Six hours, same energy: What truly defined Israel Mbonyi’s Icyambu concert

For six uninterrupted hours, worship never waned; energy never dipped, and faith filled every corner of BK Arena. The Bank of Kigali-powered fourth edition of Icyambu Live Concert, held on December 25, was not just another concert but a living testimony of consistency, calling, and an artist who has mastered the rare art of turning music into a spiritual experience. The concert opened at exactly 7:00 PM with an energetic performance by Narada Vocal Band, setting a reverent tone for what would become one of the most memorable gospel nights of the year. WATCH: Narada Vocal Band has kicked off the fourth edition of #Icyambu4. : @FrankNtarindwa1 /TNT pic.twitter.com/7DN1ROPh7R — The New Times (Rwanda) (@NewTimesRwanda) December 25, 2025 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. 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. The song, drawn from his latest album “Hobe” released on October 5, immediately connected heritage with worship in the arena. Israel Mbonyi took to the stage with an opening performance of “Uri Yaaa, a song inspired by Gakondo. The track is part of his latest album, “Hobe, which was launched on October 5. pic.twitter.com/e9SIsOOT1d — The New Times (Rwanda) (@NewTimesRwanda) December 25, 2025 Moments later, the crowd erupted as Mbonyi transitioned into “Ku Migezi,” one of his early songs that spotlighted him into national prominence. Thousands sang along word for word, a reminder of how deeply his music has been woven into Rwanda’s gospel journey. With the performance of “Ku Marembo y’Ijuru” and “Ndakubabariye,” BK Arena into blue as fans raised their phone torches in unison. The Arena turns blue as fans light up their phone torches while Israel Mbonyi performs “Ndakubabariye. Cheers rise across the room, echoing the song’s message of forgiveness and grace. pic.twitter.com/mWqG5EJVkK — The New Times (Rwanda) (@NewTimesRwanda) December 25, 2025 The moment was accompanied by a scripture reading from Psalms 86:16–17, emphasizing mercy, forgiveness, and God’s faithfulness. Cheers echoed across the arena as the message of grace deeply resonated with the audience. By 9:00 PM, the tempo rose again when he performed “Ndashima” which pulled the audience back to their feet before his breakthrough song “Nzibyo Nibwira” followed, receiving a two handed reception that reaffirmed Mbonyi’s ability to move seamlessly between praise and worship. Fans couldn’t resist the energy on stage as Israel Mbonyi performed “Nzibyo Nibwira,” his final song before taking a break to welcome tonight’s preacher, Pastor Aaron Ruhimbya. pic.twitter.com/i2uL15MoaO — The New Times (Rwanda) (@NewTimesRwanda) December 25, 2025 The night also attracted notable figures from Rwanda’s creative and gospel circles, including Massamba Intore, Kevin Kade, Prosper Nkomezi, and renowned music manager Alex Muyoboke, as well as Minister of Foreign Affairs Olivier Nduhungirehe, all present to support the singer. Since 2022, Mbonyi has chosen BK Arena as the home of his Christmas concert and each year, he has filled it. The 2024 edition was particularly symbolic, coinciding with his 10-year anniversary in music since launching his career in 2014. After two hours on stage, the atmosphere shifted as Pastor Aaron Ruhimbya took the stage. Drawing from Luke 2:8–14, he unpacked the Christmas story, the meaning of Icyambu (the bridge) and Mbonyi’s personal testimony. Pst Ruhimbya referenced the book of 1 Timothy 3:16 which reflects on the mystery of Christ’s incarnation, sacrifice, resurrection, and ascension, grounding the concert in a profound message of redemption. Mbonyi had taken enough break before returning to the stage with “Nzaririmba,” instantly re-engaging the audience and ushering in the next phase of the night. He followed with “Hobe”, the title track of his fifth album, before pressing the button to “Ibihe”, which saw worshipers singing passionately along. The momentum continued with “Karame” which served as a call to repentance, surrender, and joy rooted in grace. One of the night’s most electrifying moments came during “Sitamuacha” (Naramufashe Sindekura).” The entire arena crowd rose to their feet and danced along, embodying the song’s declaration of unwavering faith, a vivid affirmation that nothing can separate believers from the love of Christ. Even as the night deepened, energy remained high. Songs like “Icyambu”, “Sinzibagirwa”, and the Swahili hit “Nina Siri” drew massive applause. Nina Siri, in particular, resonated with regional and international fans from Kenya, DR Congo, Tanzania, Burundi, and beyond, a testament to Mbonyi’s growing cross-border influence. Notably, it was the same song that opened his 2024 BK Arena concert. He continued with “Sikiliza”, “Baho” and “Number One”. “Hari Ubuzima” concluded Mbonyi’s performance and left the audience reflective and grateful. Before he left the stage few minutes past midnight, the singer thanked fans for their unwavering support, acknowledging that their love and loyalty are the foundation of his journey. In recorded visuals shared during the concert, Mbonyi revealed that preparations for Icyambu 5 concert begin immediately as a new year starts, a glimpse into the discipline and intentionality behind the spectacle. Who is Israel Mbonyi? Born Israel Mbonyicyambu in 1992 in Uvira, South Kivu Province (DR Congo), Mbonyi relocated to Rwanda with his family in 1997. He grew up at Evangelical Restoration Church, where he honed his musical gifts in the choir and as an instrumentalist. After secondary school, he pursued studies in Agricultural Pharmacy, graduating in 2015, while nurturing his calling in music. During his studies in India, he released “Yankuyeho Urubanza,” the song that launched his career. 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). He is decorated with numerous awards and sustained by a loyal following. He continues to defy odds.

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Six hours, same energy: What truly defined Israel Mbonyi’s Icyambu concert