Evelyn Wanjiru - Utukufu Lyrics

Evelyn Wanjiru- Utukufu (Live)

Utukufu Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Evelyn Wanjiru's song "Utukufu," captured in a live performance released on December 1, 2021, is a powerful expression of worship centered on themes of God's unwavering goodness and the act of rendering all glory to Him. The title itself, "Utukufu," is a Swahili word meaning "Glory," immediately setting the tone for the song's devotional focus. The repetition within the lyrics emphasizes the core message, creating a meditative and immersive worship experience, especially evident in a live setting where congregational participation is often encouraged.

The song opens with a heartfelt declaration acknowledging God's profound goodness, stating an inability to fully articulate the depth of this experience. This sentiment is a common thread in many faith traditions, reflecting the belief that divine grace and favor are often beyond human comprehension or expression. The recurring phrase "Umekuwa mwema kwangu, nashindwa kueleza" (You have been good to me, I fail to explain) underscores this deeply personal testimony of God's faithfulness and kindness in the life of the worshipper. The interjection "Eeh bwana" (Oh Lord) serves as a simple yet potent affirmation and direct address to the divine.

The central focus shifts to the corporate act of worship, where the declaration is made to give God "Utukufu wote Baba" (All the glory, Father) and "Mamlaka yote Baba" (All the authority, Father). This relinquishing of all praise and control back to the divine is a fundamental aspect of many worship practices. The structure of the song, with main lines followed by a response, likely facilitated participation during the live recording, turning the declaration into a shared act of surrender and adoration. Verses like Psalm 29:2, "Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness," or Revelation 4:11, "Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created," resonate strongly with this theme of giving God all glory and authority.

The lyrics also touch upon the theme of expansion and grace, with lines like "Umepanua mipaka, natembea kwa neema" (You have expanded boundaries, I walk by grace). This speaks to the belief in God's intervention in one's life to bring about growth, progress, and freedom from limitations, attributing such blessings not to personal effort but to divine grace. The act of worshipping is further described through physical expressions such as lifting hands ("Na mikono nainua/tunainua") and raising voices ("Na sauti twazipana/zetu Baba"), traditional postures of surrender, reverence, and praise found in many biblical accounts and contemporary worship settings (e.g., Psalm 134:2, "Lift up your hands to the sanctuary and praise the Lord"). The repeated emphasis on "Utukufu wote" towards the end serves as a powerful, lingering affirmation of the song's core message – total glory belongs to God.