Kenyan Gospel Singer Florence Andenyi - "Kibali" (video, lyrics, & comments)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post showcases a YouTube video of "Kibali" by Kenyan Gospel singer Florence Andenyi.

Swahili lyrics for this song are given in this post with English translations. This post also included selected comments from the discussion thread for these lyrics and from the showcased video's discussion thread.

The content of this post is presented for religious, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.

In addition to this song and its video, I'm particularly interested in learning some Swahili words to English from Google's translations. However, I've added some suggested alternative standard English translations for some of the results of those translations.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to Florence Andenyi for composing and singing this Gospel song. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to the publisher of this video on YouTube.

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SHOWCASE VIDEO: Florence Andenyi - KIBALI (Official Video)



M-TOWN PRODUCTION, Published on Aug 30, 2014
-snip-
English definitions for the Swahili word "kibali" (as found in comments in this video's discussion thread) = approval; permission, consent, favor

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LYRICS: KIBALI
"Kibali (Approval) Lyrics by Florence Andenyi

(Sung in Swahili)

Baba naomba kibali Chako (Father I ask for Your approval)
Yesu naomba ushirika Wako (Jesus I pray for Your fellowship)
Masiya naomba kibali Chako (Messiah I pray for your approval)
Kibali Chako, kwa uimbaji wangu (Your approval for my singing)
Kibali Chako, kwa huduma yangu (Your approval for my ministry)

Nishikilie nisianguke Baba (Father Hold me that I may not fall)
Natamani nikae na wewe maishani (I desire to abide with Youu in life)
Ninapoimba uwepo wako ushuke Baba (When I sing, may your presence come)
Nisiwe na kiburi ndani yangu nitumie Baba
(That I should not harbour any boast, use me Father)
Kama ndabihu iliyosafi Mbele zako, nitumie Yesu
(As a worthy offering before You, use me Jesus)

Naona mbingu zikifunguka katika kuabudu (I see the heavens open in worship)
Naona sifa zikitanda dunia yote (I see praises spreading across the world)
Najitoa kama dhabihu nitumie Baba (I give myself as an offering, use me Father)
Wewe ni mwema sana umetukuka (You are good, You are exalted)
Hakuna kama wewe (There is no one like you)
Wewe ni mwema sana umetukuka (You are good, You are exalted)
Hakuna kama wewe (There is no one like you)

Naona mbingu zikifunguka katika kuabudu (I see the heavens open in worship)
Naona sifa zikitanda dunia yote (I see praises spreading across the world)
Naona mbingu zikifunguka katika kuabudu (I see the heavens open in worship)
Naona sifa zikitanda dunia yote (I see praises spreading across the world)

Nishikilie nisianguke Baba (Father hold me that I may not fall)
Ukiniacha nitamezwa na dunia (If you abandon me, I’ll be swallowed by the world)
Naomba unishikilie wokovu wangu (I pray for You to hold my salvation)
Naomba unishikilie imani yangu (I pray for You to hold my faith)

Achilia kibali chako ndani yangu (Release your approval within me)
Achilia uwepo wako ndani yangu (Release your presence within me)
Achilia ushindi wako juu yangu (Release your victory on me)
Achilia amani yako juu yangu (Release your peace on me)
Achilia kibali chako ndani yangu (Release your approval within me)
Achilia uwepo wako ndani yangu (Release your presence within me)

(Verse 1)

Naona mbingu zikifunguka katika kuabudu (I see the heavens open in worship)
Naona sifa zikitanda dunia yote (I see praises spreading across the world)
Naona mbingu zikifunguka katika kuabudu (I see the heavens open in worship)
Naona sifa zikitanda dunia yote (I see praises spreading across the world)"

-snip-
Here are two comments from this page's discussion thread:
Alice, Apr 21, 2016
"Thanks for the lyrics but kibali sio approval ni favor"
-snip-
Swahili
"sio" = "no"
-snip-
"Ni" = "it is"

