Neyi Zimu - Ufanelwe Lyrics
Lyrics
Ufanelwe ukubongwa(Lord we give thanks to you) Ufanelwe ukudunyiswa(Lord we Praise you) Nkosi Jesu Uyingcwele, akekho ofana nawe ( Lord you are Holy ,there is none like you)
Ezulwini izingelosi zidumisa ubukhulu buka Krestu, zikhothamela zithula nemichele(Angels in heaven Glorify you) zithu ufanelwe ubukhosi( They cry Holy that you deserve to be Glorified)
Bantu bonkhe masidumiseni, ubukhulu buka Somandla (nations,come let us praise Him) Sikhothame ,sicule nezingelosi sithufanelwe ubukhosi (Let us give Glorify Him together with the Angels) Ufanelwe ukubongwa(Lord we give thanks to you) Ufanelwe ukudunyiswa(Lord we Praise you) Nkosi Jesu Uyingcwele, akekho ofana nawe (Lord you are Holy, there is none like you)
Video
Neyi Zimu - Ufanelwe
Meaning & Inspiration
Neyi Zimu’s "Ufanelwe," released on January 1, 2013, as part of his profoundly impactful album *I Trust In You*, immediately establishes itself as a foundational anthem of praise. This song is not merely a collection of verses set to music; it is a theological statement, a direct, unequivocal declaration of God’s absolute worthiness of all adoration and glory. From its very first utterance, "Ufanelwe ukubongwa" (Lord we give thanks to you) and "Ufanelwe ukudunyiswa" (Lord we Praise you), the song grounds itself in the timeless truth that the Creator alone merits our complete reverence. It meticulously builds upon this foundation with the powerful affirmation, "Nkosi Jesu Uyingcwele, akekho ofana nawe" (Lord you are Holy, there is none like you), encapsulating the singular, unparalleled nature of Christ's divinity.
The core message of "Ufanelwe" is a solemn acknowledgment of God's inherent holiness and supremacy, echoing the foundational texts of Scripture that repeatedly call humanity to worship Him. When the song declares God worthy of thanks and praise, it directly channels the spirit of Psalm 100:4, which urges us to "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name." This isn't just an emotional response; it’s a commanded act, recognizing the source of all blessing and existence. The insistence that "Nkosi Jesu Uyingcwele, akekho ofana nawe" reverberates with the ancient declaration found in 1 Samuel 2:2, "There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God." This establishes God's unique identity, a truth that forms the bedrock of Christian theology, affirming His unparalleled position as sovereign and sacred.
Moving beyond earthly praise, "Ufanelwe" elevates our perspective to the heavens, reminding us that "Ezulwini izingelosi zidumisa ubukhulu buka Krestu" (Angels in heaven glorify you). This segment draws a direct line to the continuous, unceasing worship described in biblical visions, such as Isaiah 6:3, where seraphim cry out, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." It also aligns powerfully with the book of Revelation, particularly chapters 4 and 5, where heavenly beings ceaselessly declare, "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being" (Revelation 4:11). The song's portrayal of angels bowing and proclaiming, "ufanelwe ubukhosi" (you deserve to be glorified), provides a profound glimpse into the eternal throne room, painting a picture of worship that transcends time and space.
The song then extends an expansive, universal invitation: "Bantu bonkhe masidumiseni, ubukhulu buka Somandla" (Nations, come let us praise Him). This call resonates with prophetic declarations across the Old Testament, such as Psalm 66:4, "All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing the praises of your name," and Psalm 96:1-3, which commands, "Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth... Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples." It’s a compelling summons for all humanity to acknowledge and celebrate God's greatness, breaking down geographical and cultural barriers. The plea, "Sikhothame, sicule nezingelosi sithufanelwe ubukhosi" (Let us glorify Him together with the angels), encourages believers to join in this cosmic chorus, aligning their earthly worship with the unending praise of the heavenly host. This shared worship experience, bridging the seen and unseen, offers a profound sense of unity and purpose, drawing us closer to the divine realm described in Hebrews 12:22-24, where we come to "Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless thousands of angels in joyful assembly."
In essence, Neyi Zimu's "Ufanelwe" is a masterclass in theological worship. It is a potent reminder of God’s immutable nature as holy, worthy, and supreme, calling every individual and every nation into a posture of gratitude and praise. Through its deeply scriptural foundation and its earnest appeal, the song doesn't just invite us to sing; it invites us to *understand* the profound reality of God's character and our eternal purpose in relation to it. It encourages a life lived in constant acknowledgment of Christ's worthiness, fostering a spirit of reverence that transforms mundane existence into an ongoing act of worship, truly reflecting the unwavering trust articulated in the album's title, *I Trust In You*.