The prophecy was delivered while both were students in India. Mbonyi explained that the prophetic word gave him clear direction about his calling in God’s work and the global scope his gift would take. He testified that all the words spoken over his life by Prophet Bishop Sibomana Samuel have been fulfilled. He said, “If Samuel can hear me, may God bless him.”
Although this is the first time Israel Mbonyi has spoken openly about the prophecy he received in India, the story has long been known among former students who studied there, and Prophet Bishop Sibomana Samuel had previously shared it with inyaRwanda. Mbonyi said, “We were in India, and he used to prophesy over us. God truly works through him. But among all those he prophesied over, mine have come true.”
Mbonyi who has now filled BK Arena four consecutive times during his Christmas concerts known as “Icyambu,” revealed that Prophet Bishop Sibomana Samuel specifically told him that the course he studied in India—Pharmacy—would not be his lifelong profession. He was also told that he would serve God globally and sing in multiple languages, including English and Kiswahili.
He recalled the words spoken to him: “The way you came to India is not how you will leave, and you will not practice what you studied. You are going to serve God. You came here so that God could prepare you, because you will work for Him. Everything you do will be centered on God’s work. You will serve Him in many languages, including Kiswahili and English.”
Mbonyi admitted that because of limited faith at the time, he did not immediately believe the prophecy. He initially sang only in Kinyarwanda, but later God revealed to him that his ministry would reach many nations, prompting him to start singing in Kiswahili and English as well. He shared this testimony during an interview aired on IGIHE Sports, hosted by Rugaju Reagan and Faustinho Simbigarukaho.
His Kiswahili song “Nina Siri” has become the most viewed song of his career, amassing over 87 million views, and it is also the most-viewed Rwandan gospel song on YouTube to date. Mbonyi now expresses confidence that everything else God promised him will also be fulfilled.
Prophet Bishop Sibomana Samuel revealed that more than 11 years ago, God told him that Israel Mbonyi would become a great global artist. He expressed deep joy seeing the prophecy begin to manifest, as Mbonyi is now impacting East Africa through powerful worship songs that touch and heal many hearts.
Speaking to inyaRwanda, Prophet Bishop Sibomana Samuel shared the history of his relationship with Israel Mbonyi, whom he considers a brother. He said, “My story with Mbonyi began in India, where we met as university students. I was on stage when God told me that Israel Mbonyi would become a mighty and globally recognized artist.”
He added, “I called him forward during the service and spoke those words publicly. Everyone who studied in India remembers it as if it happened yesterday. Everything I prophesied over him, he later told me he witnessed with his own eyes.” He also revealed that when Mbonyi was preparing to leave India, they spent three days in prayer, during which God gave him many additional promises.
Prophet Bishop Sibomana emphasized that Israel Mbonyi is God’s servant today and in the future, saying, “He is supported by God. There is much more ahead, and you will see how God will continue to use him, because we serve a God who speaks and fulfills His word.”
The relationship between Prophet Bishop Sibomana Samuel and Israel Mbonyi is deep and longstanding, comparable to that of David and Jonathan in the Bible. They studied together in India, and during that time, Prophet Sibomana served as Mbonyi’s spiritual father.
Their friendship has endured to this day. In early 2024, Israel Mbonyi traveled to India to bid farewell to Prophet Bishop Sibomana and his family before they relocated to the United States. His decision to travel immediately after performing a major Christmas concert at BK Arena highlighted the strong bond they share.
Who Is Prophet Bishop Samuel Sibomana, the Man Who Prophesied Israel Mbonyi’s Global Music Career?
Prophet Bishop Samuel Sibomana, the man whose prophecy over Israel Mbonyi later came to pass, was born into a family of nine children and is the second-born. He pursued his university studies in India at Annamalai University, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree before continuing with a Master’s degree in Population Studies (Demography).
He received the gift of prophecy in the year 2000, at a very young age of 16. According to him, even before his birth, it had already been prophesied that he would become a great prophet. He explains:
“In our family, there was a prophet named Karikofi Eraston who prophesied to my mother when she was still a young woman that she would conceive and give birth to a son named Samuel, who would become an international prophet.”
He adds that from a young age, he carried a divine promise of becoming a prophet. Later, the gift manifested unexpectedly, as he began to experience the power of the Holy Spirit, speaking in new tongues and engaging in extended periods of fasting and prayer. Through this spiritual journey, God increased his capacity to pray for the sick and to prophesy to nations.
Prophet Bishop Samuel Sibomana has ministered in several countries, including India, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and Burundi. He also testifies that God has used him to pray for people over the phone, resulting in healing from various illnesses across different parts of the world.
Israel Mbonyi Expected in Uganda for a Major Conference
In August 2026, Israel Mbonyi is scheduled to minister in Mbarara, Uganda, at a major conference organized by Prophet Bishop Sibomana Samuel. The event will mark the official inauguration of more than five church buildings constructed by Shekinah Glory Church, founded and led by the prophet.
The conference is highly anticipated by many Christians in Uganda, especially fans of Israel Mbonyi’s music, who have long embraced his ministry. The Global Senior Pastor of Shekinah Glory Church, Prophet Bishop Sibomana Samuel, confirmed to inyaRwanda that Israel Mbonyi will indeed be part of the event.
This will not be Mbonyi’s first time ministering at the Mbarara church. He previously served there nine years ago, during the church’s official launch conference held from February 19–22, 2016.
Recalling that time, Prophet Bishop Sibomana said, “Yes, I invited Israel Mbonyi to minister in Uganda. I remember how we witnessed God move mightily. Christians came from different regions of Uganda, including Kampala and beyond, and we worshiped God together. It was truly a joyful conference for many believers.”
He also shared an old photo of himself with Israel Mbonyi and revealed that Mbonyi was among the first ministers invited when Shekinah Glory Church was officially launched. He said, “Soon we shall meet again at Shekinah. The ministry has expanded since you were last here.”
The prophet added that one of the main reasons he invited Mbonyi again is their lifelong friendship and the support Mbonyi gave him during the early days of Shekinah Glory Church.
He concluded, “A friend for all seasons—I remember how you stood with us at the very beginning when we laid the foundation stone of Shekinah. You ministered with fire, and the atmosphere was ignited.”
Israel Mbonyi Confirms That the Prophecies Spoken Over Him by Prophet Bishop Sibomana Samuel Have Come True
Prophet Bishop Sibomana Samuel is the one who prophesied that Israel Mbonyi would become a great global artist
Israel Mbonyi with the family of Prophet Bishop Sibomana Samuel during his visit to India before they relocated to the United States