**
REPLY
Barak, Feb 21, 2018
"It all means the same."

Source: https://africangospellyrics.com/2015/10/07/kibali-approval-lyrics-by-florence-andenyi/

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SELECTED COMMENTS FROM THIS VIDEO'S DISCUSSION THREAD
-snip-
Here are selected comments from this sound file's discussion thread, with numbers assigned for referencing purposes only:
2016
1. emmy onu
"A Lovely and touching song, even though I hardly understand a single word... But I love it... More grease and God bless.. Flo... from Nigeria"
-snip-
I think that "more grease" in this comment comes from the American saying "more grease to your elbow", meaning "keep up the good work".

Although emmy onu didn't specifically for an explanation about this song, several commenters from Nigeria, and from Ghana did ask for such an explanation. I read most of the comments in Kibali's YouTube comment thread and, in spite of the fact that a number of commenters asked in English what the song meant, no one responded to those requests even though there were commenters whose names suggested that they were East African and who wrote statements in English about that song.

That lack of response to what certainly appeared to me to be sincere, respectful requests for a general statement about what the song meant, if not an actual translation (in English) of the actual lyrics, appears to be different from such responses in other YouTube contemporary African music discussion threads. In some of those discussions that I've come across, mostly for Nigerian songs, a number of people responded to such requests by posting a general summary of the song if not a partial or complete translations of those songs' lyrics.

Is this response for this Kenyan song typical of YouTube discussion threads for contemporary Kenyan (or Swahili) music videos? Could this lack of response mean that Kenyans (or Swahili) speakers prefer that only people who speak Swahili post on their music threads?

Read comment #36 which refers to this subject of including English translations of Swahili language songs.

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2. Wambua Daniel
"Am always blessed when I listen to this song ,Keep it up Florence,"
-snip-
I've seen the statement "Keep it up" in a lot of YouTube contemporary African music discussions threads. I think that statement is a short form of "Keep up the good work". To my knowledge, "Keep it up" isn't used the same way in the United States. Instead, in the USA, if someone says "Keep it up" it's likely to be warning that that person will face negative consequence if he or she continues to do or say what prompted that statement.

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2017
3. Anne Mmbone
"wow so amazing napenda this siz of my may THE LORD ALMIGHTY keep you going"
-snip-
Google translation from Swahili to English:
"napenda"= I liked
-snip-
I've also seen "napenda" elsewhere translated as "I love".

The words "siz of my" = "my sister".

This is one example of several comments that included an alternative spelling of the word "sis" which isn't used in the United States, although some other vernacular words might substitute a "z" for a "s".]

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4. Akello Violet
"Nishikilie nisianguke baba"
wonderful job well done sister, bwana asifiwe .....may He bless ur ministry.
-snip-
Google translation from Swahili to English:
"Nishikilie nisianguke baba" Let me not forget my father with "father" here meaning God.

"bwana asifiwe" = "Praise the Lord"

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5. Maryam Al
"barikiwa sana"
-snip-
Google translation from Swahili to English= "very pleased"

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6. Martha Arthur
"Pls sis i love your songs but i don't understand .Pls translate particular one for me thanks.Ghana."

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7. Amos Oduor
"The first time I heard this song it was her voice that stood out. I love the simplicity and sincerity of the song. Stay grounded and may God bless you."

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8. rebecca kanini
"I'm blessed by this song. Surely i need God's favor

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9. Dan Wafula
"this is how gospel supposed to be sung"

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10. mutuku clinton
"This is what the GOSPEL entails. Let other Gospel singers emulate the same. Don't Sing for the sake of singing. The song always touches my life. Glory to GOD"

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11. Dominic Obunaka
"Big tune dada, keep it up"
-snip-
Google translation from Swahili to English: "dada" = "sister"

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12. Githumbi john
"Kibali chake tu ndiyo kinaweza kutuinuwà,nimebarikiwa my sis, God anoint u even more
-snip-
Google translation from Swahili to English: "Only his consent is possible, I have been blessed".

