Kenny Sol and Element Eleéeh Possibly on Their Way Out of 1:55 AM Ltd Amid Internal Tensions
BY WIIIWALK
april 25, 2025
Rwandan music label 1:55 AM Ltd is facing internal friction, with signs pointing to a potential exit by some of its artists. Kenny Sol and producer Element Eleéeh are reportedly considering parting ways with the label, although no official confirmations have been made. Speculation intensified following a recent social media post by Kenny Sol that many interpreted as a critique of the label’s management. He wrote:
“Some came after me and already gave up—but I’m still here, still standing. I’ve been doing this before anyone believed in me. I’m a soldier, a spectacular man with a gift blessed by Father God. To my family and fans—thank you for riding with me. Your support makes me unstoppable.”
His message came shortly after 1:55 AM Ltd issued a public statement announcing plans to restructure its artist lineup.
Meanwhile, Element Eleéeh is said to be nearing the end of his contract and has not shown intent to renew it. Rumors also suggest the label is requesting compensation for about 38 songs he allegedly produced without meeting the financial terms initially agreed upon. The amount in question is reported to be around 25 million Rwandan Francs.
Though the label has not publicly addressed these claims, sources close to the producer suggest he is willing to settle the matter financially but is not inclined to continue working with the label. Under the current terms, he receives 40% of earnings from his productions, with the label retaining 60%.
If the two artists do move on, the remaining core members of 1:55 AM Ltd would be Bruce Melodie, Ross Kana, and producer Kompressor.
Ross Kana himself has also shown signs of dissatisfaction. Although he has not formally announced his departure, he recently promoted a new single, Molela, without associating it with 1:55 AM Ltd—an unusual move for an artist under contract.
Asked about this decision, Ross Kana said:
“I haven’t left yet, but when I feel there’s something that needs to be done and they’re not acting on it, I take the initiative. I’m building something of my own.”
He added, “If they didn’t do what they were supposed to and I took care of it myself, would that really be a problem? I’m still part of them, we’re often together, and they’re my friends. I think it would be great to keep working together, but if it doesn’t happen, I’ll still move forward. The most important thing is to keep creating.”
Frustrations reportedly began around the release of his song Mami, for which he had to self-fund the music video after not receiving expected support from the label. Neither party addressed the issue publicly at the time.
Ross Kana joined 1:55 AM in 2023 and has since released three songs: Fou de Toi, Sesa, and Mami. His recent actions place him among the artists rumored to be on their way out.
These tensions come as 1:55 AM Ltd’s leadership recently pledged changes within the organization, including structural updates at both management and artist levels.
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