Gospel singer Israel Mbonyi received a framed photograph at the Gen-Z Comedy Show that took him back 11 years to the day he returned to Rwanda from India and discovered how widely his music had reached listeners.
The gift was presented during the comedy show at Camp Kigali on Thursday, November 12. Prepared by Hall of Fame.rw over seven days, the photograph captured Mbonyi arriving at Kigali International Airport on July 10, 2015, after four years studying pharmacy in India.
“What gives me strength is prayer, the God I serve and the people who encourage me,” Mbonyi told the audience while reflecting on his faith and music career.
The framed picture included a verse from 1 Samuel 16:7, which teaches that people look at outward appearance while God looks at the heart. The message accompanied an image from a significant moment in the singer’s early career.
When Mbonyi landed in Kigali in 2015, he found relatives, former classmates, fellow worshippers and fans waiting for him. He had been away studying, and the size of the welcome surprised him.
He greeted his parents before meeting others who had gathered at the airport, where supporters presented him with flowers. At the time, Mbonyi was still discovering the extent to which his songs had become popular while he was abroad.
Weeks later, on August 30, 2015, he launched his debut album, Uri Number One, at Kigali Serena Hotel. The concert drew a large audience, with some people unable to enter because of the turnout.
Mbonyi returned to India in November 2016 for further studies while continuing his music. His career later expanded to larger concert venues, including Kigali’s BK Arena, where he has staged major gospel performances.
During the Gen-Z Comedy Show, the singer also spoke about the discipline required to build a lasting career. He advised younger artists against rushing to organise arena concerts merely because one song had become popular.
He encouraged them to concentrate on developing their craft and audience, explaining that a successful song and the ability to attract a large concert crowd were not necessarily the same achievement.
The discussion came as preparations continued for Icyambu Live Concert 5, scheduled for December 25, 2026, at BK Arena. Tickets are already on sale for the fifth edition of the Christmas gospel event.
The comedy show featured performers including Rumi, Inkirigito Clement, MC Kandii and Musa. Among those attending were entertainment personalities Alex Muyoboke and Ally Soudy, as well as journalist Scovia Mutesi.
Mbonyi also entertained the audience with songs such as Nina Siri, one of his popular Swahili recordings.
He performed Uri Ya alongside traditional dancer Cyogere, bringing Rwandan dance into his appearance at the event.
The photograph presented to Mbonyi recalled the airport welcome that preceded his first major album concert.
Eleven years later, he is preparing another Christmas performance at BK Arena, with the music career he began building in 2015 continuing to reach audiences in Rwanda and beyond.
RADIOTV10