Neyi Zimu + Omega Khunou - Sefefo - Friends in Praise Lyrics
Lyrics
Verse
Utloa sefefo sa moea
(Hear the mighty winds blowing)
Le ho duma ha sona
(And the it’s thunder)
Tsoha re se re timela
(Wake up we are perishing)
Re pholose Morena
(Save us oh lord )
Jo dillo ha di mo tsose
(Even our cries can’t awaken him)
O sa ntse a robetse
(He is still asleep)
Me sekepe se tebile
( but the boat is drowning)
Jesu utlwa thapelo
(Jesus hear our prayer)
Chorus
A khalemela leoatle
(He rebuked the sea)
Khutsa hle
(Peace be still)
Sefefo sa ba sa thola
(The storm calmed down)
Kgothalang kgothalang X2
(Be courageous be courageous)
Verse
Morena metsi a matla
(Oh Lord the waters are strong)
A meleko a duma
(They are wicked and loud)
A patela pelo ya ka
(They attack my hearts)
Ke tebela ho ona
(I’m drowning in them)
Mahlomoleng a makalo
(In such sorrow)
Ke tla hoeletsa ho mang
(Who will I call to)
Ke bitsa ho wena Jesu
(I’ll call on you Jesus)
Wena thuso ya ba llang
(You are the help of those who cry)
Chorus
A khalemela leoatle
(He rebuked the sea)
Khutsa hle
(Peace be still)
Sefefo sa ba sa thola
(The storm calmed down)
Kgothalang kgothalang X2
(Be courageous be courageous)
Verse
Ahe maru a qhalane
(When the clouds are scattered)
Letsatsi le chabile
(The sun is up)
Mme pelo ya ka e bone
(And my heart has seen)
Pholoso ya Morena
(The salvation of the Lord)
Ke bea bophelo ba ka
( input my life)
Matsohong a hao Jesu
(In your hands Jesus)
U mphelehetse ka mehla
(Accompany every day)
Le ka tsatsi la lefu
(Even in the day of death)
Chorus
A khalemela leoatle
(He rebuked the sea)
Khutsa hle
(Peace be still)
Sefefo sa ba sa thola
(The storm calmed down)
Kgothalang kgothalang X2
(Be courageous be courageous)
Video
Friends In Praise - Sefefo Ft. Neyi Zimu & Omega Khunou Praise & Worship Song
Meaning & Inspiration
The song "Sefefo - Friends in Praise," a powerful collaboration between the late Neyi Zimu and Omega Khunou, made its impact on March 28, 2019. This release offers more than just music; it delivers a profound spiritual narrative, drawing us into an ancient story with deeply personal implications. Without relying on complex arrangements, the song's strength lies in its raw, honest exploration of faith amidst life's most turbulent moments.
At its core, "Sefefo" directly translates the biblical account of Jesus calming the storm, as recorded in Matthew 8, Mark 4, and Luke 8, into a contemporary plea for divine intervention. The song vividly recounts the disciples' terror as their boat is engulfed by a furious tempest, while Jesus rests peacefully. Their desperate cry, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" finds its echo in the opening lines, portraying a scene of overwhelming danger where human strength is utterly insufficient. This narrative isn't merely a recounting; it's an invitation to step into that same boat, experiencing the fear and then the awe of divine power.
The initial verses paint a picture of dire distress, speaking of "mighty winds blowing" and the "thunder" that accompany them, signifying the overwhelming nature of trials. The urgency escalates with the confession, "Wake up we are perishing," expressing a profound sense of helplessness as the "boat is drowning." Even the "cries can’t awaken him," emphasizing the perceived silence of God in moments of intense suffering. This mirrors the human experience of feeling abandoned or overlooked when facing insurmountable challenges. However, the chorus immediately shifts the atmosphere, proclaiming the miraculous intervention: "He rebuked the sea," asserting Jesus's absolute authority over chaos. The command, "Peace be still," brings instant tranquility, and "The storm calmed down," confirming the power of God's word. The repeated encouragement, "Be courageous," serves as a direct impartation of strength, reminding believers that the same power that quieted the physical storm is available for their spiritual battles.
Building upon the biblical foundation, the second verse masterfully transforms the literal storm into a metaphor for personal spiritual and emotional struggles. "Oh Lord the waters are strong," the song declares, identifying these as "waters of trials" that are "wicked and loud," assaulting the inner being. "They attack my heart" and lead to a feeling of "drowning in them," articulating a deep sorrow that often accompanies intense hardship. In these moments of profound vulnerability, the question arises, "Who will I call to?" The song provides the answer with resolute faith: "I’ll call on you Jesus," recognizing Him as "the help of those who cry." This segment offers immense comfort, affirming that in our most desperate hours, when overwhelmed by life’s currents, Jesus remains the steadfast anchor and source of relief, a concept beautifully illustrated in passages like Psalm 69:1-2, where the psalmist laments being engulfed by deep waters, yet still turns to God for salvation.
The song concludes with a powerful declaration of resolved faith and unwavering trust. Following the intervention and the acknowledgment of divine help, the imagery shifts from raging tempests to serene clarity: "When the clouds are scattered, the sun is up." This signifies the passing of the storm and the emergence of hope and understanding. "And my heart has seen the salvation of the Lord" is a testimony of personal encounter with God's deliverance, a deep realization that comes after enduring trials. The commitment that follows is absolute: "I put my life in your hands Jesus." This complete surrender is not born of desperation but of newfound conviction, trusting Jesus to "accompany every day" and "even in the day of death." This echoes the profound assurance found in Romans 14:8, where Paul states that whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. It transforms fear into an enduring peace, a peace Jesus Himself promised in John 14:27, showing that even when the path is dark, like the "valley of the shadow of death" (Psalm 23:4), His presence ensures courage and protection.
"Sefefo - Friends in Praise" is more than just a musical piece; it's a testament to unwavering faith and the transformative power of divine intervention. It speaks directly to the human condition of facing overwhelming adversity and the ultimate hope found in Christ. Neyi Zimu and Omega Khunou deliver a message that transcends language barriers, inviting everyone to lay down their fears and embrace the peace that comes from trusting the One who commands the wind and waves. The song stands as an encouraging anthem for anyone navigating their own storms, reminding them that courage is found in the presence of the Saviour, who is always ready to calm the sea and say, "Peace be still."