Lyrics
Ni mwaka mwingine tena (It is another year)
Nipepitia milima na mabonde (That I have passed through mountains and valleys)
Lakini tumevuka, (But we have passed)
Tumeshinda kwa neema yake (We have won by His Grace)
Siku yangu imefika (My day has arrived)
Na ninaimba Haleluya (And I sing Hallelujah)
Kubarikiwa sio mali (To be blessed is not riches)
Ni kunyenyekea (It is in submission)
Na kumpata Yesu (And finding Jesus) (Repeat)
Ni Yesu tu, sababu ya majira (It is Jesus, the reason for seasons)
Ni Yesu tu, twasherekea (It is Jesus, that we celebrate)
Ni Yesu tu, mkombozi wetu (It is Jesus, our Saviour)
Acha upendo wake utambae (Let his Love flow) X2
Mungu kapenda ulimwengu (For God loved the world)
Katupa mwanawe Yesu aje (That He gave His Son to come)
Kwa sababu yetu sisi (For our sakes)
Kwa upendo kutuokoa (By Love to save us)
Tumehurumiwa, basi wote tufurahie (We have been forgiven, let us all rejoice)
Kubarikiwa sio mali (To be blessed is not riches)
Ni kunyenyekea (It is in submission)
Na kumpata Yesu (And finding Jesus)
Umepata Yesu? Sema yeah (Have you received Jesus? Say Yeah!) X2
Amekuokoa? sema yeah (Has he saved you? Say Yeah!) X2
Upendo wa ajabu (utambae) (His great Love (let it flow))
Upendo wa Yesu (utambae) (The Love of Jesus (let it flow))
Wacha upendo wake utambae (Let his Love flow)
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“Upendo” celebrates another year of God’s sustaining grace through mountains and valleys. Its testimony of having crossed those difficulties leads directly to hallelujah, while the refrain defines blessing as humility and finding Jesus rather than possessing wealth. That contrast gives the song a clear center: life and celebration receive their meaning from Christ, the Savior.
The later verse draws directly on God’s love for the world and the gift of His Son. Love is therefore presented not merely as an emotion but as the source of rescue, mercy, and shared joy. The repeated call for Christ’s love to spread turns thanksgiving outward, inviting a public celebration of salvation. Its language closely echoes John 3:16 and also reflects the biblical connection between grace, redemption, and praise. By returning to “Ni Yesu tu,” the song keeps every victory and blessing anchored in Jesus rather than personal accomplishment.
Related Scripture
- John 3:16 The lyrics echo God’s love for the world and His gift of His Son.
- Ephesians 2:8-9 The song’s celebration of victory by grace reflects salvation as God’s gift.
- Philippians 2:9-11 The passage centers honor and confession on Jesus, matching the repeated focus on Him.