Vestine & Dorcas - Ihema Lyrics
Lyrics
Ubwo intambara zazaga umusubirizo
Nabonaga kwambuka ari ihurizo
Isoko y’indirimbo yari yarakamye
Umuraba ukambwira ko wantereranye
Erega nubwo ntakubonaga waruhari
Ahubwo nuko nari naguye isari
Mana waraje maze unkora ku mboni
Urandamira unkura mu usoni
Uri umwami utajya ubura uko ugira
Ni wowe ujya umpanagura amarira
Uhora umpisha aho umwanzi atagera
Abakwiringiye Bose urabimana
Chorus:
Uri Yhaweh naya mashimwe ni ayawe
Unkuye mu mwijima unyomoye inguma
Yesu we umbambiye ihema
Unkuye mu mwijima unyomoye inguma
Yesu we umbambiye Ihema.
Ubu sinkiri imbata y’ubwoba, umwami anshyize mu mababa,
uburinzi bwe burushije imbaraga inkubi y’ibindega.
Urongeye unyeretse imbabazi, unyeretse n’ubushobozi.
Umbohoye ingoyi nta kiguzi unkuye kuri uyu musozi.
Video
IHEMA- Vestine & Dorcas (Official Video 2025)
Meaning & Inspiration
The release of "Ihema" by Vestine & Dorcas on December 3rd, 2024, marks a powerful declaration of faith and deliverance. This song emerges from a place of profound struggle, as the lyrics vividly describe a period of overwhelming darkness and adversity, a time when "the battle came one after another" and "crossing over was a dilemma." The imagery of a dried-up source of song and a river failing signifies a deep spiritual and emotional drought, a feeling of abandonment where even the natural world seemed to have turned away. The singer confesses to being blinded, unable to see the divine presence that was, in fact, there all along, held back by their own despair. This relatable human experience of feeling lost and forsaken resonates deeply, setting the stage for the transformative intervention that follows.
The turning point in the narrative is the direct intervention of God, who "came and touched my eyes," bringing healing and lifting the singer from their sorrow. This is where the song truly unfurls its theological core, identifying God as "a king who always knows what to do," the one who wipes away tears and provides refuge where enemies cannot reach. The assurance that "all who trust in you, you provide for them" is a cornerstone of this message, directly echoing promises found throughout Scripture, such as in Psalm 37:3, "Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy its riches," and Isaiah 26:3, "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." The chorus, a powerful declaration of praise, proclaims, "You are Yahweh, these praises are yours. You brought me out of darkness, healed my wounds. Jesus, you who bore the cross, brought me out of darkness, healed my wounds. Jesus, you who bore the cross." This refrains from simply mentioning the cross but emphasizes the salvific act itself, highlighting Jesus' sacrifice as the ultimate source of liberation and healing. The song's title, "Ihema," which translates to "the cross" or "the burden" that Jesus bore, encapsulates the central theme: through His suffering, our deliverance is made possible.
The latter part of the song moves from past trauma to present freedom, stating, "Now I am no longer a slave to fear; the King has placed me under His wings." This powerful metaphor of protection is directly drawn from biblical imagery, particularly in Psalm 91:4, which assures, "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." The strength of this divine protection is declared to be greater than any earthly force, and the song celebrates God's unwavering mercy and power. The act of being "redeemed without cost" and brought "up from this mountain" speaks to a complete, unmerited salvation, a theme central to the Gospel message, as Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." Vestine & Dorcas have crafted a song that is not merely a musical offering but a profound testament to the redemptive power of Christ, reminding listeners that even in the deepest valleys of despair, there is a loving God who offers a path to healing and an unshakeable hope, all made possible through the sacrifice on the cross.