Lyrics
When Jesus came down; He came down from
Heaven
When He landed; He landed in Israel
But when there was trouble; He came down to
Africa
So we must praise Him; Praise Him in an African
way
There was a King whose name was Herod
He wanted to kill all the children
But then Jesus came down; He came down to
Africa
So we must praise Him; Praise Him in an African
way
None one could touch Him, ’cause He is the Son
of God
No one could kill Him, ’cause He is the King of
Kings
His name is Jesus, Jesus the Savior
So we must praise Him; Praise Him in an African
way
(Repeat)
Arise Africa arise!…
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
Praise Him in an African Way celebrates Jesus through the setting of the flight into Egypt. The lyrics move from heaven to Israel and then to Africa, turning the biblical account of escape from Herod into a call for distinctly African praise. Jesus is named as the Son of God, King of Kings, and Savior, so the geographical theme remains centered on his identity and worth.
Matthew 2:13-15 provides the direct background: Joseph takes the child and his mother to Egypt after an angel warns that Herod intends to kill him. The song compresses that account into simple, memorable lines and answers it with communal celebration. Revelation 19:16 also supports the title King of Kings used in the final section. The closing summons for Africa to arise broadens the response beyond one congregation, presenting worship as something expressed through local culture while honoring the same Christ described in Scripture.
Related Scripture
- Matthew 2:13-15 Joseph takes Jesus and Mary to Egypt to escape Herod, fulfilling the flight into Africa described in the song.
- Revelation 19:16 The passage gives Christ the title King of Kings and Lord of Lords.