IN PICTURES: Four things we learnt from Israel Mbonyi’s ‘Icyambu’ album launch

After months of waiting for the night of Sunday, December 25, Rwandan gospel music sensation, Israel Mbonyicyambu (Mbonyi), put up a successful performance in his “Icyambu” album launch in a fully packed BK Arena. It was a highly exciting concert seeing around 10,000 people dancing and singing along for over two hours in a one man show gospel concert. The New Times brings to you four things we learnt from the historic concert. The love for the gospel music has never declined Before this concert, there were many people who debated about gospel music declining in Rwanda after the covid-19. Some even argued that secular music has surpassed it by miles. The biggest factor they relied on was that because there were no big gospel concerts happening at that time. After Israel Mbonyi’s ‘Icyambu’ Concert on Christmas Day however, many have realised that gospel music is still alive in the hearts of many people and it’s appreciated by people of all generations. Rwandans missed local gospel concerts a lot What happened last night is a sign that the people of Kigali and Rwandans in general missed concerts where gospel artists are invited. Mbonyi last night was shown a lot of love that he left the stage when the audience was still yearning for more. Now the question that is being asked by many is “when shall we see a concert like this again?” Event organisers, companies should consider working with gospel artistes Some entertainment businessmen and investors rarely invite or organise gospel shows for fear that the participation would be low and thus cause them losses. But East African Promoters (EAP) in collaboration with Israel Mbonyi, have proved them wrong and made people think twice about such opinions. Gospel artistes, choirs, ministries should think about organising their own shows Only Chorale de Kigali has a regular end year of concert in Rwanda even if many think that it is not enough, suggesting concert. Rwandan gospel music makers should start working on finding sponsors to help them organise concerts themselves, because it’s one of their many ways of getting a bit more income from their work. December 25, saw gospel artiste Israel Mbonyi the only lone artiste to ever fill the BK Arena in a one man show. The gospel singer, 30, has been touring all over the world. He has made it a habit to have sold-out concerts, and his songs' popularity have been undeniable since he began his career in 2014. They top the charts among the most played by religious and non-religious people.

In Pictures

IN PICTURES: Four things we learnt from Israel Mbonyi’s ‘Icyambu’ album launch