Entertainment is a big deal for Kenyans, and one man, Rwandan gospel artist Israel Mbonyi has won the hearts of Kenyans. Despite most Kenyans not understanding Kinyarwanda in some of his songs, they still groove to it. His ‘Nina Siri’ hit is a big tune in and out of Kenyan gospel circles. The most surprising thing about it all is that it will blast out loud in nightclubs as revellers ‘start their worship service.’
It was great news for his Kenyan fans when they heard that the celebrated Rwandan gospel artist would finally perform in Kenya on August 10, 2024. The concert went down at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, finally honouring calls by his Kenyan fans to perform in the country. He said at the time that it was exciting to visit Kenya where he has a huge base of fans supporting his ministry.
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Is Israel Mbonyi Kenyan?
His mastery of Swahili leaves people thinking that he is a Kenyan, but he is not. Israel Mbonyi is from Rwanda, where Swahili is popular after French. He was born on May 20, 1992 and grew up in a Christian home, which shaped his musical passion from a young age.
The 31-year-old ‘Nita Amini’ singer had a bigger dream in his life of pushing himself to the best he could. He loved books, and medicine fascinated him a lot. While still singing in his church choir, he settled on pursuing pharmacy in India. He returned home and focused on music, but continued with his scholarly endeavours.
He also pursued a Master’s degree in Public Health years later noting that it is also a sector in health that he is interested in. However, his whole life since he left India is all about music.
When Did He Start Singing?
The Rwandese started singing professionally in 2014 after years of practice at school and church. He credits his music teacher for instilling a sense of music in him back in junior school, which he attended in Ruhangeri. One of the musical instruments that he loved most was the guitar, which pushed him to compose songs later in life.
Rwandan gospel artist Israel Mbonyi. Photo/The New Times
Listening to him play the guitar is nostalgic. Then, in 2014, he released his first song, ‘Number One.’ This single was well received, and it set the stage for his debut album ‘Number One’, which he also released in 2014. The eight-track album had the following songs all in his native Kinyarwanda language.
- Hari impamvu
- Ku Migezi
- Ndanyuzwe
- Yankuyeho Urubanza
- Agasambi
- Number one
- Nzibyo Nibwira
- Ku Musaraba
In subsequent years, he focused on establishing a solid following in Rwanda, and he released two more albums in Kinyarwanda. They include:
- Intashyo
- Mbwira (Live)
By the time he released his third album Mbwira, the rest of East Africa had joined the bandwagon, butthe language barrier slowed things down. Aware of this, he released ‘Nina Siri’ in 2023 and it rocked East Africa. Most of the bloc – except Ethiopia – understands Swahili perfectly.
So great was his delivery of this gospel tune – perhaps his most famous yet – that people thought he was Kenyan or Tanzanian. Ever since ‘Nina Siri’ came out, his concerts across East Africa always fill to the brim. He released four other Swahili songs since his breakthrough in Africa. They are: ‘Nita Amini’, ‘Malengo ya Mungu’, and ‘Sikiliza’, ‘Jambo’ and ‘Malengo ya Mungu.’
How Much are Tickets to the Concert?
Rwandan gospel artist Israel Mbonyi. Photo/The New Times
Ticket prices for the gospel music concert graced by Israel Mbonyi range between Ksh3,000 and Ksh20,000. Here is a breakdown.
- 1st Class VVIP – Ksh30,000 ($228)
- VVIP – Ksh12,000 ($91)
- VIP – Kh8,000 ($60)
- Regular – Ksh3,000 ($22)
How Many Albums Does Mbonyi Have?
He has three albums released as of May 2024, but is gearing up for the release of his fourth album. The Rwandese alerted his fans on Instagram that he has another musical project set for release soon. His relationship with God, as he describes, helps him write songs that preach joy and restoration of hope to the downtrodden. The bible is always his biggest influence in his songwriting.
Rwandan gospel artist Israel Mbonyi. Photo/Israel Mbonyi
Speaking of the commercial motivation that is known to inspire some secular and gospel artists, Mbonyi reads from a different script. What matters most to him is preaching the gospel through music. Everything else that follows, such as fame and commercial success, is only a bonus for him.
Israel Mbonyi Wife
The pharmacist turned gospel musician is married. Not much is known about his family, but his wife has tagged along in several concerts. She will likely accompany him to Kenya for his much-anticipated show.
Awards and Nominations
In 2017, he was recognised for his work in the gospel music industry with nominations and accolades. Among them is the Groove Awards Rwanda, where he won in two categories: Male Artiste of the Year and Songwriter of the Year. In addition, he was nominated for the 2020 African Entertainment Awards in the US. He later won the Best Gospel Artiste of the Year and Male Artiste of the Year in 2023 at the Isango Na Muzika Awards in Rwanda, respectively.
Conclusion
He exudes an admirable demeanour with his humble nature and powerful vocals. His live performances are deep, emotive and incredibly blessing. Rwanda holds him in high regard as he preaches the word of God through music.
