Lyrics
Chorus
Sema nami, sema nami
Sema na mimi, sema na moyo wangu
Sema nami, sema nami
Sema nami, sema na moyo wangu
Verse 1
Ulikuwepo toka mwanzo
Ulitangaza nchi juu ya maji
We wajua nisioyajua
Baba sema na moyo wangu
We wajua kuishi kwangu
Waelewa njia zangu
Nitendalo kwa siri wajua
Naomba nena na moyo wangu
Chorus
Sema nami, sema nami
Sema nami, sema na moyo wangu
Sema nami, sema nami
Sema nami, sema na moyo wangu
Verse 2
Chunguza nafsi yangu Bwana
Weka wazi makosa yangu
Ninataka kutubu Bwana, natamani kukaa nawewe
Usinifiche uso wako, sina mwingine wa kukimbilia
Mungu sema na mimi, sema na moyo wangu
Chorus
Sema nami, sema nami
Sema nami, sema na moyo wangu
Sema nami, sema nami
Sema nami, sema na moyo wangu
Verse 3
Halleluya aah Weee, sema na moyo wangu Bwana
Moyo wangu wakutamani, natamani roho wako
Natamani mguzo wako, naomba nena na moyo wangu
Nibadilishe nikufanane Mungu ninaomba
Usinipite Bwana, Yesu sema na moyo wangu
Chorus
Sema nami, sema nami
Sema nami, sema na moyo wangu
Sema nami, sema nami
Sema nami, sema na moyo wangu
Credits & Song Information
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“Sema Nami” by Lavender Obuya is a Swahili worship prayer whose title means “speak to me.” The chorus repeats “Sema nami, sema na moyo wangu,” asking God to speak to the singer and to the singer’s heart. The first verse recalls that God was there from the beginning, declared the earth over the waters, and knows what the singer does not know, even what is done in secret.
The second verse turns to repentance: search my soul, Lord, lay bare my faults, and do not hide Your face, since there is no one else to run to. This is close to Psalm 139:23-24 and Psalm 51, and the request for God to speak recalls 1 Samuel 3:10. The third verse asks to be changed to be like Him and not to be passed by, which echoes Genesis 18:3.
The repeated chorus gives the song a quiet, listening tone. Its message is a humble wish to hear God and be reshaped by Him.
Related Scripture
- Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart
- 1 Samuel 3:10 Speak, for your servant is listening
- Genesis 18:3 Do not pass by your servant