Alice Kimanzi Unveils New Worship Song, Shuka Roho

It’s a prayer already sung in many fashions, yet Alice Kimanzi brings out a new, refreshing edition, building on the promise of the Spirit in Joel 2:28.

Back in April 2017, Kimanzi released a cover for Francesca Battisteli’s “Holy Spirit” with a Kenyan twist of Swahili. Seven years later in 2024, she unveils a new Holy Spirit themed worship song, “Shuka Roho.”

With Shuka Roho, Alice Kimanzi adds to a portfolio of acclaimed worship songs such as “Nikuabudu,” “Yahweh,” and the cover for Todd Dulaney’s “Victory Belongs to Jesus.”

Song quick facts

Facts for music nerds

Impressions

Live music is often an epitome of musical creativity. With Shuka Roho, the band harmoniously complements the vocals.

The intro is short and well curated, leading on swiftly to the first verse, which keeps emphasis on the subject rather than the music. Amid the song are runs, featuring an electric guiar sound, typical of a modern worship song.

Shuka Roho takes on the character of a congregational worship song. It has a short prayer session, a toned down breakdown section, and even a change of key as the song builds up to the end.

Scriptural backing

Shuka Roho is a petition in song based on a promise of the Holy Spirit foretold by Joel:

“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions,”

Joel 2:28

It is vital how the song establishes the precedence of a promise of the Spirit before the call for the Spirit on the main verse:

Ulisema siku za mwisho 
Utamimina Roho wako
Atuongoze, atusaidie

Ulisema siku za mwisho
Utamtuma msaidizi
Atuongoze, atusaidie

The song not only seeks an infilling of the Holy spirit, but also the transformation that comes along, as held in Corinthians:

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord,”

2 Corinthians 3:18

Audience

Shuka Roho by Alice Kimanzi does not only lead us closer to God, but is also easy to learn. The song is a good fit for congregational worship and personal edification

Listened to the song yet? What’s your impression? Dpes the song hold up to the gospel? Leave us a comment.

Check out our article on Alice Kimanzi’s bio here