Saxophonist

Israel Pappy

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About Israel

Elite Rwandan saxophonist with 700+ events, AU Summit performer, touring Europe, Asia & Africa weddings & global stages
Saxophonist
Kigali

Music, for me, is more than just performance it is a powerful language of emotion, connection, and storytelling. As a professional saxophonist from Rwanda, I have dedicated my career to creating unforgettable musical experiences, especially during life’s most meaningful celebrations such as weddings and high-profile events. Every note I play is intentional, carefully crafted to elevate the atmosphere and leave a lasting impression on every audience I perform for. My journey into music began with a deep passion for live instrumentation and a desire to express emotions in a unique and elegant way. I later pursued this passion academically and earned a diploma in music, which strengthened both my technical ability and artistic understanding. This formal education, combined with years of continuous practice and live performances, has shaped me into a versatile and refined musician, capable of adapting to different audiences, cultures, and event styles while maintaining a distinctive and soulful sound. With experience spanning over 700 events, I bring both expertise and confidence to every performance. I have had the privilege of performing at prestigious international platforms, including the African Union Summit and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) hosted in Rwanda. In addition, I have performed at numerous high-level events attended by senior government leaders and distinguished guests, demonstrating my professionalism and ability to deliver excellence at the highest standards. My career has also been enriched through collaborations with some of the most respected and influential artists in East Africa. Working alongside these prominent musicians has expanded my creativity, strengthened my stage presence, and refined my ability to connect deeply with diverse audiences, both locally and internationally. Beyond Rwanda, my music has taken me across Europe, Asia, and various parts of Africa, exposing me to different cultures and performance environments. One of the major highlights of my journey was performing during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, where I had the opportunity to engage with a global audience. These international experiences have broadened my musical perspective and allowed me to blend different styles into a seamless, captivating performance. Despite these global achievements, weddings remain at the heart of what I do. I am proud to be one of the most sought-after wedding saxophonists in Rwanda, performing at a significant number of weddings across the country. Many of the most elegant and memorable weddings in Rwanda feature my live saxophone performance, reflecting the trust couples place in my ability to deliver exceptional and personalized moments. I believe every love story deserves a unique soundtrack, and I take great care in tailoring each performance to match the vision and emotion of every couple. Clients often describe my performances as elegant, emotional, and deeply engaging. Beyond the music itself, I am known for my professionalism, punctuality, and attention to detail. As I continue to grow as an artist, my mission remains clear: to deliver world-class saxophone performances that inspire, connect, and elevate every event into something truly unforgettable.

Israel
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5 out of 5
7 verified reviews

Israel's Reviews

From customers:

OA
One N
1 month ago, for a Hotel / Restaurant event in Nyonirima
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5 out of 5

We had the pleasure of experiencing Israel’s saxophone performance at One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, and it was absolutely exceptional. His music blended perfectly with the serene and luxurious atmosphere of the lodge, creating a truly magical experience for our guests. His professionalism, elegance, and ability to read the mood of the moment made the performance feel both intimate and world-class. Many of our guests were captivated and kept asking about him throughout the evening. We highly recommend him for any high-end venue or special event he brings a unique touch that elevates the entire experience.

RE
Rugamba E
1 month ago, for a Wedding in 20093
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5 out of 5

We had the absolute pleasure of having Israel perform saxophone at our wedding, and it was truly unforgettable. From the ceremony to the reception, his music created such a beautiful and emotional atmosphere that our guests are still talking about it! He was professional, punctual, and very easy to work with throughout the planning process. He even customized songs to match our special moments perfectly. If you're looking for someone to elevate your event with live music, we highly recommend him. Thank you for making our day so special!

Read all 7 reviews
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Israel's Song list

