Joyous Celebration - Bengingazi Lyrics

Joyous Celebration - Bengingazi (Live at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban, 2016)

Bengingazi Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Joyous Celebration's song "Bengingazi," performed live at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban in 2016 and released on April 1, 2016, is a powerful expression of gratitude and awe towards divine love and sacrifice. The title itself, "Bengingazi," translates to "I did not know," setting the stage for a revelation or realization about the depth of this love. The performance captured in the video highlights the group's signature energetic and heartfelt worship style, characteristic of their large-scale gospel concerts.

The lyrics convey a profound sense of surprise and thankfulness for the extent of the love shown by the Saviour. The opening lines express astonishment at the depth of this love, specifically mentioning the sacrifice of life. The phrase "Inani legaz' owang'thenga ngalo liphakeme" translates to "The price of the blood with which You bought me is high." This imagery points directly to the Christian belief in redemption through the blood of Christ, emphasizing its immeasurable value. The realization that the individual can never adequately express their gratitude for this immense cost underscores the magnitude of the gift received.

The song continues by acknowledging dependence on the Saviour. The lines "Ngiyabonga ngothando lwakho onginike lona Msindisi wami" mean "Thank You for Your love that You gave me, my Saviour." The subsequent declaration, "Ngab' angikho, ngab' angilutho ngaphandle kwakho," translating to "I would not exist, I would be nothing without You," and "Impilo yam' ayilutho ngaphandle komusa wakho," meaning "My life is nothing without Your grace," articulate a deep understanding that one's existence and worth are entirely dependent on divine love and grace. This reflects a core message of humility and reliance on a higher power.

Further emphasizing the sacrificial act, the lyrics state, "Wang' thwalela wedw' umqhele wameva," which means "You alone carried the crown of thorns for me." This directly references the suffering of Christ before crucifixion. The subsequent lines, "Oh! Hawu lobo buhlungu owabuzwa," meaning "Oh! The pain You felt," highlight the emotional and physical suffering endured. The question "Ang' soze ngaz' ukuthi wabonani kimina," translating to "I will never know what You saw in me," reflects the worshipper's sense of unworthiness and inability to comprehend why such a sacrifice was made for them. However, the certainty is found in the result: "Kodw' engikwaziyo ukuthi ung' sindisile," meaning "But what I know is that You saved me."

The song's message aligns closely with several key biblical themes. The sacrifice of life and the shedding of blood for redemption echo verses like John 3:16, which speaks of God's love in giving His only Son, and 1 Peter 1:18-19, which states that believers were redeemed not with perishable things but with the precious blood of Christ. The theme of salvation through grace, not works, is central, reflecting Ephesians 2:8-9. The emphasis on God's love despite human unworthiness resonates with Romans 5:8, which highlights that Christ died for us while we were still sinners.

The repetitive and emotive nature of the vocalizations and the group's dynamic live performance amplify the song's message of awe and worship. The setting of a large stadium like Moses Mabhida allows for a communal expression of faith, where the energy of the performers and the audience converge in a shared moment of reflection on divine love and salvation. "Bengingazi" serves as a powerful reminder of the foundational sacrifice in Christianity and the profound impact of realizing the depth of that unconditional love, inspiring listeners to respond with heartfelt gratitude and humble dependence.