This popular African Praise Song exists in a staggering number of variations, depending on the country, language, and denominational background of the community singing it. Here are three versions that have been widely shared within the MMC network: in Shona, Swahili, and English. You'll notice subtle differences in melody, harmony, translation, and instruments accompanying the song.
The piece is a powerful affirmation of Jesus as teacher, leader, and savior. Many communities embody the text by walking around, searching, and turning around.
Shona:
"Hakuna Wakaita sa Jesu,
haku hakunaba/hakuchina.
Ndamhanyamhanya kwese kwese,
Ndatenderera kwese kwese,
Ndatsvagatsvaga kwese kwese,
Haku hakunaba/hakuchina."
Swahili:
"Hakuna Mungu kama wewe,
Hakuna na hatakuwepo
Nimetembea kote kote,
Nimezunguka kote kote,
Nimetafuta kote kote,
Hakuna na hatakuwepo."
English (singing translation):
"There's no one, there's no one like Jesus.
There's no one, there's no one like him.
I've walked and walked all over, over.
I turned and turned all over, over.
I've searched and searched all over, over.
There's no one, there's no one like him.
English (literal translation):
"There is no God like you.
There isn't, nor will their ever be!
I've walked everywhere,
I've circled/turned everywhere,
I've searched everywhere.
There isn't, nor will there ever be!"
A musical setting in Shona appears in several songbooks and hymnals, namely in Worship & Song and Njalo, a collection of hymns and song arranged by Patrick Matsikenyiri and Daniel Damon.
Here is a video of the song in Shona:
Here is a Swahili setting:
Showing 1 contribution