Israel Mbonyi during the performance. Thousands of gospel music lovers turn up to "Icyambu Live Concert" at a fully-packed BK Arena as Israel Mbonyi launches his two albums "Mbwira" and "Icyambu" on Christmas, on December 25. All Photos by Dan Kwizera Gatsinzi
After months of waiting for the night of Sunday, December 25, Rwandan gospel music sensation, Israel Mbonyicyambu (Mbonyi), put up a successful performance in his "Icyambu” album launch in a fully packed BK Arena.
Israel Mbonyi during the performance. Thousands of gospel music lovers turn up to "Icyambu Live Concert" at a fully-packed BK Arena as Israel Mbonyi launches his two albums "Mbwira" and "Icyambu" on Christmas, on December 25. All Photos by Dan Kwizera Gatsinzi
It was a highly exciting concert seeing around 10,000 people dancing and singing along for over two hours in a one man show gospel concert.
The New Times brings to you four things we learnt from the historic concert.
The love for the gospel music has never declined
Israel Mbonyi's Icyambu concert filled BK Arena to the brim. From his ‘Icyambu’, ‘urwandiko’, ‘nzaririmba’, ‘karame’, up until the last song, people were standing with their hands raised, cheering on his revered songs. Photo by Dan Kwizera
Before this concert, there were many people who debated about gospel music declining in Rwanda after the covid-19. Some even argued that secular music has surpassed it by miles.
The biggest factor they relied on was that because there were no big gospel concerts happening at that time. After Israel Mbonyi’s ‘Icyambu’ Concert on Christmas Day however, many have realised that gospel music is still alive in the hearts of many people and it’s appreciated by people of all generations.
Rwandans missed local gospel concerts a lot
The concert ended at eight minutes past midnight.
What happened last night is a sign that the people of Kigali and Rwandans in general missed concerts where gospel artists are invited.
Mbonyi last night was shown a lot of love that he left the stage when the audience was still yearning for more.
Now the question that is being asked by many is "when shall we see a concert like this again?”
Event organisers, companies should consider working with gospel artistes
Mbonyi named the album 'Icyambu' which can be loosely translated as a 'bridge'.
Some entertainment businessmen and investors rarely invite or organise gospel shows for fear that the participation would be low and thus cause them losses.
But East African Promoters (EAP) in collaboration with Israel Mbonyi, have proved them wrong and made people think twice about such opinions.
Gospel artistes, choirs, ministries should think about organising their own shows
Gospel female artiste Annette Murava during her performance. The concert was attended by thousands of gospel music lovers who enjoyed the rolling of the show from the beginning to end
Only Chorale de Kigali has a regular end year of concert in Rwanda even if many think that it is not enough, suggesting concert.
Rwandan gospel music makers should start working on finding sponsors to help them organise concerts themselves, because it’s one of their many ways of getting a bit more income from their work.
December 25, saw gospel artiste Israel Mbonyi the only lone artiste to ever fill the BK Arena in a one man show.
The gospel singer, 30, has been touring all over the world. He has made it a habit to have sold-out concerts, and his songs' popularity have been undeniable since he began his career in 2014. They top the charts among the most played by religious and non-religious people.
When Mbonyi sang 'Yaratwimanye,' the audience erupted, as if this was the most anticipated song on the album. The concert ended at eight minutes past midnight.
"Icyambu Live Concert" at a fully-packed BK Arena was another evening of blessing as Israel Mbonyi launches his two albums "Mbwira" and "Icyambu" on Christmas, on December 25. Courtesy
The concert, dubbed ‘ "Icyambu Live Concert" ’, was headlined exclusively by gospel singers. Captured here, James and Daniella during the show as they sing Ni Njyewe one of their songs that revealed how worshippers like their songs.
Israel Mbonyi named the album 'Icyambu' which can be loosely translated as a 'bridge'.
In a refreshing atmosphere of praise and worship during the well prepared live concert, Mbonyi graced his audience with many songs.
One of thousands Christians who turned up for the launch, seen here worshiping in the fully packed Arena
The concert dominated by the organizer Israel Mbonyicyambu on the stage, flanked with his talented backers, the concert was attended by thousands of gospel music lovers in a fully-packed BK Arena.
Dr. Ron Adam, Ambassador of Israel to Rwanda was among dignitaries that attended Israel Mbonyi's concert at fully-packed BK Arena on Christmas, December 25.,
Israel Mbonyi's Icyambu concert filled BK Arena to the brim. From his ‘Icyambu’, ‘urwandiko’, ‘nzaririmba’, ‘karame’, up until the last song, people were standing with their hands raised, cheering on his revered songs. Photo by Dan Kwizera
One of thousands Christians who turned up for the launch, seen here worshiping in the fully packed Arena
On the evening of December 25, all roads led to BK Arena, where Rwandan Gospel fans were in for a Christmas treat at the 'Icyambu' Live concert.
Attendees during a mass performance as Israel Mbonyi introduced "YARATWIMANYE" beat ,during the launch of his two albums "Mbwira" and "Icyambu" on Christmas, on December 25. Courtesy
Gospel female artiste Annette Murava during her performance. The concert was attended by thousands of gospel music lovers who enjoyed the rolling of the show from the beginning to end
The Icyambu Live Concert spiritually and emotionally brought a state of worship among thousands of attendees .The concert was attended by thousands of gospel music lovers who enjoyed the rolling of the show from the beginning to end
Mbonyi featuring with James and Daniella during the concert, one of the most talented and loved couples in Rwandan Gospel music.
Annette Murava, Niho Nkiri songwriter, one of the best vocalists that Rwandan gospel has, was among artistes who headlined the Concert
Attendees worshiping God with Mbonyi. Icyambu Live Concert was spiritually and emotionally, a place to feel the presence of God through a praise and worship session
Icyambu songwriter, Israel Mbonyi during the show. The concert, which was long sold out, was truly one for the books.
Thousands of gospel music lovers turn up to "Icyambu Live Concert" at a fully-packed BK Arena as Israel Mbonyi launches his two albums "Mbwira" and "Icyambu" on Christmas, on December 25. Courtesy
Israel Mbonyi during the performance. Thousands of gospel music lovers turn up to "Icyambu Live Concert" at a fully-packed BK Arena as Israel Mbonyi launches his two albums "Mbwira" and "Icyambu" on Christmas, on December 25. All Photos by Dan Kwizera Gatsinzi
From his ‘Icyambu’, ‘urwandiko’, ‘nzaririmba’, ‘karame’, up until the last song, people were standing with their hands raised, cheering on his revered songs.
In a refreshing atmosphere of praise and worship during a well prepared live concert, the attendees enjoyed the concert from the beginning to end.
The concert was spiritually and emotionally a place to feel the presence of God through a praise and worship session
In a refreshing atmosphere of praise and worship during a well prepared live concert, the attendees enjoyed the concert from the beginning to end.
Israel Mbonyi during the performance. Thousands of gospel music lovers turn up to "Icyambu Live Concert" at a fully-packed BK Arena as Israel Mbonyi launches his two albums "Mbwira" and "Icyambu" on Christmas, on December 25. All Photos by Dan Kwizera Gatsinzi