Rwanda’s renowned gospel minstrel Israel Mbonyi once again lifted his voice, blessing the audience through the fourth edition of the Icyambu Live Concert on Christmas Day, at BK Arena. All photos by Kellya Keza
Rwanda’s renowned gospel minstrel Israel Mbonyi once again lifted his voice, blessing the audience through the fourth edition of the Icyambu Live Concert on Christmas Day, at BK Arena. All photos by Kellya Keza
Before a multitude exceeding 10,000 worshippers, Rwanda’s renowned gospel artiste Israel Mbonyi once again lifted his voice, blessing the audience through the fourth edition of the Icyambu Live Concert.
Held on December 25 and powered by Bank of Kigali, the fourth edition of Icyambu Live Concert was not merely a musical gathering but a living testimony of steadfast calling, divine consistency and an artist who has mastered the sacred art of turning melody into a spiritual encounter.
The evening opened at 7:00pm with a spirited and reverent ministration by the Narada Vocal Band, preparing hearts for what would become one of the most memorable gospel nights of the year.
The night of worship was also attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, former State Minister Edouard Bamporiki, alongside local artistes including, Alexis Dusabe, Bosco Nshuti, Aline Gahongayire, Junior Rumaga, Massamba Intore, Kevin Kade and Prosper Nkomezi, among others.
For six unbroken hours, worship did not cease; strength did not fail, and faith filled every corner of BK Arena as hearts and voices rose in unified praise.
Israel Mbonyi, the singer of Nina Siri na Yesu, at 7:45 appeared before the congregation, opening with Uri Yaaa, a song deeply rooted in Gakondo heritage. Drawn from his latest album, Hobe, released on October 5, the hymn seamlessly wove culture into worship as the arena responded in one accord.
Flanked by Intore dancers, the Yaratwimanye composer led the congregation through more than six hours of praise and worship. The seamless flow of anointed songs, including Ku Migezi, Ku Marembo y’Ijuru and Ndakubabariye, marked the first phase of his annual show.
His later performances of Sikiliza, Baho and Number One ushered the evening toward its climax, concluding with Hari Ubuzima, leaving the audience reflective and deeply grateful.
In a refreshing atmosphere of praise and worship, the concert offered revelers another opportunity to celebrate Christmas with their families, ushering them toward the New Year 2026 with spiritual fulfillment.
Raissa Kellya Keza, The New Times photographer, was on the ground capturing highlights of the 2025 Icyambu Live Concert
Revelers arrive at the venue for Icyambu Live Concert 2025 edition.
Arrivals of attendees at BK Arena on Thursday, December 25.
The sparkling decorations also illuminate the venue entrance, marking the festive season.
The Bank of Kigali-powered fourth edition of Icyambu Live Concert, held on December 25.
Attendees arrive at the venue on Christmas Day.
The concert opened at exactly 7:00 PM with an energetic performance by Narada Vocal Band.
Traditional drummers are pictured as Mbonyi takes the stage.
At 7:45 PM, anticipation reached its peak as Israel Mbonyi stepped onto the stage, opening with "Uri Yaaa,” a culturally inspired song rooted in Gakondo sounds.
A wide view of Umuhamirizo w’Intore as Israel Mbonyi arrives on stage during the fourth edition of his Icyambu Live Concert.
Flanked by Intore dancers, at 7:45 PM, anticipation reached its peak as Israel Mbonyi stepped onto the stage, opening with "Uri Yaaa,” a culturally inspired song rooted in Gakondo sounds.
Rwanda’s renowned gospel minstrel Israel Mbonyi once again lifted his voice, blessing the audience through the fourth edition of the Icyambu Live Concert on Christmas Day, at BK Arena. All photos by Kellya Keza
Before a multitude exceeding 10,000 worshippers, Rwanda’s renowned gospel minstrel Israel Mbonyi once again lifted his voice, blessing the audience through the fourth edition of the Icyambu Live Concert.
Spiritually connected, worshippers lift their voices in Ku Migezi, one of Mbonyi’s songs from his debut album released in 2016.
Since 2022, Mbonyi has chosen BK Arena as the home of his Christmas concert and each year, he has filled it.
