Emily Kanchori - Kama Sio Wewe 1 Lyrics
Lyrics
Ulinijua toka tumboni mwa mama yangu mkono wako mkuu ukawa juu yangu ukanipenda hata pasipokukutambua ukanitoa mautini ukanifanya wako
Chorus kama sio wewe Yesu ningekuwa wapi? nashukuru Baba kwa upendo wako mkuu kama sio wewe Yesu ningekuwa wapi? nashukuru Baba kwa upendo wako mkuu
safari pamoja nawe sio mteremko milima mabonde umenikomboa Yesu uliahidi kutoniacha pekee yangu nashuhudia uaminifu wako kwangu
Chorus kama sio wewe Yesu ningekuwa wapi? nashukuru Baba kwa upendo wako mkuu kama sio wewe Yesu ningekuwa wapi? nashukuru Baba kwa upendo wako mkuu
safarini Baba nimekuita ukaitika safarini Baba machozi mengi umeyafuta nimejua Mungu ajibuye maombi nimepata rafiki asiyebadilika
Chorus kama sio wewe Yesu ningekuwa wapi? nashukuru Baba kwa upendo wako mkuu kama sio wewe Yesu ningekuwa wapi? nashukuru Baba kwa upendo wako mkuu
Video
Make it happen #Kanchori(1)
Meaning & Inspiration
Emily Kanchori’s "Kama Sio Wewe 1," released on October 13, 2019, is a powerful Swahili worship anthem that immediately resonates as a profound declaration of faith and dependence on Jesus. The song, identifiable by its tag #Kanchori(1), transcends mere musical expression to become a deeply personal testimony, inviting everyone who hears it into a space of heartfelt gratitude and unwavering conviction. It's a journey through the fundamental truths of the Christian walk, expressed with an earnestness that leaves a lasting impression long after the final notes fade.
The core message of "Kama Sio Wewe 1" delves into the breathtaking truth of God's sovereign knowledge and unconditional love, beginning with the acknowledgment, "Ulinijua toka tumboni mwa mama yangu" (You knew me from my mother's womb). This immediately brings to mind scriptures like Psalm 139:13-16, which speaks of God knitting us together and knowing our frame before we even existed, and Jeremiah 1:5, where the prophet is told he was known and set apart before birth. Kanchori beautifully articulates God's ever-present hand, "mkono wako mkuu ukawa juu yangu" (Your mighty hand was upon me), a comforting echo of Isaiah 41:10, assuring us that God's strong right hand upholds us. The lyrics further reveal a love that preceded recognition, "ukanipenda hata pasipokukutambua" (You loved me even when I didn't know You), a poignant reflection of Romans 5:8, where Christ died for us while we were still sinners. This love is redemptive, pulling us from spiritual peril and claiming us as His own, "ukanitoa mautini ukanifanya wako" (You delivered me from death and made me Yours), a truth vibrantly affirmed in Colossians 1:13-14, which celebrates our deliverance from darkness into the kingdom of His Son.
The repeated chorus, "kama sio wewe Yesu ningekuwa wapi? nashukuru Baba kwa upendo wako mkuu" (If it were not for You, Jesus, where would I be? I thank You, Father, for Your great love), forms the song's spiritual anchor. It’s a humble yet profound question that underscores absolute reliance on Christ, echoing Jesus' own words in John 15:5, "apart from me you can do nothing." This isn't a statement of weakness but of enlightened understanding—a recognition that every good thing, every step, every breath of spiritual life comes directly from God's immense love. It’s an act of worship that simultaneously testifies to God’s goodness and incites a deep sense of thanksgiving, drawing parallels to 1 John 4:9-10, where God's love is definitively demonstrated in the sending of His Son.
Kanchori then thoughtfully confronts the realities of the Christian journey, acknowledging that "safari pamoja nawe sio mteremko" (the journey with You is not a downhill slope). This honest admission resonates with the universal experience of believers, reminding us that following Christ doesn't exempt us from challenges; rather, as John 16:33 warns, "in this world you will have trouble." Yet, the power of the song lies in the immediate declaration of deliverance through these trials: "milima mabonde umenikomboa Yesu" (through mountains and valleys, You have redeemed me, Jesus). It's a testimony to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise, "uliahidi kutoniacha pekee yangu nashuhudia uaminifu wako kwangu" (You promised not to leave me alone, I testify to Your faithfulness to me). This assurance echoes Hebrews 13:5, "I will never leave you nor forsake you," and Matthew 28:20, "I am with you always, to the end of the age," offering immense comfort and strength to anyone navigating life's complexities.
The song culminates in a beautiful portrayal of God’s active engagement in our lives, particularly through prayer and solace. The lyrics affirm, "safarini Baba nimekuita ukaitika" (on this journey, Father, I called, and You answered), a powerful testament to God as the prayer-answering God, as promised in Jeremiah 33:3, "Call to me and I will answer you." It speaks to the countless times when sorrow and struggle have led us to His feet, only to find solace: "machozi mengi umeyafuta" (You have wiped away many tears). This image evokes Revelation 21:4, where God Himself will wipe away every tear. Finally, Kanchori declares, "nimejua Mungu ajibuye maombi nimepata rafiki asiyebadilika" (I have known a God who answers prayers, I have found a friend who never changes). This captures the essence of Jesus as the ultimate friend, who, unlike human companionship, remains constant and true, mirroring Hebrews 13:8, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." "Kama Sio Wewe 1" is not just a song; it's a profound theological statement, a personal confession, and an inspiring call to remember and celebrate God's unchanging love, faithfulness, and redemptive power in every aspect of our existence.