Israel Mbonyi. Courtesy Photo.
Preparations are in high gear as Uganda is set to host Israel Mbonyi, a gospel minister based in Rwanda who has risen to the helm of music royalty in East Africa over the last few years.
The 32-year-old is expected to minister live in Kampala on the 23rd of August, 2024 at Lugogo Cricket Oval. Then, on the 25th of August, 2024, he will make an appearance at Mbarara University (Inn grounds), located in the western region of Uganda.
Born Israel Mbonyicyambu, the acclaimed musician, whose recent gospel hit ‘Nina Siri’ garnered over fifty four (54) million views in twelve months, continues to dominate the regional charts, while also serving his local church and community.
Who is Israel Mbonyi?
Born to a Congolese mother on 20th May 1992, Isreal Mbonyi, spent the earlier part of his life in the Democratic Republic of the Congo before his family relocated to Kigali, Rwanda. He is a worship leader, recording gospel minister and song writer. His passion for ministry began at a very tender age.
“My mother is Congolese, and though I was born and spent two years there, my entire life has been in Rwanda. I minister and preach the gospel through music,” he earlier told Rwanda TV. “Growing up in church, my parents would drive me there, and I embraced the African culture and learned the ropes of church life.”
Mbonyi’s music gift was first identified by his pastor, who later encouraged him to join the church choir.
“A voice said, ‘Mbonyicyambu (to cross over to the other end) you will be a bridge for many people to reach their destination. I see myself as a preacher given a microphone to preach through music,” he was quoted as saying.
Gospel star Israel Mbonyi performing during Icyambu Live Concert, at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda in 2024. Courtesy Photo.
Today, Mbonyi is fluent in Lingala and Kinyarwanda, Swahili, French, and English. He holds a degree in Pharmacy which he obtained from India.
The young star’s transition to music began 2014, with the release of his debut album “Number One”. It featured songs like “Nzaririmba” and “Baho.” He later released Intashyo (2017), Hari Ubuzima (2020), and Mbwira (2022) among others.
The Standard Newspaper – Kenya states that Mbonyi’s decision to sing in other languages including English and Swahili has expanded his ministry’s reach. He recently staged concerts in several countries including Belgium in western Europe where the demand for tickets surpassed expectations, forcing organisers to move the event from Birmingham Palace to a bigger venue, Dome Eventhall.
“I wanted to expand my territory and enlarge the ministry to reach more people out of Rwanda. I can’t keep things local,” he was quoted as saying by the newspaper. “I will keep singing in my mother tongue but want more people to get the message in my songs.”
Mbonyi has been recognised with nominations and awards including Groove Awards Rwanda titles for Male Artiste of the Year and Songwriter of the Year in 2017.
He also received nominations at the 2020 African Entertainment Awards USA and in 2023 he scooped the Male Artiste of the Year and Best Gospel Artiste of 2023 at Rwanda’s native Isango Na Muzika Awards. Mbonyi surpassed the 1 million subscribers mark on YouTube in March 2024, ranking him among Rwanda’s top artists.
