The organizers of the Tanzania Gospel Music Awards officially presented Israel Mbonyi’s Best International Worship Artist trophy to Rwanda’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Gen. Patrick Nyamvumba, on June 9. In a statement shared via Instagram, the awards team expressed their excitement about the honor, which recognizes Mbonyi’s impact across borders. “The award of the servant of God Israel Mbonyi, who won at the Tanzania Gospel Music Awards (TGMA 2025) held in Mlimani City on May 23, has been received in Dar es Salaam by Hon. Gen. Patrick Nyamvumba, Ambassador of Rwanda,” the post read. “This award, for Best Gospel Music Song in the International category, earned through the song ‘Sikiliza (Live),’ is ready to be shipped to its winner.” Tanzania Gospel Music Awards (TGMA) (@tanzaniagospelmusicawards) • Instagram photos and videos Mbonyi won the award during the ceremony at Mlimani City for his performance of Sikiliza, one of his most successful Swahili worship tracks to date. Released in 2024, “Sikiliza” has become a favorite across Tanzania and Kenya, garnering over 22 million views on YouTube and solidifying Mbonyi’s position as one of the most influential gospel artists in the region. His recognition follows a pair of concerts he performed in Tanzania last year, including one at Mlimani, where the award was announced.
