Ngabonziza Bonfils is a self-taught visual artist and muralist born in 1989 in Kigali, Rwanda. He is widely recognized for his large-scale public art and his commitment to using creativity as a tool for social transformation and community education.

​Artistic Career

​Bonfils began his journey as a painter at the age of 19, eventually transitioning into the realm of street murals to make art more accessible to the public. His work often follows a “realist” or “African Folk Art” style, focusing on themes of equality, peace, and the strength of women.

He gained significant recognition for his collaboration with Kurema, Kureba, Kwiga & IVUKA Arts Kigali, where he helped create murals aimed at reducing the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. Currently, he is a resident artist at the Niyo Art Center in Kigali.

​Wildlife Conservation and Guiding

​Beyond his visual art, Ngabonziza is deeply connected to Rwanda’s natural heritage. He integrates his passion for the environment into his professional life through:

​Conservation Art: Many of his paintings feature African wildlife, depicting animals not as separate entities but as an integral part of the human community. This reflects his philosophy that people and nature are interconnected.

​Wildlife Guiding: In addition to his studio practice, Bonfils has developed a career in the tourism and conservation sector. He works as a wildlife guide, sharing his knowledge of Rwanda’s biodiversity with visitors. His dual role allows him to advocate for the protection of endangered species and natural habitats both through his narratives in the field and his visual storytelling on canvas.

​Educational Outreach:

He has been involved in educational programs that use art to teach children about environmental stewardship, helping the next generation understand the value of protecting Rwanda’s unique ecosystems, through Local Short animated TV series (Layout artists Team)

​Current Status

​Bonfils continues to live and work in Kigali. His current base at Niyo Art Center serves as both his studio and a gallery space where his recent collections—often exploring the harmony between African communities and the wild—are exhibited for local and international audiences.