Uri Yaa by Israel Mbonyi bears the artist’s signature sound—deep reverence, poetic Kinyarwanda imagery, and a gentle but powerful worship atmosphere that lifts the heart straight into awe of God. The song is a sweeping declaration of God’s greatness, echoed both in heaven and on earth, while calling weary souls to come, see, and rest in Him
Uri Yaa stands out in its storytelling by painting vivid pictures: angels singing in the heavens, God defending His people like fire, and believers remembering His acts from one generation to the next. It feels pastoral, intimate, and celebratory at the same time, rooted in everyday life and ancient biblical themes.
Uri Yaa is both a testimony and invitation: “Come and see He is the One.”
Song lyrics
Did you know that you can play and listen to the song with English translations while you follow through the lyrics:
Verse 1
Mwijuru bararirimba
(In heaven they sing)
Iz’ubutwari n’ubugwa neza
(Of His strength and His goodness)
Mwisi tuvuge gukomera
(On earth we speak of the greatness)
Kw’imirimo y’uwikirenga
(Of the works of the Most High)
Imena cyane, Imena cyane
(You shine greatly, You shine greatly)
Utankoza isoni ninde
(Who will ever put me to shame?)
Uwo nasenze maze agaseruka
(The One I prayed to—He appeared)
Nk’ibipatsi cy’umuriro
(Like flashes of fire)
Agakongora birya byose
(He burned away everything (that troubled me))
Imena cane, Imena cyane
(You shine greatly, You shine greatly)
Chorus
Cyo Ngwino agukure ku cyavu
(Come, let Him lift you from the ashes)
Ngwino utete iteka utembeshwe n’umunezero we
(Come and be established forever, overflowing with His joy)
Ngwino witabe ni kiruhura
(Come, respond to Him, for He gives rest)
Humura ajya akuzirikana
(Take heart—He always remembers you)
Ubwoba ni buhunge, Iyee
(Let fear run away—yes)
Ngwino urebe ni kiruhura
(Come and see—He is the Rest-Giver)
Verse 2
Nzaterura ndirimbe … uri Yaaa
(I will lift my voice and sing… You are Yaaah)
Ishyanga banyikirize … uri yaaa
(Let the nations acknowledge… You are Yaaa)
Iwacu bahamirize ... uri Yaaa
(Let my household testify… You are Yaaa)
Iyeee, ngwino urebe ni kiruhura
(Yes, come and see—He is the Rest-Giver)
Uwampaye inka wee …. uri Yaaa
(The One who gave me cows… You are Yaaa)
Uwankamiye idateeka ... uri Yaaa
(The One who provided for me faithfully… You are Yaaa)
Yangabiye amashyo … Uri Yaaa
(The One who gave me herds of cattle… You are Yaaa)
Iyeee, ngwino urebe ni kiruhura
(Yes, come and see—He is the Rest-Giver)
Nzataramana abanjye .. uri yaa
(I will stay with my people… You are Yaaa)
Twibukiranye ineza .. uri yaaa
(Let us remember His goodness… You are Yaaa)
Wadukuye ku muheto.. uri yaaa
(You removed us from the bow and arrow (danger)… You are Yaaa)
Iyeee Ngwino urebe ni kiruhura
(Yes, come and see—He is the Rest-Giver)
Icyampa ngaca ingando .. uri yaaa
(How I wish I could pitch a tent… You are Yaaah)
Nkigumira ahangaha .. uri yaaa
And remain here forever… You are Yaaah)
Ko numva mpanezerewe .. uri yaaa
(For I feel completely delighted… You are Yaaah)
Iyee, ngwino urebe ni kiruhura
(Yes, come and see—He is the Rest-Giver)
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Song factsheet
| Song title | Uri Yaa |
| Artists | Israel Mbonyi |
| Recording type | Live recording |
| Release date | November 20, 2025 |
| Genre | Kinyarwanda Contemporary Gospel & Worship |
| Song duration | 09:28 |
| Song key | F |
Song review
Main themes
Uri Yaa by Isarel Mbonyi is grounded on the following themes:
- God’s Glory, Faithfulness, and Power
- Invitation to Rest in God
- Gratitude for God’s Provision
- Longing to Stay in God’s Presence
God’s Glory, Faithfulness, and Power
The first verse talks about the majesty, and here we see the glory of God expressed by His creation of the works that He does. The second thing talked about is His faithfulness (Who will ever put me to shame?)…(The One I prayed to—He appeared)…..(Like flashes of fire)…(He burned away everything (that troubled me))…
This expresses how God is faithful; not only shall we not be shamed, but He shall also answer our prayers. Answering also by fire and burning away anything that opposes us. This reminds believers of the glory of God expressed through His faithfulness and to put our trust in Him.
Psalm 19:1(KJV)
[1]“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.”
Isaiah 50:7 (KJV)
[7]“For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded… I shall not be ashamed.”
Psalm 34:4(KJV)
[4]“I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”
Deuteronomy 4:24(KJV)
[24]“For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.”
Invitation to Rest in God
The chorus is pastoral, gentle, and comforting:“Come… He will lift you up, give you rest, let joy overflow again.”
It echoes Jesus’ call to the weary: “Come unto me… and I will give you rest.”This beckoning is to the believer there who is weary and downcast to deliver all their cares to God, for He is faithful and does not forget us. He has the power to even restore all that has been turned to ashes
1 Peter 5:7 (KJV)
[7]“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
Matthew 11:28 (KJV)
[28]“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Gratitude for God’s Provision
The second verse starts with a call to the nations to praise and acknowledge His providence to “come and see.” He has provided cows and herds of cattle, He has provided faithfully.
Each line points to a specific blessing or victory. This reminds believers to remember all that God has done for us and call others to be able to acknowledge it too that He surely blesses us. He is our God Jehovah Jireh.
Psalm 23:1(KJV)
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Genesis 26:12(b)–14 (KJV)
“…the LORD blessed him: [13]And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great:
[14]For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him.
Longing to Stay in God’s Presence
“Icyampa ngaca ingando … Nkigumira ahangaha” “(I wish I could make camp here… and remain here.)” “Ko numva mpanezerewe” (Because I feel so joyful here).” highlights a deep, genuine yearning to remain where God is. It grows out of the sweetness, peace, and safety found in His nearness. When someone has experienced God’s comfort and seen His power at work, the natural response is a longing to dwell with Him continually.
The heart desires a permanent place in His presence a place of rest, clarity, joy, and stability. This longing is not driven by fear but by fulfillment; it recognizes that nothing the world offers compares to the satisfaction found in God. It is the soul’s way of saying, “I’m at home with You, and I don’t want to leave.”
Psalm 27:4(KJV)
[4]One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.
Audience
This song speaks directly to believers who feel distant from God ,those yearning for a spiritual revival and renewal. It comforts the weary Christian, the repentant heart, and anyone longing for intimacy with the Holy Spirit.
Unkebuke is not just a worship song; it’s a personal altar call ,a moment to surrender your heart again and let God rekindle the flame of joy and faith within you.
Be sure to check out more song reviews on Unleash Mag.
[Cover image credits: Facebook/Israel Mbonyi]