Gospel star, Israel Mbonyi is set to perform in Israel during his tour scheduled to kick off on April 16. The development was confirmed by the gospel star during a presser held in Kigali on Friday, February 11. Dubbed #TWENDEJERUSALEM, translated as ‘we go to Jerusalem’, the initiative by the Israel Embassy in Rwanda and other partners aims to promote young talents in creative and other critical socio-cultural aspects including performing arts. The Icyambu hit maker is also expected to perform at two big concerts in Israel, alongside renowned Israeli singer and songwriter Avraham Tal. The first concert will take place on the April 18, at Roman Amphitheater of Kfar Shuni located in Binyamina-Givat Ada, Israel, and the second one will take place on April 20, at Ariel Sharon Park, Tel Aviv. Speaking to the press, Mbonyi who is the first beneficiary of the initiative noted that travelling to Israel was his first dream and being able to play music live in the same country is an additional blessing to his career. He added that the tour will not only benefit him, but the whole Rwandan music industry which is going to be represented in another countries and get exposure which can open gates for more local artistes. “This is not just a normal tour; an opportunity that will give us space to connect in various ways such as acoustic lives on the road, big concerts in different cities, and most especially, experiencing Easter in Israel,” he said. Mbonyi, who is mostly known for having sold out concerts in Rwanda, also revealed that he will be on the tour with his band, and also encouraged his fans and everybody to not miss this experience. “TwendeJerusalem is for every Rwandan,” he said, “let’s all register and enjoy Israel together”. The Ambassador of Israel in Rwanda, Ambassador Ron Adam, also noted that #TwendeJerusalem will foster the already existing good cooperation between Rwanda and Israel in different sectors. To him, Covid-19 has restricted many things, but it is time that the relations between Israel and Rwanda go beyond agriculture, health and education among others, and also include art, which the two countries have embarked on. “We are doing a lot together also in ICT and innovation but this time we are looking to put people together physically. Part of it will tighten our ties in terms of culture as well as uplifting tourism in both countries”. “We have started with Mbonyi, but the project is wide and we will send more individuals to Israel, and invite Israeli artists in Rwanda as well,” he added. Ambassador Ron Adam added that if nothing goes wrong, Rwanda will see one of the best Israeli artistes performing in Kigali before the end of 2022. Betty Mahugu, Founder of Go Tell world Exposures, a travel and tours operator behind TwendeJerusalem tour said that April is the best month to be in Israel and encouraged Rwandans to register as early as possible before registration stops. To be on the tour, Mahugu said that it requires paying $2, 800 only with accommodation, visa, direct and return ticket, complimentary concert tickets and other fees included. Mbonyi will be in Israel from 16 to 24 April, alongside Yvan Ngenzi, a renowned traditional and gospel singer in Rwanda, visiting and performing at different sites of the holy land such as Galilee, Golgotha and Nazareth among others.