1. Hello – Adele (F)
2. All of Me – John Legend (G)
3. Perfect – Ed Sheeran (F)
4. Stand By Me – Ben E. King (G)
5. Stuck On You – Lionel Richie (F)
6. To Make You Feel My Love – Adele
7. Human Nature – Michael Jackson (D#)
8. Hello – Lionel Richie (C)
9. Hero – Enrique Iglesias (G)
10. Beautiful in White – Shane Filan
11. I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston (A)
12. If I Ain’t Got You – Alicia Keys (G)
13. How Deep Is Your Love – Bee Gees (D#)
14. I’m Not the Only One – Sam Smith
15. Stay With Me – Sam Smith
16. You Are The Reason – Calum Scott (F)
17. I Have Nothing – Whitney Houston
18. Just The Two of Us – Bill Withers
19. Best Part – Daniel Caesar ft. H.E.R
20. Careless Whisper – George Michael
21. Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
22. Like I’m Gonna Lose You – Meghan Trainor ft. John Legend
23. A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
24. Ordinary People – John Legend
25. I Wanna Know – Joe
26. Love Story – Taylor Swift
27. Can't Take My Eyes Off You – Frankie Valli
28. Kiss Me – Sixpence None The Richer
29. Let's Stay Together – Al Green
30. Annie’s Song – John Denver
31. Close To You – Carpenters
32. Endless Love – Diana Ross & Lionel Richie
33. I'll Make Love To You – Boyz II Men
34. Let Me Love You – Mario
35. My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion
36. Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion
37. The Power of Love – Celine Dion
38. Beauty and the Beast – Celine Dion & Peabo Bryson
39. If You Asked Me To – Celine Dion
40. All By Myself – Celine Dion
41. Unchained Melody – The Righteous Brothers
42. At Last – Etta James
43. Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton
44. You’re Beautiful – James Blunt
45. Truly Madly Deeply – Savage Garden
46. I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing – Aerosmith
47. Just The Way You Are – Bruno Mars
48. Marry Me – Train
49. Amazed – Lonestar
50. Everything – Michael Bublé
51. Home – Michael Bublé
52. Always – Bon Jovi
53. Angel – Sarah McLachlan
54. From This Moment – Shania Twain
55. When I Fall in Love – Nat King Cole
56. The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
57. Fly Me To The Moon – Frank Sinatra (C)
58. Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder (F)
59. Lean On Me – Bill Withers (C)
60. Ain’t No Sunshine – Bill Withers (C)
61. What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
62. L.O.V.E – Nat King Cole
63. Summertime – Ella Fitzgerald
64. My Funny Valentine – Chet Baker
65. Georgia On My Mind – Ray Charles
66. Feel Like Making Love – Roberta Flack
67. Sexual Healing – Marvin Gaye
68. Ribbon in the Sky – Stevie Wonder
69. You Send Me – Sam Cooke
70. Let’s Get It On – Marvin Gaye
71. Say You Won’t Let Go – James Arthur
72. Speechless – Dan + Shay
73. Lover – Taylor Swift
74. Adore You – Harry Styles
75. Make You Feel My Love – Bob Dylan
76. Turning Page – Sleeping At Last
77. Yours – Russell Dickerson
78. Heaven – Bryan Adams
79. All My Life – K-Ci & JoJo
80. Back At One – Brian McKnight
81. African Queen – 2Baba
82. Love Nwantiti – CKay
83. Essence – Wizkid ft. Tems
84. Fall – Davido
85. Assurance – Davido
86. Ginger – Wizkid ft. Burna Boy
87. Duduke – Simi
88. Nobody – DJ Neptune ft. Joeboy
89. On The Low – Burna Boy
90. Running (To You) – Chike ft. Simi
91. Yellow – Coldplay
92. Fix You – Coldplay
93. The Scientist – Coldplay
94. Halo – Beyoncé
95. XO – Beyoncé
96. Love On Top – Beyoncé
97. Stay – Rihanna
98. Take Care – Drake ft. Rihanna
99. All I Ask – Adele
100. Make You Feel My Love – Adele
101. Someone Like You – Adele
102. Bleeding Love – Leona Lewis
103. Because of You – Ne-Yo
104. So Sick – Ne-Yo
105. Miss Independent – Ne-Yo
106. U Got It Bad – Usher
107. Nice & Slow – Usher
108. You Make Me Wanna – Usher
109. If I Ever Fall in Love – Shai
110. Differences – Ginuwine
111. Pony – Ginuwine
112. Fortunate – Maxwell
113. Pretty Wings – Maxwell
114. Ascension – Maxwell
115. Brown Sugar – D’Angelo
116. Lady – D’Angelo
117. Untitled (How Does It Feel) – D’Angelo
118. Best of Me – Anthony Hamilton
119. Charlene – Anthony Hamilton
120. Coming From Where I’m From – Anthony Hamilton
121. Breathe – Faith Hill
122. This I Promise You – NSYNC
123. I Swear – All-4-One
124. Always Be My Baby – Mariah Carey
125. We Belong Together – Mariah Carey
126. Vision of Love – Mariah Carey
127. Endless Love – Luther Vandross
128. Here and Now – Luther Vandross
129. Never Too Much – Luther Vandross
130. Dance With My Father – Luther Vandross
131. I Choose You – Sara Bareilles
132. Gravity – Sara Bareilles
133. She Will Be Loved – Maroon 5
134. Sunday Morning – Maroon 5
135. Lost Without You – Robin Thicke
136. Angels – Robbie Williams
137. Just You and I – Tom Walker
138. Say Yes – Floetry
139. Golden – Jill Scott
140. He Loves Me – Jill Scott
141. No One – Alicia Keys
142. Diary – Alicia Keys
143. You Don’t Know My Name – Alicia Keys
144. Put Your Records On – Corinne Bailey Rae
145. Like a Star – Corinne Bailey Rae
146. Come Away With Me – Norah Jones
147. Don’t Know Why – Norah Jones
148. Lucky – Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat
149. I’m Yours – Jason Mraz
150. Better Together – Jack Johnson
151. Banana Pancakes – Jack Johnson
152. Love Me Like You Do – Ellie Goulding
153. How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding
154. Perfect Duet – Ed Sheeran & Beyoncé
155. Tenerife Sea – Ed Sheeran
156. Photograph – Ed Sheeran
157. Give Me Love – Ed Sheeran
158. Thinking Out Loud (Acoustic) – Ed Sheeran
159. Kiss From a Rose – Seal
160. Stand By You – Rachel Platten

