Lyrics
Verse 1
Macho yangu, nayainua,
Nibadilishe, Unibariki,
baraka zako, haina huzuni,
nizakudumu milele amina
Chorus
Baba naomba, kubarikiwa nawe,
sitoki hapa usiponibariki
Baba naomba, kubarikiwa nawe,
sitoki hapa usiponibariki
Verse 2
ukabadilisha, Yakobo jina ukamwita,
isreael maana yake, kubarikiwa
nami naomba kubarikiwa nawe.
Chorus
Baba naomba, kubarikiwa nawe,
sitoki hapa usiponibariki
Baba naomba, kubarikiwa nawe,
sitoki hapa usiponibariki
Verse 3
Ninapokutazama utanininua,
Ninapokutazama utanibariki,
Ninapokutazama sitaogopa kamwe,
Sitoki hapa bila uguso wako.
Chorus
Baba naomba, kubarikiwa nawe,
sitoki hapa usiponibariki
Baba naomba, kubarikiwa nawe,
sitoki hapa usiponibariki
Verse 4
Ukinigusa nimebarikiwa,
Uguso wako, ni baraka kwangu,
ulimgusa Batholomayo akaona,
Ndipo nasema, nataka uguso wako.
Sitoki hapa usinibariki.
Chorus
Baba naomba, kubarikiwa nawe,
sitoki hapa usiponibariki
Baba naomba, kubarikiwa nawe,
sitoki hapa usiponibariki
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“Baba Naomba Kubarikiwa Nawe” is a Swahili prayer that means “Father, I ask to be blessed by You.” Its refrain, “sitoki hapa usiponibariki” (I will not leave here unless You bless me), is a plain statement of persistence in prayer. The verses ask to be changed and blessed, and they recall how Jacob was given a new name, with a mention of Israel and its link to being blessed.
The third verse speaks of looking to God: looking at Him brings lifting up, blessing, and freedom from fear. The last verse turns to the touch of God, saying that being touched is being blessed, and it names Batholomayo, who after being touched could see.
The wording is close to Genesis 32:26, where Jacob says he will not let go until he is blessed, and the healing recalls Matthew 20:34, where Jesus touches the eyes of two blind men who then see. The song keeps its focus on a single request, to receive God’s blessing and touch.
Related Scripture
- Genesis 32:26-28 Jacob will not let go until blessed and is given the name Israel
- Matthew 20:34 Jesus touches the eyes of blind men and they see
- Numbers 6:24-26 The Lord bless you and keep you