Since 2022, Mbonyi has chosen BK Arena as the home of his Christmas concert and each year, he has filled it.
Since its inception in 2022, Icyambu concert has evolved into a Christmas-season tradition, a gathering that draws thousands of worshippers and music lovers from across Rwanda and beyond to celebrate Jesus’ birth.
A worshipper kneels during the concert as Mbonyi introduces his song Baho
Israel Mbonyi is decorated with numerous awards and sustained by a loyal following.
The night of worship was also attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe.
For six unbroken hours, worship did not cease; strength did not fail, and faith filled every corner of BK Arena as hearts and voices rose in unified praise.
Intore Massamba, was among local artistes who attended the gospel show.
The Concert was not merely a musical gathering but a living testimony of steadfast calling, divine consistency and an artist who has mastered the sacred art of turning melody into a spiritual encounter.
Edouard Bamporiki at the concert.
Believers sing Nzi ibyo Nibwira Kubagirira song at the show.
Mbonyicyambu was also celebrating his 11 years in gospel music.
The momentum continued with "Karame” which served as a call to repentance, surrender, and joy rooted in grace.
The unforgettable evening of worship also served as a celebration of Mbonyi's discipleship in Rwanda and in the region.
The 2025 Icyambu Live Concert edition attracted over 10,000 people
A group of saxophonists performs during Israel Mbonyi's 2025 Icyambu Live Concert at BK Arena on Christmas Day, December 25. All photos by Raissa Kellya Keza.
Some gospel singers were photographed in this picture, including Bosco Nshuti (1st Right), Aline Gahongayire among others
Israel Mbonyi’s Icyambu season four is one for the books
One of the night’s most electrifying moments came during "Sitamuacha” (Naramufashe Sindekura).”
Mbonyi performs one of the night’s most electrifying song " "Sitamuacha” (Naramufashe Sindekura).”
For the consecutive time, Mbonyi performed to a fully packed BK Arena, the country’s leading entertainment venue.
Even as the night deepened, energy remained high. Songs like "Icyambu”, "Sinzibagirwa”, and the Swahili hit "Nina Siri” drew massive applause.
Gakondo genre artiste Junior Rumaga (1st Right) and Scovia Mutesi, the Mama Urwagasabo TV owner were also at the show
Revelers cheer on Mbonyi during his concert. The Evangelical Restoration Church–Masoro–affiliated singer has so far released several albums, including Number One (2014), Intashyo (2017), Nk’umusirikare (2023), Ndi Ubuhamya Bugenda (2024), and Hobe (2025).
Israel Mbonyi during his performance at BK Arena.
The whole venue in a praise and worship session.
Worshippers speak to God as they join Mbonyi in the chorus of "Uri Number One.”
The concert was held at a fully packed BK Arena.
For the consecutive time, Mbonyi performed to a fully packed BK Arena, the country’s leading entertainment venue.
The Evangelical Restoration Church–Masoro–affiliated singer has so far released several albums, including Number One (2014), Intashyo (2017), Nk’umusirikare (2023), Ndi Ubuhamya Bugenda (2024), and Hobe (2025).
Since deciding to pursue music full-time in 2010, Mbonyi’s influence has steadily expanded among Rwandans and Kinyarwanda-speaking audiences across East Africa with his discography: Number One (2014), Intashyo (2017), Nk’umusirikare (2023), Ndi Ubuhamya Bugenda (2024), and Hobe (2025).
Artiste Mbonyi, a pharmacist by profession, continues to bless believers in Rwanda, the region, and around the world.
Music Manager, Alexis Muyoboke, was among thousands of revelers who attended Mbonyi's show.
Since deciding to pursue music full-time in 2010, Mbonyi’s influence has steadily expanded among Rwandans and Kinyarwanda-speaking audiences across East Africa with his discography: Number One (2014), Intashyo (2017), Nk’umusirikare (2023), Ndi Ubuhamya Bugenda (2024), and Hobe (2025).
Attendees sing with Mbonyi while performing "Ndakubabariye"
Worshippers speak to God as they join Mbonyi in the chorus of "Uri Number One.”