Rwandan gospel music star Israel Mbonyi has confirmed a concert in Leeds, United Kingdom, scheduled for June 27 as part of his upcoming global tour. Although not yet officially announced, Mbonyi is also expected to perform in Braunschweig, Germany, on June 20. The two shows form part of his summer tour across Europe and other international destinations, as he continues to expand his ministry beyond Rwanda. The new schedule comes amid uncertainty surrounding his previously planned countrywide tour in Rwanda. The New Times understands that Mbonyi shifted focus to the European leg after he and the local organisers, Ma Africa, agreed to cancel the domestic tour for reasons that have not yet been disclosed. “We are focused on other engagements. I don’t have much to say about the country tour,” one of the organisers said. “There was a plan with him to take the concerts across the country this year, but there are details which aren’t working in our favour,” he added without divulging further details. The upcoming concerts are part of a broader plan to promote his latest album, Hobe, which he launched during a live recording concert at Intare Conference Arena in October 2025. Hobe, Mbonyi’s sixth studio album, features 14 songs performed in Kinyarwanda, English, and Swahili. The project blends a variety of styles—including Amapiano, Afrobeats, soul, and Gakondo—merging traditional influences with contemporary gospel sounds. Mbonyi has maintained a steady creative trajectory since his debut album Number One in 2014. His discography also includes Intashyo (2017), Mbwira (2020), Hari Ubuzima (Live) (2022), Umusirikare (2023), and Hobe (2025).
