Solly Mahlangu + Soweto Gospel Choir - Wa Hambe Nate - Wahamba Nathi Oh siyabonga Lyrics
Lyrics
In Zulu
Wahamba nathi, Oh wahamba nathi
Oh wahamba nathi, siyabonga
Siyabonga Jesu, siyabonga Ngonyama Yezulu
Siyabonga Jesu, siyabonga
You walked with us, Oh you walked with us
Oh you walked with us, We thank you.
We thank you Jesus, we thank you Lion of Heaven
We thank you Jesus, we thank you
In Swahili
Tembea nasi, oh Tembea nasi,
Oh watembea nasi, twashukuru
Twashukuru yesu, twashukuru Simba wa Yuda
Twashukuru Yesu, twashukuru
In Venda
Vha tshimbila na rine, oh vha tshimbila na rine
Oh vha tshimbila na rine, ria livhuwa.
Ria livhuwa Yesu, ria livhuwa Khosi ya Mahosi
ria livhuwa Yesu, ria livhuwa
In Ghana
Wo ne y3n nam, oh wo ne y3n nam
Oh wo ne y3n nam, y3 da wo ase
Y3 da w’ase yesu, y3 da w’se Osoro Gyata
Y3 da w’ase yesu, y3 da w’ase
In Kamba
Waendie naitu, Oh waendie naitu
Oh waendie naitu, ni muvea
Ni muvea Yesu, ni muvea Munyambu wa Ituni
Ni muvea Yesu, ni muvea
In Luganda
Wagenda nafe, Oh wagenda nafe
Oh wagenda nafe, tukwebaza.
Tukwebaza Yesu, tukwebaza Mpologoma ye Gulu
Tukwebaza Yesu, tukwebaza
In Zimbabwe
WoFamba Nesu, WoFamba Nesu
WoFamba Nesu, Tinotenda
Tinotenda Jesu, Tinotenda Shumba Yedenga
Tinotenda Jesu, Tinotenda
Sotho(South Africa/ Lesotho):
Wa tsamaya le rona, oh wa tsamaya le rona
Oh wa tsamaya le rona, re a boka
Re a boka jesu, re a boka tlatlamathjolo
Re a boka jesu, re ya boka
Video
Solly Mahlangu - Siyabonga Jesu(Wa Hamba Nathi).mp4
Meaning & Inspiration
The deeply moving song "Wahamba Nathi Oh siyabonga" by Solly Mahlangu and the Soweto Gospel Choir, released on April 19, 2013, stands as a profound testament to divine presence and boundless gratitude. At its core, this piece is an expansive thank you, a collective declaration of appreciation for God’s unwavering companionship. The lyrical simplicity belies a profound theological depth, affirming that "You walked with us" is not merely a poetic flourish but a lived reality for those who trust in the divine. This central message of God's constant, abiding presence resonates with countless biblical assurances, echoing the promise in Matthew 28:20 where Jesus declares, "I am with you always, to the very end of the age," and the comfort found in Isaiah 43:2, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you." It's an anthem for every journey, every trial, and every triumph, reminding us that we are never truly alone.
The narrative woven through "Wahamba Nathi" is one of intimate relationship and sovereign power. The lyrics move seamlessly from acknowledging divine companionship to expressing direct thanks, repeatedly stating, "We thank you Jesus." This personal address underscores the Christian belief in Jesus Christ as the embodiment of God's presence among humanity, the very Immanuel, "God with us," foretold in Isaiah 7:14 and confirmed in Matthew 1:23. The song's genius lies in its multi-lingual presentation, transitioning between Zulu, Swahili, Venda, Twi, Kamba, Luganda, Shona, and Sotho. This intentional embrace of diverse African languages is not just a musical flourish; it is a powerful spiritual statement. It mirrors the Pentecost event in Acts 2, where people from every nation heard the Gospel in their own tongues, and prefigures the vision of heavenly worship in Revelation 7:9, where "a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb," offer praise. This linguistic diversity amplifies the message that God’s presence and salvation are universal, extending His loving walk to every corner of the earth and every heart that seeks Him.
Beyond the shared journey, the song elevates its praise by recognizing Jesus with majestic titles such as "Lion of Heaven," "Lion of Judah," and "King of Kings." These epithets are deeply rooted in Scripture, providing a robust foundation for the worship expressed. The reference to the "Lion of Judah" directly points to Revelation 5:5, which proclaims, "See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed." This powerful imagery asserts Christ’s authority, victory, and sovereign rule, reminding us of His power to overcome all obstacles and His rightful place as divine ruler. Similarly, calling Him the "King of Kings" (as seen in translations like "Khosi ya Mahosi" in Venda) aligns with verses like 1 Timothy 6:15 and Revelation 19:16, which ascribe ultimate sovereignty and dominion to God. This profound acknowledgment transforms the simple act of saying "thank you" into an act of complete surrender and adoration to a God who is not only intimately present but also supremely powerful. "Wahamba Nathi" is therefore more than a song; it's a vibrant tapestry of faith, gratitude, and reverence, inviting all who listen to reflect on God's enduring presence in their lives and to join in a universal chorus of thanks for the One who walks with us and reigns as King.