**
13. Caroline Nyanga
"This is one of the best Kenyan gospel songs i have heard. God bless you Andenyi. Keep up the spirit for the glory of God. Personally I am so proud of you. Once again God bless you abandantly. This is one of the reasons He created us to worship Him."

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14. Tabitha Namayi
"Amen dada"
-snip-
Google translation from Swahili to English for the word "dada"= "sister"

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15. John Nganga
"achilia kibali chako...
-snip-
Google translation from Swahili to English.
"let down your permit"
-snip-
My suggested alternative English translation: "Let down your favor; grace? [upon me/us]".

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16. julia kurgat
"Im always touched by your songs and when I am down I listen they really help thanks and God bless you.

**
17. Pendaely Mungure
"Wow Unanifanya ni msifu Mungu wangu mda wote"
-snip-
Google translation from Swahili to English
"You make me worship my God all the time"

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18. Peter Kingori
"Wow! I did not know this song bird has such great prodcut. the setting humbles me and remings me of my childrnehoold days when we used to assist mother peel the mboco and minji. Oh she has made me nostalgic....not sure how i can make sue i contribute to her success. God bless her."

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19. Sherylin Geoffrey
"Naomba kibali chako daddy"
-snip-
Google translation from Swahili to English: "I request your approval daddy." [with "daddy" here meaning Father God]

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20. Isaac Nato
"I love the song too much . It's actually good gospel 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
-snip-
"too much" = very much

I've seen this positive meaning of "too much" in some other YouTube African music discussion threads. That meaning is different from how "too much" is usually used in the United States. Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2017/10/the-positive-uses-of-too-much-or-too.html for the pancocojams post entitled "The Positive Use Of "Too Much" Or "Too + An Adjective" In West African Pidgin English"

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21. Purity Manthi
"Naomba kibali bwana"
-snip-
Google translation from Swahili to English: "Naomba kibali bwana= I beg the master"
-snip-
My suggested standard English: "I fervently ask the Master (God) for his approval (favor; grace?)."

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22. Fauster Matiko
"can't get enough of listening to this song baba naomba kibali chako naona bingu zikifuka. Mungu akubariki kwa wimbo mzuri.
Unanibariki sana
-snip-
Google translation from Swahili to English:
"Daddy ask for your permission and see the thunderstorm. God bless you for a good song.


You really bless me"

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23. Faith Carol
"This is my wake up alarm song, I wake up to pray each morning. I love it."

**
24. esther awino
"hiyo song inaguza sana....keep it up Florence my God bless u"
-snip-
Google translation from Swahili to English:
hiyo= "that"

"inaguaza sana" = very painful
-snip-
My suggested alternative translation for "inaguaza sana" very touching; very emotionally moving

**
25. Miriam Mndeme
"Mungu naomba achilia kibali chako kazini kwangu kwenye ndoa yangu kwenye huduma yangu mahali pangu pa kuishi juu ya Afya yangu Yesu naomba ushirika katika maisha yangu ninayo ishi hapa duniani mpk utakapo nichukua
-snip-
Google translation from Swahili to English
"I beg God to let your work work on me in my marriage in my ministry my place to live on My Health Jesus I ask for a partnership in my life here on earth when you take me"

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26. Things Of Essence
"I seldom listen to Kenyan Gospel Music, but this one held me - not once not twice - I haven't had enough of it. Thanks Florey!"

