A Soul Longing After God: Israel Mbonyi’s Kaa Nami

“Kaa Nami,” like Israel Mbonyi’s other hit songs “Nina Siri” and “Bado Nitaamini,” bears one peculiar marker that sets the artist apart – an enduring faith focused away from self, and solely on God.

The song is a passionate appeal for God’s presence, from a heart that understands that even in great distress, there is no better place to fall than the arms of God.

Kaa Nami places great value on God being with us – that though difficult circumstances may persist even without respite, the one thing that we cannot forfeit is God being with us through it all. This song honors fellowship with God, rather than seek relief from difficulty.

Of late, countless gospel music is being released, focused on self-gratifying themes, the likes of favor, blessings, material wealth and such like. It begs the question: What of the trials, or suffering, and ‘thorns in the flesh’ that must come to refine faith and keep our eyes on God?

There’s an unappreciated need for music that honors God even in life’s worst moments.

Quick song facts

Facts for music nerds

Song review

Scripture backing

Kaa Nami by Israel Mbonyi draws inspiration from a number of scriptures, including:

Exodus 33:13, NIV:

If You are pleased with me, teach me Your ways so I may know You and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is Your people.

Amid the journey to the promised land, Moses pleaded with God for His presence. Moses’ grounds for this plea was having found grace with God. In the verses that follow, God promises His presence will go with the Israelites. On the song Kaa Nami, Israel Mbonyi uses the same grounds:

Ikiwa nimepata neema kwako, unikumbuke,
Jicho lako liwe juu yangu nyakati zote

- Section of chorus on Kaa Nami

Further on the presence of God, the song borrows from Psalm 32:8. This psalm speaks of God’s instruction, teaching and guidance, while He is so close as to have His eyes on us.

Psalm 32:8

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

A heart after God’s own heart

In many ways, Kaa Nami by Israel Mbonyi portrays the ways of a heart after God’s own heart:

• A longing for God – Kaa Nami does not seek stay from hardship. The song exudes the faith of a believer whose mind is set on things above, and therefore only seeks after God.
• Kindness to enemies – Unlike the modern day popular prayers for destruction of enemies, this song asks for enemies to come to the knowledge of God
• Thorns in the flesh – Israel Mbonyi hints to unpleasant circumstances that must still yield glory to God in mentions like mountains that won’t be moved, rivers that won’t be crossed, or prayers answered in the least expected of ways. Despite these, the prayer is one, that God stays with us.

Audience

Kaa Nami by Israel Mbonyi follows a verse-chorus structure, with full harmonies at a go and multiple repetitions. The song is also long, spanning 13 minutes.

Given the selfless themes of song, it is ideal for personal edification, and congregational use with assistance on lyrics.

Have you listened to the song Kaa Nami by Israel Mbonyi? Let us know what you think of it.

Be sure to check out our series on gospel artists here.

Thank you for reading!

Cover photo credits: Facebook/Israel Mbonyi