Lyrics
Intro
Solo: Hizi ni kilele za nini?
All: Hizi ni kalele za nini
Solo: Mmepigana vita gani?
All: Amepigana Bwana sio sisi
Chorus
Aiyee Aiyee Aiyee
Kelele za washindi
Aiyee Aiyee Aiyee
Bwana ametupigania
Aiyee Aiyee Aiyee
Ametupa kushinda
Verse
Solo: Mmepigana vita gani?
All: Amepigana Bwana sio sisi
Solo: Mmepigana vita gani?
All: Amepigana Bwana sio sisi
Bridge
Bwana ametupigania (Bwana ametupigania)
Ametupa ushindi (ametupa kushinda)
Bwana ametupigania (Bwana ametupigania)
Ametupa ushindi (ametupa kushinda)
Bwana ametupambania (Bwana ametupambania)
Ametupa ushindi (ametupa kushinda)
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“Kelele Za Ushindi” by Paul Clement is a Swahili song about the shouts of victory. It opens in call and response. The solo asks, “What are these shouts for?” and then, “What battle have you fought?” The group answers, “Amepigana Bwana sio sisi,” which means “The Lord has fought, not us.” That answer is close to Exodus 14:14, where the Lord fights for His people, and 2 Chronicles 20:15, where the battle belongs to God.
The chorus fills the answer with joyful cries, “Kelele za washindi,” the shouts of the victors, and repeats that the Lord has fought for them and given them the victory. The idea of victory as a gift is close to 1 Corinthians 15:57, which gives thanks to God for victory through the Lord Jesus Christ.
The last section repeats that the Lord has struggled for the singers and given them victory, with the echoing responses a choir would sing back. The song’s message is that victory belongs to God and the right response is to celebrate Him.
Related Scripture
- Exodus 14:14 The LORD will fight for you
- 2 Chronicles 20:15 The battle is not yours but God’s
- 1 Corinthians 15:57 Thanks to God who gives us the victory