Renowned Rwandan gospel singer Israel Mbonyi is set to headline the fourth edition of his flagship concert, Icyambu, on December 25 at the BK Arena.

The concert is sponsored by Bank of Kigali (BK), signaling the financial institution’s continued commitment to supporting Rwanda’s growing creative industry.

Since its inception in 2022, Icyambu has evolved into one of Rwanda’s most anticipated gospel music events, drawing thousands of worshippers and music lovers.

Addressing the media on Thursday, December 18, Mbonyi said that the concert’s title is rooted in a childhood story tied to his real name, Mbonyicyambu.

"I didn’t like the name at all—I actually hated it,” Mbonyi recalled. "When I was in primary school, I even changed my name and called myself Mbonyimfura Eric because I felt that the name Israel Mbonyicyambu sounded strange and old.

"One day, when my father came to school to collect my report card, they called out the name I had made up. I stood up, and he asked me why they were calling me that. That’s when I went back to being called Israel Mbonyicyambu,” he said.

Mbonyi also opened up about his journey from a completely different professional path into full-time gospel ministry.

A trained pharmacist who studied in India, he said music and faith were always at the centre of his life.

"Even while I was studying in India, I always felt that I would serve God,” he said. "Wherever I was, I kept writing gospel songs because I felt called to continue serving God after He told me He would use me. I would become a bridge—icyambu—for believers, and they would love it.”

The Christmas eve concert almost did not happen. Mbonyi revealed that personal challenges earlier this year made him consider skipping the 2025 edition altogether, as he felt it would not be possible to organise the show.

He also disclosed that he considered staging the concert at Amahoro Stadium to meet his fans’ requests, but logistical limitations influenced his final decision.

"The stadium’s setup does not favour artistes in terms of connecting with fans,” he explained, noting that the BK Arena offers a more intimate and engaging experience for both the performer and the audience.

While the full lineup is not yet announced, Mbonyi hinted at the possibility of a female gospel singer joining him on stage.

Thabit Habineza, Bank of Kigali’s Public Relations and Corporate Communications Manager, revealed that the bank is preparing to launch new financial products tailored specifically for people in the creative industry, in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Arts.

"The BK team has been working on creative financing projects,” Habineza said. "It will be launched in January 2026. This scheme will provide creatives with financing—whether it’s to buy equipment or, for example, if you’re a musician, to help you produce a song. You then pay back gradually as you earn income from streaming platforms.”

To access the financing, he explained, creatives will need a recommendation from the Ministry of Youth and Arts.

Habineza also encouraged concertgoers to embrace BK’s digital payment solutions during the event.

"People can use the BK Pay system through a simple mobile code, which is fast and easy,” he said, encouraging attendees to use BK prepaid cards and BK debit cards to purchase food and drinks inside the BK Arena during the concert.

The same applies in buying tickets for the concert which are already on sale via www.ticqet.rw at Rwf 10,000, Rwf 20,000, Rwf 25,000, Rwf 30,000, Rwf 40,000, Rwf 60,000. By buying the ticket, you get 25% discount.

TAGS: ISRAEL MBONYI, ICYAMBU LIVE CONCERT, BANK OF KIGALI