**
27. Hillary Lukase
"I like the song..... Big up
-snip-
Here's a definition of the term "Big up" from https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=big%20up:
"big up
(noun) origin - jamaican 1980s. singular and plural.
1. An expression of support or encouragement.
2. An expression of remembrance.

origin - "Up" is an english term used to mean elevation. Therefore the term "big up" literally means to elevate highly or to a superlative degree.
"I want to big up everyone who has shown me support over the years."
"Big up on that excellent performance"
by neochin June 17, 2004"

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28. Naaman Kilonzo
"Mungu akubariki"
-snip-
Google translate from Swahili to English: "God bless you"

**
29. Caroline Nangila
"God bless you siz for blessing my heart and many more.lov u"
-sip-
“Siz” may be a typo for “sis” meaning “sister”. However, there were several other comments with this spelling, suggesting that this may be a vernacular custom in Kenya or elsewhere (but not that I'm aware of in the United States.)

**
30. Charles Siele
"Naona mbingu zikifunguka katika kuabudu
Naona sifa zikitanda dunia yote" May it come to pass Florence.
What a voice, what a gosple message!"
-snip-
Google translate from Swahili to English
"I see the heavens open in worship
I see attributes all over the world"
-snip-
These are lyrics from that song.

**
31. Ezra Misaki
"I like the local natural environment that shows real life. But also the song is interesting and good when resting under a big tree"

**
32. Mary Mwendwa
"nice song florence. your songs are blessing to me. mungu akupe kibali uendeleze injili."
-snip-
Google translation from Swahili to English: "God grant you permission to continue the gospel."

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2018
33. Moses Nko
"Be BLEASSED.I real like your songs particularly KIBALI.Ubarikiwe sana
-snip-
Google translation of "Ubarikiwe sana" from Swahili to English: "Be very blessed"

**
34. Osmond J
"There are many lovely things in life and florence's music is one those things!! Beautiful!! And so is she!!"

**
35. simple lady Liz
"Baba naomba kibali chako"
-snip-
Google translation from Swahili to English: "Father, I beg your permission."

**
36. hellen chihana
"These songs always try to translate in english.They have a message which can change people's lives."
-snip-
I agree that publishers of Swahili language (and other African languages) songs on YouTube should include a general statement in English (or in other major languages such as French or Spanish) about these Swahili Gospel songs.

**
37. martin sakwa
"In Kenya luhyas a always blessd with sweet voices they dont force it.Love this song"
-snip-
This comment implies that Florence Andenyi is a member of the Luhya ethnic group. Here's information from about the Luhyas ethnic group from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luhya_people:
"The Luhya (also known as Abaluyia or Luyia)[2] are a Bantu ethnic group in Kenya.[3] They number about 5.3 million people according to the 2009 census, being about 16% of Kenya's total population of 38.5 million, and are the second-largest ethnic group in Kenya.[1]

Luhya refers to both the people and their language. There are 18 (and by other accounts, 19, when the Suba are included) tribes that make up the Luhya. Each with a distinct dialect. The word Luhya or Luyia in some of the dialects means "clan", and Abaluhya (Abaluyia) thus means "people of the clan". Other translations are "those of the same hearth."".

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The Gospel Song "Moyoni Mwangu" As Sung By Two East African Seventh Day Adventist Choirs

Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post showcases two renditions of the Swahili Gospel song "Moyoni Mwangu" sung by two Seventh Day Adventist Choirs: Ambassadors Of Christ Choir (Rwanda) and The Morning Star Choir (Bugema University, Kampala Uganda).

The Swahili lyrics to this song and their English translations are also included in this post.

The content of this post is presented for religious, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who are associated with and The Morning Star Choir (Bugema University, Kampala Uganda). Thanks also to producers and publishers of these videos on YouTube. Thanks also to commenter genubi for transcribing the Swahili lyrics for this song and their English translations.

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WHAT IS THE ENGLISH TRANSLATION FOR THE SWAHILI PHRASE "MOYONI MWANGU"?
Google translate's translation feature from Swahili to English indicates that "Moyoni mwangu" means "my moon". That same result is given by the translation feature at https://www.wordhippo.com/what-is/dynamic-translation/00b22ef138ba86ee251fdbbd1f8ed5e803c7c890.html.

