Verse 1
Wamwendea Yesu
kwa kusafiwa,
na kuoshwa
kwa damu ya kondoo?
Verse 2
je neema yake
atumwagia,
tumeoshwa
kwa damu ya kondoo?
Verse 3
Kuoshwa,
kwa damu,
itutakasayo ya kondoo;
Verse 4
ziwe safi
nguo nyeupe mno;
umeoshwa
kwa damu ya kondoo?
Verse 5
Wamwandama
daima mkombozi,
na kuoshwa
na damu ya kondoo?
Verse 6
yako kwa msulubiwa
makazi,
umeoshwa
kwa damu ya kondoo?
Verse 7
Atakapokuja
Bwana -arusi,
Uwe safi kwa damu ya kondoo!
Verse 8
Yafae
kwenda mbinguni mavazi,
Yafuliwe
kwa damu ya kondoo.
More about the song:
Everything You Need to Know About “Kuoshwa Kwa Damu”: Kuoshwa Kwa Damu Lyrics
Q: What is the origin of the song “Kuoshwa Kwa Damu”? A: This song is the Swahili translation of the famous 19th-century Christian hymn “Are You Washed in the Blood?” The original English version was written and composed by Elisha Albright Hoffman in 1878. In the Swahili-speaking world, it is commonly found in the Tenzi za Rohoni (Hymn 80) and Nyimbo za Kristo (Hymn 117) books.
Q: What does “Wamwendea Yesu” mean? A: The title translates to “Have you gone to Jesus?” or “Are you going to Jesus?” It sets the tone for the song’s primary question: Have you approached Christ for the cleansing of your soul?
Q: What is the main message of the lyrics? A: The song is a soul-searching invitation to repentance. It uses the metaphor of “washing garments” in the “blood of the Lamb” to represent spiritual purification. It asks believers if their “robes are spotless” and “white as snow” in preparation for the return of the Bridegroom (Jesus).
Q: Who are some famous artists who have covered this hymn? A: While it is a congregational hymn, several legendary African gospel artists have recorded popular versions that brought the song to a wider audience:
-
Angela Chibalonza: Her rendition is perhaps the most iconic in modern East African gospel history.
-
Guardian Angel: Known for his urban-gospel “Tenzi” mashups.
-
Damaris Njeri & Florence Mureithi: Famous for their traditional yet powerful vocal delivery.
Q: Is there a specific Bible verse that inspired these lyrics? A: Yes. The lyrics are heavily rooted in Revelation 7:14: “They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” It also draws from Isaiah 1:18: “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”
Q: Why is the song so popular in Kenya and Tanzania? A: Its popularity stems from its simplicity and the rhythmic “call-and-response” nature of the chorus. It is frequently sung during baptismal services, altar calls, and morning devotions because of its urgent, evangelical message.
