when I arrived. We wanted spaces where Africans could celebrate our music and culture without shame or discrimination. It's about pride and comfort in our African identity.'
Looking at what it takes to maintain success, Adesope shared, 'Hard work and consistency are key. Getting a hit is easy, but staying relevant requires relentless effort.' He urged Rwandan artists to keep evolving and tapping into global trends.
Optimistic about Pom Pom's impact, he concluded, 'I hope 'Pom Pom' will be remembered as a unifying song that brought together different cultures, tribes, and countries, creating something we can all enjoy for years.'
Watch the full interview below.
Rania Umutoni