However, both sites give "I Have a Song in My Heart" as the Swahili to English translation for the title for another YouTube video "Nina Wimbo Moyoni Mwangu" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5ZETN5kC6s. Also, the transcription for the lyrics that are given below give the first words as "in my heart". Therefore, it seems to me that "In My Heart" is a more likely title for this song that "My Moon."

If that second translation is correct, why was the translation "my moon" given for that phrase?

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LYRICS: MOYONI MWANGU
(composer?)

Moyoni mwangu ninashukuru jina lake Bwana
Na roho yangu inafurahi sababu ya pendo lake
Alitupenda sisi wanadamu, ooh alitupenda
Akamtuma Yesu mwanawe, aje atuokoe
O Mungu wangu …
*
Mungu wangu Bwana wangu, ulipenda ulimwengu
Ukamtuma mwana wako Yesu aje atukomboe
Na si tunakushukuru, sababu ya pendo lako
*
Tangu sasa watu wa dunia wamushukuru Mungu
Ametimiza ahadi yake, kweli ametupendeza
Pendo lake halina kipimo, ooh alitupenda
Bila shaka ametuokoa tumwimbie kwa shangwe
O Mungu wangu …
*
Mungu wangu Bwana wangu, ulipenda ulimwengu
Ukamtuma mwana wako Yesu aje atukomboe
Na si tunakushukuru, sababu ya pendo lako
*
In my heart I glorify the name of the Lord
And my soul rejoices in his love
He loved mankind; indeed He loved us
He sent his son Jesus, to come and save us
O my God …
*
My God, my Lord, you loved the world
You sent your son Jesus to save us
And we are thankful for your love
*
Therefore people of the world should thank God
He kept his promise, truly he fulfilled us
His love is without measure; ooh he loved us
He freely saved us; let us sing for joy
O my God …
*
My God, my Lord, you loved the world
You sent your son Jesus to save us
And we are thankful for your love
-snip-
Posted in the discussion thread for the video given as Example #1 below by genubi (2017) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJfLJeSGJ9E

I'd love someone who speaks Swahili to confirm if the song that is sung by The Morning Star Choir is the same as the one that is sung by the Ambassadors Of Christ Choir. And if those songs are different, I'd love someone who speaks Swahili to add the lyrics to that second song in the comment section of this post.

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SHOWCASE VIDEOS
Example #1: Ambassadors Of Christ Choir - Moyoni Mwangu (Official Video)



Wyld Pytch/51 Lex Records, Published on Jun 17, 2013

-snip-
Here's information about the Ambassadors Of Christ Choir (Rwanda)
From http://www.ambassadorsofchristchoir.org/about-us/
"Welcome! The Ambassadors of Christ Choir (AOCC) aspires to invite all people to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ through the gift of music.

We are a church choir affiliated to the Seventh-Day Adventist church of Remera, Kigali (Rwanda). We began this ministry in the year 1995 and hitherto we thank God who has seen us grow from very humble beginnings to a greater service that has taken us to many mission fields across the African continent.

We are Ambassadors chosen to proclaim the grace of Him who has called us from darkness to His marvelous light and our message in song goes to all nations and tongues."...

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Example #2: THE MORNING STAR CHOIR - MOYONI MWANGU



ENDSON MABAMBA, Published on Oct 31, 2017

The Morning Star Choir-Bugema University
Kampala Uganda
-snip-
Here's information about Bugema University (Uganda)
From

"Bugema University (BMU) is a private, co-educational Ugandan university affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church.[3] It is a part of the Seventh-day Adventist education system, the world's second largest Christian school system.[4][5]

[...]

History[edit]
The institution started in 1948 as a training school for teachers and pastors for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in East Africa. At that time it was called Bugema Missionary Training School. Later, the name changed to Bugema Missionary College and then to Bugema Adventist College. In 1978, the first class offering degrees graduated with the Bachelor of Theology degree. The college expanded and by the late 1980s curricula for Business and Education were added. In 1994, Bugema Adventist College changed its status from "college" to "university". In 1997, Bugema University was granted a tertiary institution license from the Ministry of Education and Sports.[9]"...