Israel's Prices

Last updated: 2026

Note: prices may vary based on travel distance. For an exact quote, click “Check availability”.

Standard Prices
DurationPrice
Short performance (up to 15 min)£375
Up to 1 hour£500
Up to 2 hours£625
Up to 3 hours£1250
Packages
primium package3 hours
Thank you for your interest in my services. My €1000 package is designed to provide a complete and high-quality live saxophone experience for your wedding, with great flexibility to match your needs and vision. ✨ What the package includes: Full wedding coverage (from ceremony to reception) Live saxophone performance throughout key moments of the event Performance during the church ceremony (if required) High flexibility in performance style and timing Personalized song selection 🎶 I am also very flexible when it comes to music. I can learn and perform any songs you request, even within a short period of time, to ensure your wedding feels truly personal and special. My goal is to deliver a smooth, elegant, and unforgettable musical experience from start to finish. Please feel free to share more details about your wedding so we can tailor everything perfectly to your day.
£1000

Add-ons

Music live band
+£1000
Duo with violinst
+£1875
Customer questions

What do your clients love most about your performances?

Clients love the emotional atmosphere I create, my smooth saxophone sound, and my ability to adapt to each moment. I blend elegance, energy, and professionalism, making every performance feel unique, engaging, and unforgettable.

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

i performed in different venues especially in kigali but also i performed in france but i don't remember the venue. and at the beginning of this year i was in kenya .

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

I’ve been influenced by artists like Kenny G, Kirk Whalum, and Najee. Their smooth, expressive sound and ability to connect emotionally with audiences have shaped my style and approach to performance.

What is the most high profile gig you've performed?

I’ve performed at One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, a wedding for the daughter of Paul Kagame, as well as Africa Cup of Nations, Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, and African Union Summit. I’ve also performed in Europe at Tandem Théâtre Arras.

What if my timings change after I've booked you?

We always try our best to be flexible to help ensure your event runs as smoothly as possible. If timings change slightly in the run up to the event just let us know.

Can you provide an iPod/DJ service before and between your sets?

Yes, I can provide an iPod/DJ-style music service before and between my live saxophone sets. I carefully curate background playlists that match the mood of your eventwhether it's relaxed, romantic, or upbeat to ensure a smooth and continuous musical experience

How much time do you need to set up?

We usually set up about 1 to 1.5 hours before the performance time. As soon as our PA is set up we can provide a free playlist service to help set the atmosphere and get your guests ready for our live performance!

Can I pick the songs you play from the set list?

Our set lists are crafted from countless performances and learning what works best to ensure guests dance and have an amazing time. However, we're definitely happy to chat through and make sure we find what works for your event

Do you bring all the equipment you need to perform?

Yes, absolutely! I bring my own instrument to play acoustically. but i will need a sound system , i'm not the one who will bring it.

Can you learn song requests before the event?

If a song isn't included in our song list there may still be a chance we already know it. If there is a special song you'd like us to learn we are happy to do this for you. There is a fee of £30 for this service to take into account rehearsal times etc.
Musicianship
Genres:
Pop, Blues, Swing, Gospel, Jazz, Modern jazz, Light music, Acoustic, Ambient pop, R&B, Karaoke, Covers, Soul, Funk rock, Funk, Rock, Pop rock, Classic rock, World music, African music, Afrobeat, Bossa nova, Cuban music, French music, Reggae, Salsa, Spanish music, Country, Electronic, Musical theatre, Film / TV music, Christmas, Contemporary Christian, Traditional church music
See all genres
Instruments:
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Event types:
Wedding, Virtual event, Wedding proposal, Church service, Funeral / Memorial service, Hotel / Restaurant event, Bar / Club / Venue event, Private event, Corporate event, Concert, Recording session, Theatre / Show, Birthday party, Christmas party, New Year's Eve, Cruise, Charity event
See all event types
Other skills:
Arranger, Composer, Producer, Actor, Live looping, Ableton Live, Instrumental teaching
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