Ruth Wamuyu - Mahindi Matananoga Lyrics
Lyrics
Ni gu kena, ni gukena Na kogooca Ihinda riri riamure Mahindi matananoga Ni gukene ni gukena Na kugooca Ihinda riri riamure Mahindi matananoga Tiga niwe tungiri ki ? Tungiri au Tungiitanagia nau Ithe wa maroho maitu Tiga niwe tungiri ki ? Tungiri au Tungiitanagia nau Ithe wa maroho maitu Ni gukena ni gukena Na kugooca Ihinda riri riamure Mahindi matana noga Ni gukena, ni gukena Na kugooca Ihinda riri riamure Mahindi matana noga
Owe mutuhei muoyo Muturori o mundu Ithenya riake Aka muhe igai riake Muturori o mundu Ithenya riake Aka muhe igai riake Ni gukena, ni gukena Na kugooca Ihinda riri riamure Mahindi matana noga Ni gukena, ni gukena Na kugooca Ihinda riri riamure Mahindi matananoga
Ndiui rucio gugakia atia No ndinama mwambiriria Wa wira nyu ndanogagio ni nii No ndinama mwambiriria Wa wira nyu ndanogagio ni nii Ni gukena ni gukena Na kugooca ihinda riri riamure Mahindi matana noga Ni gukena ni gukena Na kugooca ihinda riri riamure Mahindi matananoga Nima niekite maneneii manene Maundu matari monwo Mwathani munene Nima niekite maneneii manene Maundu matari monwo Mwathani munene Ni gukena ni gukena Na kugooca Ihinda riri riamure Mahindi matana noga Ni gukena ni gukena Na kugooca Ihinda riri riamure Mahindi matana noga Ni gukena ni gukena Ihinda riri riamure Mahindi matana noga Ni gukena ni gukena Na kugooca Ihinda riri riamure Mahindi matana noga
Video
Ruth Wamuyu - NI GUKENA (Official Video) [Skiza Code: 8567993]
Meaning & Inspiration
Ruth Wamuyu’s track, "Mahindi Matananoga," released in 2019, is a vibrant testament to unwavering faith and the power of praise, even in the face of life's unpredictable seasons. The Kamba lyrics, while poetic and rhythmic, resonate with a profound message of trust in God's timing and provision, echoing sentiments found throughout Scripture. The phrase "Mahindi matananoga" itself, translating to "corn that is not yet ripe" or "corn that has not yet produced," serves as a powerful metaphor for waiting, for the promise that is yet to manifest. This waiting period is not depicted as one of despair, but rather as an opportune time for worship and recognition of God's sovereignty.
The song's narrative centers on the act of rejoicing ("Ni gu kena, ni gukena") and praising ("Na kogooca") during these waiting periods. This aligns perfectly with the biblical injunction to give thanks in all circumstances, as St. Paul urges in 1 Thessalonians 5:18: "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." The lyrics further elaborate on this by stating, "Ihinda riri riamure," which signifies this is the appointed time, the season for such praise. This isn't a passive waiting, but an active engagement with faith. The repeated affirmation, "Tiga niwe tungiri ki? Tungiri au… Ithe wa maroho maitu" (Who is like you, O my Shepherd? Our Shepherd… Father of our souls), points directly to God's unique role as protector and sustainer, reminiscent of Psalm 23, which beautifully describes the Lord as a shepherd who guides and cares for His flock.
Wamuyu also touches upon the divine plan for each individual, with lines like "Owe mutuhei muoyo, Muturori o mundu, Ithenya riake, Aka muhe igai riake" (Give him life, a watcher of every person, his time, give him his portion). This speaks to God's meticulous ordering of our lives and His perfect knowledge of our needs and appointed times, a concept central to Ecclesiastes 3:1. The song acknowledges that the outcomes of our efforts may not be immediately apparent, as expressed in "Ndiui rucio gugakia atia, No ndinama mwambiriria, Wa wira nyu ndanogagio ni nii" (I don't know how it will turn out tomorrow, but I will start working, no matter how much effort is put in, I will gain). This highlights perseverance and the understanding that our labor is not in vain when undertaken with faith, a principle found in Galatians 6:9: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Ultimately, the song concludes with a powerful declaration of God's great deeds, "Nima niekite maneneii manene, Maunda matari monwo, Mwathani munene" (He has done great and mighty things, things unseen, Great Lord), reinforcing the belief in a God who works in ways beyond human comprehension, as promised in Isaiah 55:8-9: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." "Mahindi Matananoga" is an inspiring call to embrace the season of waiting with joyous worship, trusting in the unfailing faithfulness and perfect timing of our Heavenly Father.