Award-winning gospel singer and songwriter Israel Mbonyi has described 2024 as a “special and historic year” for his career which spans 10 years in ministry. The singer, born Israel Mbonyicyambu, recently announced that he is staging his annual Icyambu Live Concert which marks his routine Christmas celebration with worshipers every December 25. Like his previous two editions, the concert will take place at BK Arena. Mbonyi became the first Rwandan musician to ever sell out the 10,000-seater facility and he is eager to repeat the feat yet on Christmas. ALSO READ: Nduhungirehe urges Mbonyi to shift his Christmas show to Amahoro Stadium Prior to Icyambu Live Concert, the ‘Nina Siri’ hit maker reflected on how 2024 marked the golden moment when God expanded his work and the grace to travel around East Africa ministering in different countries. “This year has been very special. It has been a historic year, God expanded His work, gave us abundant grace to travel around East Africa, we ministered in many different places, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, in many places, and it was truly beautiful,” Mbonyi said. “They were special moments; this was a year of expansion...a year of seeing God in a unique way personally.” ALSO READ: Mbonyi takes regional music tour to Tanzania Mbonyi is celebrating 10 years in ministry and Icyambu Live concert promises to be a special moment of reflections, lessons and worship. “I remember making my first album in 2014, it was so special. For me to be standing in the ministry till today, it is an extraordinary blessing. That’s why I named the concert “I am a living testimony,” he said. “This year is special to me, to the ministry that God placed in my heart, it is also special because everything that will happen will be different from what we usually do.” He says naming the concert “I am a living testimony” holds a special meaning to him because “this year was a special one for him and the ministry that God placed in his heart. As he continues the ministry, the singer admits it has never been a smooth ride but God protected him from all the challenges that stood in his path. “I have failed so many times and in many different things but, every time I fail, God lifts me, teaches me again and restores my path. That is why my personal relationship with God has grown immensely because of the diverse experiences he led me through,” he said. Mbonyi may be regarded as a successful musician but he had to go through a lot to reach his full potential. “People see shining things but what one has gone through is vast and intense,” he said. Israel Mbonyi, 32, is arguably one of the best Rwandan artistes of his generation. His work has been recognised in the gospel music industry, following his nominations in the African Entertainment Awards USA besides winning various prizes at the Groove Awards Rwanda. His music also received nominations from African Entertainment Awards USA and recognition from the Groove Awards Rwanda and Isango Na Muzika Awards.
