Nashukuru Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Martha Mwaipaja's song "Nashukuru," featuring Boaz K, released on February 19, 2020, is a powerful anthem of gratitude rooted in a profound experience of deliverance and divine faithfulness. The title itself, meaning "I Thank," sets the stage for a heartfelt expression of thankfulness to God and Jesus. The central theme revolves around a transformation from deep suffering and hardship to overwhelming joy and peace, attributing this change solely to God's intervention. The repetitive chorus, "Nakushukuru Mungu, Asante Yesu," serves as a foundational declaration of thanks that underpins the entire narrative of the song.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of past trials, described as days filled with "machozi ya uchungu sana" (tears of great pain) and "machozi ya mateso sana" (tears of great suffering). The singer recounts kneeling in prayer and facing difficult circumstances. This past struggle is sharply contrasted with the present reality of shedding "machozi ya furaha" (tears of joy) and "machozi ya shangwe" (tears of gladness). The transition is so complete that the singer is moved to repeatedly question how to adequately express the magnitude of God's help and deliverance, asking rhetorical questions like "Mahali umenisaidia niseme nini?" (Where You have helped me, what shall I say?) and "Mahali umenivusha niseme nini mimi?" (Where You have brought me across, what shall I say?).
A key moment in the song is the declaration, "Umbali umenileta wewe ni Ebenezer kwangu" (The distance You have brought me, You are Ebenezer to me). This directly references the biblical concept found in 1 Samuel 7:12, where Samuel set up a stone after Israel's victory over the Philistines, calling it Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far the Lord has helped us." The inclusion of this term signifies that the singer views God's intervention not as a one-time event but as a continuous process of help that has brought them to their current place of safety and peace. It acknowledges God's consistent support through the journey, emphasizing His role as the ultimate provider and guide.
Boaz K's verses complement Martha Mwaipaja's testimony, adding another layer to the song's message of divine presence and aid during difficulties. He speaks of God being present when passing through "bonde" (valley) and during a "safari ilipokuwa ndefu" (when the journey was long). He affirms that God was with him during "kila dua niliyopiga" (every prayer I made), reiterating the theme of God's unwavering support and responsiveness. His part also touches on overcoming doubt and negative pronouncements from others ("Wengi walishasema eti mimi siwezi" - Many said I cannot), attributing his ability to God's grace. The sense of miraculous rescue is palpable, with lyrics expressing wonder at how God pulled them out of the "shimo" (pit) and the "mtego" (trap), leading to a state of being "salama" (safe) and "nimepona" (I am healed/recovered). This feeling of unexpected deliverance culminates in the admission, "Sina hata cha kusema nimejikuta niko hivi, Yesu umenishangaza" (I have nothing even to say, I just found myself like this, Jesus You have amazed me).
The song's narrative of moving from affliction to celebration through God's grace resonates deeply with biblical themes found in various scriptures. Passages like Psalm 30, where the psalmist turns mourning into dancing after God's deliverance, or Psalm 40, which speaks of being lifted out of a pit, echo the sentiment expressed in "Nashukuru." Similarly, the New Testament speaks extensively about overcoming trials through faith and giving thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). The song serves as a musical testimony, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own journeys, acknowledge God's faithfulness, and express profound gratitude for His help and deliverance, recognizing Him as their Ebenezer who has brought them thus far.
![Nashukuru Lyrics - Martha Mwaipaja]()
