Yago Pon Dat Apologizes in Kampala Amid YouTube Feud

Public Statement by Innocent Nyarwaya

Kigali / Kampala, October 21, 2026 — Innocent Nyarwaya released a formal multi-page public statement on October 20 from Kampala, Uganda, regarding the YouTube Crisis and Feud with Bruce Melodie.

He is a Rwandan journalist, musician, and founder of Yago TV Show known professionally as Yago Pon Dat.

The statement apologizes for past remarks and conduct that damaged his brand and caused offense.

Nyarwaya issued a statement aimed at setting the record straight, avoiding harmful speech, and committing to transparency. He addressed Rwandan leadership, the public, artists, content creators, media professionals, and others in the entertainment industry.

Additionally, he acknowledged impulsive and harsh comments made during online conflicts and interviews on his YouTube channel. He expressed regret over remarks in a late September 2026 video analyzing music.

In that video he compared elements of Bruce Melodie’s song ‘Irya 4’ to historical laws associated with Gitera.

Nyarwaya stated he had no intention of supporting ethnic division, hostility, or negative ideologies.

Additionally, he described the comments as resulting from anger while defending his brand and asked for forgiveness without conditions.

He affirmed commitment to national unity and the values of “Ndi Umunyarwanda.”

He emphasized maturity, respect, and rebuilding his work without past patterns of conflict.

The statement ends with a call for support.

He seeks to return to constructive content creation focused on interviews, talent promotion, and entertainment.

The apology comes days after Nyarwaya publicly reported that Yago TV Show had received a third copyright strike on YouTube.

Additionally, screenshots showed videos removed and a seven to eight day window before potential termination under YouTube’s three-strike policy.

He had initially indicated he would delete related content and not apologize, citing the actions as escalation from earlier strikes.

While doing so, he affirmed his faith and asked fans to stay strong.

The channel mixes long-form interviews, commentary, and his own music releases.

The underlying tension traces to at least August 2025, when Nyarwaya began criticizing Melodie on social media.

Additionally, Melodie said he did not understand the source of the offense.

He noted an earlier on-camera apology from Nyarwaya in some accounts and stated he had forgiven him.

Furthermore, in mid-October, Melodie denied personally filing the complaints that triggered the strikes.

He said he disliked certain remarks about him but did not want to see another person’s livelihood destroyed.

Additionally, he noted the matter involved parties handling his music rights.

Public reactions on X and in Rwandan media have been mixed. However, many observers support the apology and call moving past negative solidarity. Some commentators urge restraint and careful framing of the issues involved. Others caution that public sentiment may shift as more details emerge.

Media note Nyarwaya’s earlier plans discussed on TV10 for a Memoroca Channel. That channel would feature YouTube Crisis and Feud with Bruce Melodie as its first guest. Blog posts and panels highlight it as a potential turning point for public dialogue. Yet some skeptics question whether the project can proceed amid ongoing tensions.

Commentators and outlets see it as a step toward a constructive path. This follows years of online conflicts, brand challenges, and industry rivalries. Analysts note the apology could influence brand reputations and audience trust. Overall, coverage remains nuanced, balancing accountability with cautious optimism.

Nyarwaya has spent time based in Uganda in recent years.

This occurred amid previous professional and personal challenges in Rwanda’s digital entertainment space.

Moreover, the YouTube Crisis and Feud with Bruce Melodie highlights risks for interview-based creators when using artists’ material.

This also signals sensitivities around public speech in Rwanda’s media and music industries.

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