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Five Videos Of The Swahili Gospel Song "Yesu Ni Wangu" (with lyrics & comments)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post showcases five videos of the popular KiSwahili Gospel song "Yesu Ni Wangu" ("Jesus Is Mine"). These featured renditions of "Yesu Ni Wangu" are performed in the United States, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Song lyrics and comments about this song are also included in this post.

The content of this post is presented for religious, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who are featured in these videos, the producers of these videos, and the publishers of these videos on YouTube. In addition, thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.

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FEATURED VIDEOS
These videos are presented in chronological order according to their publishing dates with the oldest dated video given first. Lyrics and selected comments from some of these videos' discussion threads are included after the video itself.

Example #1: Charles Jangalason- Live concert in U.S.A -yesu ni wangu



CHARLES JANGALASON, Uploaded on Sep 15, 2009 [USA]
-snip-

Charles Jangalason is a Gospel singer from Tanzania.

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Example #2: Yesu ni Wangu wa Wa Uzima wa Milele



shiliTV, Uploaded on Jul 6, 2010 [USA]

new edited
http://newafricatv.com/videos/3/yesu
-snip-
Selected comments:

shilitech, 2011
in reply to HaninJoseph
"@HaninJoseph
This is was Christian Fellowship @Overland park -Kansas ,KS -USA"

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shiliTV, 2012
"It means (Jesus is mine forever)

mel b, 2012
in reply to AmeerySmith
"@AmeerySmith lol thats not what it means, it means Jesus is mine for life forever.
Yesu = Jesus
Ni wangu =Is mine
wauzima =For life
wamilele =Forever"

**
Hakema Peter, 2012
"haha!we used to sing this is kenya church,ooh i miss home,!!"

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Example #3: Yesu Ni Wangu



James Faux, Uploaded on Jul 30, 2011 [Uganda]

The official music video for Kyampisi Children's Choir performing 'Yesu Ni Wangu' (Jesus is Mine) in Kyampisi village.
-snip-
Click http://kyampisichildrenschoir.org/home/ for information about the Kyampisi Children's Choir

Selected comments (including lyrics)
figog360, 2013
"I remember singing this song back in the day when i was at their age, it brings back memories i love it, ndiyo, yesu ni wangu."

**
Sashahon, 2013
" "Yesu ni wangu, wa uzima wa milele" (Jesus is mine forevermore)
"Wa uzima, wa milele" (forevermore)
"Anatupenda, wa uzima wa milele" (He loves us forevermore)
"Eh Yahweh Yahweh, Eh Yahweh" "
jeni jeni, 2012
"Jesus is mine, He's mine for Ever!
In swahili Language
Amen and Amen! God Bless you lovely beautiful people! <3 <3" ****

Example #4: PAPPI OFFICIAL VIDEO YESU NI MUNGU



chromavidz production, Published on Feb 27, 2014
-snip-
Selected comments:
Sister Mariam, 2014
"I like the kibembe part"

**
Junny Kado, 2014
"Am proud to be a bembenian,, Keep it cool kigusile..."
-snip-
Here's some information from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bembe_language_(Ibembe)
"Bembe (Ibembe) is a Bantu language of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Western Tanzania. According to Ethnologue, it forms a dialect continuum with the Lega language through Mwenga Lega. It has no connection with the Bembe (Kibembe) language of the Republic of Congo."...


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Example #5: Yesu ni Mungu by Mungu Jakisa Jackson



MUNGU JAKISA JACKSON, Published on Jul 16, 2015
-snip-
I've not been able to find information online about Mungu Jakisa Jackson and his group. Notes for two other videos that I've found for this singer indicate that the songs are preformed in the Congolese beat. For that scant reason, I'm guessing that this vocalist and his group are from the Congo. Please confirm or correct this information. Thanks!

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