Rwanda's creative sector is growing by leaps and bounds, but just like in many other established nations, the heat is felt more in the music industry, where young talents are joining the sector day in day out to create works that are smoothly making the world listen. Music analysts, critics and listeners have all dubbed the new generation of Rwandan music a 'game changing generation,' as the young men and women are taking on the mantle to revolutionise the industry with a new wave of sounds that are successfully putting Rwanda on the global music map. Debuting on the Billboard music charts and performing in various world capitals are among signs showing how the Rwandan music is going miles. At the forefront of the revolution is Israel Mbonyicyambu, popularly known as Israel Mbonyi, one of the few Rwandan musicians producing timeless hits which continue to dominate East African charts. The award-winning gospel singer and songwriter is also best known for headlining the biggest sold-out shows in the country and beyond. ALSO READ: What’s behind Rwanda’s emerging gospel music takeover? In the month of August alone, the 32-year-old artiste headlined three major shows in Kenya and Uganda, drawing tens of thousands of revelers to some of the biggest venues in the two neighbouring countries. His maiden Kenya concert at Ulinzi Sports Complex on August 10, attracted big crowds that included politicians, religious leaders and celebrities, a few days before heading to Uganda for a musical tour that kicked off at Millenial Grounds (formerly KCCA Grounds) on August 23, and stopped in Mbarara at the University Inn grounds on August 25. The three concerts, held in less than two weeks, are said to have earned the gospel musician over $100,000 (Rwf130,000,000) which could increase with reports indicating that he is also extending his tour to Tanzania and South Africa before the end of the year. Despite previous years when secular musicians ruled the local music world, today the tables have turned and gospel has taken over Rwanda's music industry and is also said to be the biggest export of the industry regionally. ALSO READ: PHOTOS: Israel Mbonyi shines at Nairobi’s ‘Africa Worship Experience Concert’ This, among many other notable achievements, makes Mbonyi a big deal not only for Rwanda's music industry but for the region in at large, and one question remains on the minds of almost every Rwandan music listener. Why is he taking over East Africa's gospel music so fast? Some have attributed Mbonyi's success to luck and good fortune, but his music is bigger than that. Peace Hozy, a product of Nyundo Arts Initiative, has been part of Mbonyi’s band since 2020. She saw the musician taking over East Africa and nothing is surprising her. “It’s God’s favor,” Hozy told The New Times. With that favor, everything Mbonyi touches turns to gold. “But he is also a hard worker, all this he is achieving, he works for it,” she added. “He also believes in prayers. He can’t go the stage without praying. Before every performance, he brings us together and we pray. We can even fast days before a given concert.” Mbonyi’s most recent editions of Christmas celebration concerts got BK Arena soldout and, going forward, Hozy never doubts that the singer can also sell out Amahoro Stadium if he decides to hold a concert at the 45,000-capacity facility. “He can fill it, there is no doubt. He may be a star but he is humble and a very supporting person and, besides his music potential and his faith to God, those are aspects that helps him a lot in his music,” she said. The power of live music Israel Mbonyi's ear for good music, which helps him hire the best instrumentalists, is the reason why his music is crossing borders and competing in international markets, according to Yves Shyaka, one of his Kigali-based fans. The singer, who is also a guitarist, has worked with some of the best instrumentalists in the country, including pianist G-Flat, solo guitarist Arsene, bassists Arnold Gasige and Ishimwe, Shisha the Drummer and many others who have worked with top musicians. According to Shyaka, this helps Mbonyi to produce high quality projects with groovy sounds that attract the attention of non-Kinyarwanda speaking listeners. Mbonyi's arrangements, sound production and chemistry between the instrumentalists is on another level. There is no way you cannot like his music, Shyaka told The New Times. ALSO READ: The resounding revolution of gospel music in Rwanda The greatest musicians on the continent, he says, are those with a consistent sound, and this is something the artiste took into consideration in his early days in music, and it still takes him to some of the biggest stages in the world. There is power in live music and Mbonyi has put a lot of energy into building a team that can produce the best, I mean the best sound. That is why you see him travelling with his team to keep his sound consistent and it has finally started to pay off, Shyaka noted. Swahili influence on his craft Live music plays a pivotal role in pushing Mbonyi's craft, but his career recently took a turn when he started releasing songs composed in Swahili. In 2023, Mbonyi's entry into Swahili music through 'Nina Siri' marked a significant expansion of his musical repertoire and influence. This extended his musical impact beyond Rwanda, touching lives throughout the East African community. Kiswahili, also known as Swahili, is one of the most widely spoken languages in sub-Saharan Africa and holds a prestigious position in the top 10 most spoken languages worldwide. Mbonyi's foray into composing songs in Swahili means that over 200 million people can listen to and understand the lyrics of his songs written in the language, one of the reasons behind the massive takeover of his previous album written and sung in Swahili, which continues to make waves in the country and the region at large. His Swahili songs are the reason why he recently had a successful concert in Nairobi which attracted some of the country's top officials including government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, Pastor Robert Burale, Pastor Kiama, Mwalimu Churchill, Rev. Lucy Natasha and Big Ted among others. A lyrical genius According to local journalist Reagan Rugaju, who travelled with Mbonyi to Kenya, it is not just singing in Swahili that has earned him widespread acclaim, but also his writing skills. ALSO READ: Israel Mbonyi’s ‘Nina Siri’ hits 30M YouTube views in six months Speaking to local media, Rugaju said Mbonyi is blessed in many ways but the way he chooses words and melodies for his songs is one of the unique talents that is taking his music to greater heights. For example, he said, ‘Nina Siri’, Mbonyi's biggest hit so far, is one of the shortest songs he's ever produced in his music career, but its lyrics and melodies have a deep meaning that has captured the attention and admiration of millions of people across the continent. His contributions to gospel music have not only enriched the genre but have also played a significant role in uplifting Rwanda’s music industry to another level. It is time for Rwandan secular artistes and other gospel musicians to take books and learn from Mbonyi.
