Intro:
Weka Sifa mbele
(Send Judah [praise] first)
Kwa kuimba na kuabudu
(Praising and worshipping)
Piga kelele
(Shout for joy)
Kuta zote nita shusha
(And I will tear down the walls)
Weka Sifa mbele
(Send Judah [praise] first)
Ufikapo Jericho
(When you get to Jericho)
Piga kelele
(Shout for joy)
Kuta zote nita shusha
(And I will tear down the walls)
Chorus:
Shusha, (tear down)
Shusha Bwana, shusha (tear down Father)
Shusha Roho, shusha (tear down, Spirit)
Shusha Bwana, shusha (tear down, Father)
(Repeat)
Verse 1:
We ni Mungu uketiye
(You are the Lord)
Katika sifa za watu wako
(Who dwells in the praises of your people)
Nimechagua kukusifu
(I've chosen to praise)
Na kuabudu Mungu wangu
(And to worship You, my Lord)
Pre-Chorus:
Kwa pumzi ya uhai wangu nina Kutukuza
(With the breath in my lungs, I praise You)
Na vyote vilivyo nadi yangu vina Kuhimidi
(And all that is within me glorifies You)
Chorus:
Shusha, (tear down)
Shusha Bwana, shusha (tear down Father)
Shusha Roho, shusha (tear down, Spirit)
Shusha Bwana, shusha (tear down, Father)
(Repeat)
Verse 2:
Nimechagua silaha ya sifa
(I have chosen praise as my weapon)
Nimejihami kwa siku ya vita
(I have armed myself for the day of battle)
Nakuaminia wewe usiyeshindwa
(I trust in You, who remains undefeated)
Mkombozi wangu jemedari wa vita
(My Saviour, my war Genera
Alice Kimanzi - Shusha Feat. Dan Mugo |Official Video|
Shusha Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Alice Kimanzi's song "Shusha," featuring Dan Mugo, released on December 6, 2023, presents a powerful message centered on the transformative power of praise and worship. The title itself, "Shusha," which means "tear down," sets the tone for the song's theme of overcoming obstacles through spiritual means. It encourages listeners to embrace praise as the primary strategy when facing challenges, positioning it as a key action to initiate divine intervention.
The song's core instruction, "Weka Sifa mbele" (Send Judah/praise first), directly references the biblical principle of leading with praise, particularly evocative of the story of Jericho. By urging the listener to praise and shout for joy ("Piga kelele"), the lyrics connect contemporary faith practice with the ancient narrative where walls fell not by force of arms, but by obedient faith expressed through sound and declaration. This emphasizes that praise is not merely an emotional response but a deliberate act of faith intended to yield tangible results, specifically the tearing down of metaphorical (or literal) walls obstructing one's path.
A foundational theological point highlighted in the lyrics is the belief that God dwells in the praises of His people. This idea, rooted in scripture (Psalm 22:3), underpins why praise is so effective. The song suggests that offering praise is an invitation for the Almighty's presence, and where God is present, barriers can be removed. The deliberate choice to praise and worship, as expressed in the verse, is presented as a conscious act of aligning oneself with God's dwelling place and power.
Furthermore, the song elevates praise to the status of a weapon ("silaha ya sifa") for the day of battle ("siku ya vita"). This martial language reframes spiritual challenges as battles requiring spiritual armament. By choosing praise, the believer is portrayed as arming themselves, placing their trust not in their own might, but in God, who is described as undefeated ("usiyeshindwa"), the Saviour ("Mkombozi"), and the War General ("Jemedari wa vita"). This perspective transforms praise from a passive activity into an active engagement in spiritual warfare, fought under the command and power of God Himself.
"Shusha" ultimately serves as an inspirational anthem calling believers to action. It is a reminder that faced with insurmountable "walls," the response should be one of faith expressed through vibrant praise and worship. By positioning praise as the first step, a divine dwelling place, a spiritual weapon, and an act of trust in the invincible God, the song provides a compelling and biblically-rooted strategy for navigating life's difficulties, encouraging listeners to shout for joy in anticipation of seeing obstacles "torn down."