Israel Mbonyi
A voice of praise from Rwanda, Israel Mbonyi filled the BK Arena every 25 December and conquered all of East Africa Swahiliphone with "Nina Siri".
Israel Mbonyi is a gospel singer and praising driver based in Kigali. He publishes his first album, "Number One", in 2014 and builds, album after album, a repertoire in Kinyarwanda that became the soundtrack of Rwandan churches and homes, carried by titles such as "Yankuyeho Urubanza" and "Nitaamini".
In 2023, his Swahili song "Nina Siri" ("I have a secret with Jesus") crossed borders: the title cumulated nearly 100 million views and made him a gospel star throughout the Swahiliphone space, from Kenya to Tanzania. His YouTube channel, the most followed by Rwanda with more than 2.3 million subscribers, broadcast its concerts and new praises.
Every December 25th, his concert Icyambu fills the Kigali BK Arena — fourth edition with closed windows in 2025. Named Best Gospel Artist at Trace Awards 2025, he continues his adoration tours in the region and beyond.