Known for their talent, success, and influence, the two artists have often kept their personal lives away from the public eye, but Rumaga’s revelations gave a rare glimpse into their deeper personalities, spiritual lives, and emotional core.

The Ben: A Quiet Soul with a Deep Prayer Life

Describing The Ben, Rumaga painted a portrait of a man whose silence is not emptiness but depth. “He’s a man of few words, but one who prays a lot,” said Rumaga.

He shared a touching moment that many fans would never expect from a superstar: “The Ben could call you at exactly 3:30 a.m., and all he’d say is: ‘Are you still awake?’ If you answered yes, he’d say, ‘I’m going to sleep now, I just finished praying with my mother.’”

This small exchange speaks volumes about The Ben’s devotion, not only to his family, but also to his faith. According to Rumaga, the artist regularly seeks counsel before making decisions. “He doesn’t care whether you’re famous or not. If he respects you, he’ll ask for your advice on things he’s planning to do,” he added.

Moreover, The Ben’s respect for women runs deep. “When he talks about his mother, he becomes water,” Rumaga noted, referring to how The Ben can become visibly emotional, even tearful, when speaking about the woman who raised him.

Israel Mbonyi: Humble, Deep, and Spiritually Rich

Switching to gospel singer Israel Mbonyi, Rumaga offered a contrasting yet equally profound picture. Known for his hit worship songs and massive following, Mbonyi remains strikingly modest. “When you tell him he just dropped a hit song, he replies, ‘Really?’ as if it’s none of his business,” Rumaga explained with a chuckle. “If you call him ‘a powerful man,’ he’ll look at you puzzled and ask, ‘Who are those people?’”

Rumaga emphasized that Mbonyi’s humility isn’t false modesty, it’s deeply rooted in how he sees himself and his purpose. Even when told he’s anointed, Mbonyi looks at his physical self before responding, highlighting how foreign such praise feels to him.

But what struck Rumaga most was Mbonyi’s theology. “The way he talks about God, the way he believes, made me feel like he himself should be a temple,” he said. “He has the kind of faith that everyone should have.” In his view, if supported by the right investor or manager, Israel Mbonyi could not only impact lives spiritually, but also greatly boost Rwanda’s music industry and economy.

Junior Rumaga’s revelations were more than anecdotes; they were an invitation to see beyond fame, beyond talent, and into the hearts of two men who live by deep convictions. While The Ben blends celebrity with reverence and humility, Israel Mbonyi embodies the quiet power of unwavering faith. In Rumaga’s words, their lives are messages, silent sermons waiting to be heard.

Rwandan poet and public figure Junior Rumaga lifted the veil on two of Rwanda’s most beloved artists: The Ben and Israel Mbonyi.