Lyrics
Chorus (Repeat x4)
Karibu roho, mtakatifu tawala
Verse 1
Tuko hapa twakuita
Wewe Mungu mtakatifu
Ndio sasa tumekubali
Karibu, karibu, karibu
Verse 2
Ukatakase mioyo yetu, Eloi wee
Rudisha bubujiko mioyoni
Tupe kutambua neno la Mungu, Eloi
Karibu ooh, tuko tayari
Chorus (Repeat x4, "Ooh karibu roho")
Verse 3
Vipawa vyote, gharama zote
Tuko hapa tukingoja, hatuendi
Utujaze ujasiri
Karibu, karibu, karibu
Verse 4
Palipo vita utujulishe habari mapema
Maana siri zote unazijua sana
Hakuna kilichofichika kwako roho
Karibu, karibu, karibu
Chorus (Repeat x4)
Bridge
Aah, tufundishe kuomba
Tufundishe kutembea katika njia sawa
Tuongoze safarini, tujaze nguvu zako
Wewe rafiki na msaada wa karibu
Outro
Tutakase mioyo yetu
Tukumbushe yale yanayopasa, Wewe Bwana
Wewe mtendaji mkuu wa mambo ya rohoni
Tujaze nguvu zako, usituache njiani
Tembea nasi, Roho wa Mungu
Tembea nasi siku zote
Gusa maisha yetu, uwe kila kitu kwetu
Tamalaki mtakatifu, tamalaki Mungu
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
"Karibu Roho" ("Welcome, Spirit") is an extended invitation to the Holy Spirit, repeating the word "karibu" ("welcome") as its central posture of openness. Its opening verses describe a congregation actively calling on God and declaring readiness, framing the Spirit's presence as something invited and expected rather than assumed automatically.
Later verses ask for specific effects, purified hearts, renewed understanding of God's word, and courage to face spiritual conflict, describing the Spirit as one from whom nothing is hidden and who knows coming battles in advance. That combination, vulnerability paired with confidence in the Spirit's foreknowledge, shapes the song's tone as dependent trust rather than casual request.
A closing bridge shifts toward discipleship, asking to be taught to pray, to walk rightly, and to be led on life's path, naming the Spirit as friend and near helper. Rooted in Swahili charismatic worship tradition, the song functions as a sustained invocation, repeating its welcome throughout as an expression of total reliance on the Spirit's guidance and power.
Related Scripture
- John 14:26 Describes the Holy Spirit as teacher and helper sent by the Father, echoed in the song's request to be taught and guided.
- 1 Corinthians 2:10 Describes the Spirit searching all things, even the deep things of God, reflected in the song's declaration that nothing is hidden from the Spirit.