Lyrics
Usiku mtakatifu nyota zameremeta
Ni usiku wa uzawa wa mwokozi
Dunia yote wanamtukuza *
Hadi Yesu akaja kutukomboa aah
Tuna hili la kusimulia kote
Utukufu wake wachoza
Tu tushujudu sikia malaika .
UsiKu mkuu wa kuzaliwa Yesu kristo
Usiku mkuu, Usifu mtakatifu .
Kweli ametufunza sote kupendana
Injili yake ni amani
Minyororo yote ya utumwa imevunjwa
Kwa jina lake tutapata uhuru
Tenzi tamu kwa pamoja twainua
Tumsifu kwa roho zetu zote eeh .
Yesu ni mwema na milele tumsifu
Tutangaze utukufu uweza na utukufu wake
Tutangaze uweza na utukufu wake
Tusujudu sikia malaika .
Usiku mkuu wa kuzaliwa Yesu kristo
Usiku mtakatifu .
Notes
In 1847, Adolphe Adam wrote "O Holy Night" without knowing that it would become one of the greatest Christmas carols to be sang all over the world. He, certainly, did not know that in November, 2017 Reuben Kigame would celebrate his composition by translating the song into Kiswahili. We release this song to help the Swahili-speaking congregations around the world to sing the song with a new affection. We pray that what happened on that first Christmas night will well up in every heart afresh and remind us that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son so that WHOSOEVER believes should not perish but have everlasting life. Mr Kigame would love to hear from you in case you wish to make a commitment to believe in the Christ...In this video, Mr. Kigame collaborates one more time with Gloria Muliro but also involves the choir from St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Majengo, Eldoret, Kenya.
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“Usiku Mtakatifu” tells the Christmas story in Swahili through images of a holy night, shining stars, angels, worship, and the birth of the Savior. The song presents Christ’s arrival as good news for the world and a reason for adoration. Its recurring invitation to bow and listen to the angels keeps the nativity scene at the center, while repeated praise gives the piece the character of a congregational carol.
The later lines connect Jesus’ coming with love, peace, freedom, and reconciliation. Chains are pictured as broken, and worshipers are called to raise songs together and proclaim Christ’s glory and power. Those themes align with the angelic announcement in Luke 2, where the birth of the Savior brings glory to God and peace, and with the Gospel’s declaration of God’s love in giving his Son. The song ultimately moves from narration to shared praise, celebrating Christ’s birth as an event worthy of reverence and proclamation.
Related Scripture
- Luke 2:8-14 Angels announce the Savior’s birth at night and proclaim glory to God and peace.
- John 3:16 The verse describes God’s love in giving his Son so that believers may have eternal life.
- Galatians 5:1 Paul describes the freedom Christ gives and urges believers not to return to slavery.