Neema By Jaque Gachiri: Lyrics & Song Review

Neema by Jaque Gachiri is themed on God’s grace and love, affirming that if it were not for God’s grace, we would not have come this far. Many atimes, christians are compeled to believe that it’s by their actions, with others forgeting how much of a great sacrifice Christ gave for them to be redeemed. The song, Neema by Jaque, therefore, aims to remind us of the Bible verse, Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV);

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

In a world with so much evil happening – hunger, war, political instability, loss of life, economic crisis, gender identity crisis – most people have lost hope. Some have gone to the extent of giving up on faith, seeking help in places other than God’s presence, and forging their own paths, abandoning the way of the cross. But the song, Neema, reminds us that God is still at work.

Irrespective of what life has become, Psalms 100:5 (KJV), remains true:

For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

And Neema affirms of this. It reminds us of the ageless truth of God’s grace being sufficient for us. The song Neema was recorded during the Rejesha tour, on which Njoki Munyi’s song Rejesha was also recorded.

It is only by the Grace of God that I am here. I am a Son of God.

Jaque Gachiri’s post on Instagram after the release of the song, Neema.

Song Factsheet

Song Review

Main Themes

The main themes of the song Neema by Jaque Gachiri include:

• God’s boundless Grace
• God’s goodness to His children
• Unmerited favor and salvation
• Call to praise and worship

Scriptural References

Neema by Jaque Gachiri has several themes spanning from grace, love, mercy, to testimony and praise. All these are centered rather referenced from the Bible as required of every gospel song.

The two main Bible verses that inform the entire song are:

Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:‭5 (KJV)
[5] Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

Ephesians 2:8 (KJV)
[8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:.

Other Bible verses that inform the song themes include:

• God’s boundless grace: God’s grace is limitless and all-encompassing in a believer’s life regardless of their past mistakes or current shortcomings. This grace is not something that the believer earns but it flows from God’s unconditional love. This theme encourages believers to trust that God’s grace extends even when they feel unworthy, and it covers every area: forgiveness, provision, strength in weakness, and daily guidance.

2 Corinthians 12:9a (KJV)
[9a] And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. 

Romans 5:20 (KJV)
[20] Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:

• God’s goodness to His children: In the song Neema, Jaque Gachiri says that God is good in darkness and in light, in war and during peace. She says that through His goodness, God makes her lie besides still waters, wipes here tears when she cries, and prevents her from death, for His name’s sake. Therefore, God’s goodness is constant and intentional. Even in hardship, believers are assured that God acts from a place of love and purpose, not punishment.

Psalm 34:8 (KJV)
[8] O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

Romans 8:28 (KJV)
[28] And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

• Unmerited favor and salvation: Salvation is a free gift from God, not a reward for good behavior. It is God’s unearned favor through Jesus Christ that redeems sinners and welcomes them into eternal relationship with Him. This unmerited favor (grace) assures believers that they do not need to strive to be loved by God – they already are.

Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV)
[8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
[9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Titus 3:5 (KJV)
[5] Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

• Call to praise and worship: Listening to the song and the testimony of those who sing it, any believer would be encourage to praise and seek this God who is so good and abounding in grace and mercy. Worship keeps a believer aligned with God’s heart, brings spiritual refreshment, and shifts the focus from self to the Savior. Experiencing God’s grace and goodness therefore, would naturally lead a believer to worship.

Psalm 103:1–2 (NIV)
[1] Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name
[2] Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

Hebrews 13:15 (KJV)
[15] By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

The psalmist speaking of God’s goodness, says:

Psalm 34:4 (KJV)
[4] I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears

Song lyrics

Did you know you can listen to the song as you read along with the lyrics?

Chorus 
Ni neema yake imetueka hapa 
Kama si yeye hatungehishi 
Ametuosha kwa damu yake 
Akatufanya wana wake 

Verse 1
Kuwe na ngiza ama kuwe mwanga, yeyee
(Yeyee ni mwema)
Kuwe amani ama kuje vita, yeyee
(Yeyee ni mwema)

Kando ya maji yeye unilaza, yeyee
(Yeyee ni mwema)
Na nikilia apanguza machozi, yeyee
(Yeyee ni mwema)

Verse 2
Nilalapo usiku wanilinda, yeyee
(Yeyee ni mwema)
Na anilinda nisione kifo, yeyee 
(Yeyeee ni mwema)

Kando ya maji yeye unilaza, huyu Yesu..
(Yeyee ni mwema)
Na nikilia apanguza machozi 
(Yeyee ni mwema)

Bridge
Ni kwa neema, neema, neema 
Amenifanya mwana wake

Audience

Neema is good for congreagtional worship and praise.

Have you listened to the song yet? Let us know what you think of it.

[Cover image credits: Facebook/Jaque Gachiri]