Neema Gospel Choir + Paul Clement - Sijawahi Shinda Lyrics

“Sijawahi Shinda” is a Swahili song by Neema Gospel Choir and Paul Clement that rests on the confession “Bwana ni nguvu zangu,” the Lord is my strength. The lyric places that strength on every side: on the right, on the left, and all around, as the line “kila upande, unanizingira” says He surrounds the singer. The picture is of protection that leaves no gap.

The turning point is the plain admission “Mimi bila wewe, siwezi,” without You I cannot. The later lines, “Sijawahi waza bila wewe,” speak of never having thought of going on without Him, so the song becomes a statement of dependence as much as praise. The mood is quiet trust rather than triumph.

The themes are close to Psalm 118:14, Psalm 32:7 and John 15:5, and the message of the song is that strength, shelter, and ability all come from the Lord alone.