Gospel singer Israel Mbonyi’s ‘Mbwira’ album has scooped the ‘Best Album’ at Maranatha Awards Eastern Africa, which is a recognition of the effort he has put into making gospel music. The album features his previous hits and new songs, such as ‘Mbwira’, ‘Karame’, ‘Nzaririmba’, ‘Urwandiko’, and ‘Nkwiye kurara iwawe’. Other tracks on the album are, ‘You won’t let go’, ‘Baho’, ‘Umukunzi’, and ‘Imuhira’, of which Mbonyi said are available on Spotify and other commercial websites. Speaking to The New Times, Mbonyi said: “I received the award with great joy. It is overwhelming that an album with almost Kinyarwanda songs only is being recognised in the whole of East Africa where most people do not understand the language.” “I thank God, my fans, and everyone who voted for me. It wouldn’t have been possible to win the award without their support. I also request for more support in other competitions that I was nominated in,” he added. The awards are held annually with the aim of acknowledging authentic biblical worship music and encouraging gospel artistes to work harder. This marks Mbonyi’s second Maranatha Awards Eastern Africa win. The singer is also a nominee for the 6th edition of the African Entertainment Awards USA (AEAUSA), in the category of ‘Best Gospel Artiste’. He is in the same category with Rwanda’s Aline Gahongayire, Levixone from Uganda, DR Congo’s Dena Mwana, Gloria Muliro from Kenya, South Africa’s Winnie Mashaba, Joe Mettle of Ghana, and Nigerian gospel musicians Braimah Glowreeyaah, Nathaniel Bassey, and Sinach. Also in the competition is Rwanda’s hip-hop and R&B hitmaker The Ben in the category of Best Male Artist – East/South/North Africa. The event is slated for December 12 in New Jersey, USA. Mbonyi has so far released 20 tracks, and many of his videos are recorded while doing live performances. Most of his songs have enjoyed massive love on the radio and television stations in Rwanda and beyond. The singer, born Israel Mbonyicyambu, recently told this newspaper that there plans to create many songs in English, do collaborations with different gospel artistes and take his music to the international stage.
