For what would be a first, BK Arena, the biggest indoor arena in East Africa, completely sold out. Not for a basketball game or a secular celebrity, rather for the one-man show, Israel Mbonyi’s concert. 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. The concert, which was long sold out, was truly one for the books. Even if management did not breach what has now become the city code, starting the concert late, fans told this paper that they were pleased with the event's overall organisation. There was no sound system or technical glitch, or, at the very least, not as bad as others,” some noted. The concert, which took place on the day that Christians celebrate Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ, began around 7:30 PM. It debuted with young people dressed in bright white waving flags denoting various names of God such as Adonai, El Lyon, El Olam, Alpha, Omega, and others. Followed by a series of spoken word, drum beating, and verses reading, the energy was already palpable when the gospel star took to the stage, and fans joined their voices to his backup team, in unison, singing his songs one after another. Despite the fact that no lyrics were displayed on the big screens inside the arena, thousands of fans sang every song along with Mbonyi. From his ‘Icyambu’, ‘urwandiko’, ‘nzaririmba’, ‘karame’, up until the last song, people were standing with their hands raised, cheering on his revered songs. 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 has been undeniable since he began his career in 2014. They top the charts among the most played by religious and non-religious people. He's, at different times, collaborated with other singers in the gospel niche, some of whom took turns joining him on the stage, such as the renowned couple of James and Daniella, Danny Mutabazi, and Aneth Murave. Other big names in the Rwandan gospel industry, such as Aime Uwimana, were also in attendance, as well as different church elders and some government officials. Before proceeding with the remaining songs on the album, a short explanatory film of Mbonyi sharing his gospel music journey was broadcasted. Mbonyi revealed that he decided to pursue gospel music as a career after having a vision in which God called him to it, entrusting him with preaching the gospel and being the 'bridge' that people would use to attain salvation, as his name 'Mbonyicyambu' (hence Mbonyi for short) depicts. He also named the album 'Icyambu' which can be loosely translated as a 'bridge'. His most fervent prayer, he said, is for people to witness real-time and physical miracles as a statement of proof from God, so that their faith can be shored up. He promised that his music would continue serving as a medium of prayer. But who thought Mbonyi could also be funny? The room was left in laughter, when he cracked a joke with amusing expressions, wishing his audience happy holidays. Mbonyi then continued with the second half of his concert. When he sang 'Yaratwimanye,' the audience erupted, as if this was the most anticipated song on the album. The concert ended at eight minutes past midnight.
