GOSPEL singer Israel Mbonyi says he was thrilled to see thousands of pilgrims showing him love after a historic performance during his maiden concert held Monday night, April 18, at Mount Carmel in Israel.

The concert is part of the ongoing ‘Twende Jerusalem’ tour, an eight-day visit organised by touristic company Go Tell World Exposures to not only support trips to discover Israel, but also promote youth talents in creative and other critical socio-cultural aspects including performing arts.

At the concert that attracted between 2500 and 3000 revellers dominated by hundreds of pilgrims from different parts of the globe who travelled to visit the ‘Holy Land’, Mbonyi had a night to remember as he, alongside his Israeli counterpart Avraham Tel, led Easter celebrations in style with an entertaining performance that left revellers thrilled till they left the stage.

Israel’s Ambassador to Rwanda Ron Adam, Miss Rwanda 2020 Naomie Nishimwe, cultural musician Christian Mugunga, Miss Photogenic Nadia Umutesi, Prof Silas Lwakabamba, the Rector of Coventry University, Africa, and Flash radio and TV proprietor Louis Kamanzi, among others, were among the people who attended the concert. 

Mbonyi (R) pictured with Israeli Ambassador to Rwanda Ron Adam (centre) and Avraham Tel after the performance. 

"The concert was amazing, I enjoyed good times with the audience who came to witness my performance. I was blown away by their reception. I already have fond memories of the atmosphere that unfolded at the place,” Mbonyi told The New Times on Tuesday.  

In the Bible, Mount Carmel is best known as the site of Prophet Elijah’s dramatic showdown with 850 pagan prophets.

Due to the lush vegetation on the sloped hillside, and many caves on the steeper side, Carmel became the haunt of criminals. Carmel was seen as a place offering an escape from God, as implied by the Book of Amos.

Israeli singer Avraham Tel performs with Mbonyi. 

It was Mbonyi’s maiden performance in Israel, a country he longed to visit since he was young, the "Hari Ubuzima’ hit-maker said— performing at a place like Mt Carmel which embodies history as indicated in the Holy Bible sparked a reminder that he still has more to offer to his audience.   

"I had a dream to visit Israel one day and by God’s grace, I was able to both visit and share my music with the people from different parts of the world. I am excited to have performed at a place that has history according to the Bible and I think it adds something to my career as a gospel musician,” he said.

 "The tour means a lot to my music and I feel like my journey in music is just beginning because it is giving me new inspirations to do more and more in my career,” he added.

After Mt Carmel, the singer is expected for another performance on April 20 at Ariel Sharon Park, Tel Aviv.

Initiated by Israel Embassy in Rwanda, ‘Twende Jerusalem’ tour was initially scheduled to take place last year but organisers were forced to postpone it due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Over 120 pilgrims from Rwanda and other countries from East African region travelled with Mbonyi as they anticipated to not only enjoy his music tour but also take advantage of an occasion to discover different places from different cities in Israel like Dead Sea, Jericho, Mount Carmel, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Canaan, Tiberias, Galilee, Golgotha and Mount Tabor.