The song “MBELE YAKO” by Goodluck Gozbert carries a Swahili title that translates to “Before You” in English. It focuses on seeking God’s guidance and favor in one’s path.
Mbele yako naomba nikuwe
Before You I pray to be
Mbele yako natamani kuishi
Before You I desire to live
Mbele yako naomba nikuwe
Before You I pray to be
Mbele yako natamani kuishi
Before You I desire to live
Baba Mungu nijalie neema
Father God grant me grace
Ili niweze kukufuata wewe
So that I can follow You
Bila wewe sina chochote
Without You I have nothing
Wewe ndiwe chanzo cha uzima wangu
You are the source of my life
Mbele yako naomba nikuwe
Before You I pray to be
Mbele yako natamani kuishi
Before You I desire to live
Mbele yako naomba nikuwe
Before You I pray to be
Mbele yako natamani kuishi
Before You I desire to live
Nifanye imara katika imani
Make me strong in faith
Nisije nikateleza njiani
Lest I slip on the way
Nifanye imara katika imani
Make me strong in faith
Nisije nikateleza njiani
Lest I slip on the way
Mbele yako naomba nikuwe
Before You I pray to be
Mbele yako natamani kuishi
Before You I desire to live
Mbele yako naomba nikuwe
Before You I pray to be
Mbele yako natamani kuishi
Before You I desire to live
(Repeat section as per official structure, often layered with ad-libs and repeats in performance)
Baba Mungu nijalie neema
Father God grant me grace
Ili niweze kukufuata wewe
So that I can follow You
Bila wewe sina chochote
Without You I have nothing
Wewe ndiwe chanzo cha uzima wangu
You are the source of my life
Mbele yako naomba nikuwe
Before You I pray to be
Mbele yako natamani kuishi
Before You I desire to live
Mbele yako naomba nikuwe
Before You I pray to be
Mbele yako natamani kuishi
Before You I desire to live
Nifanye imara katika imani
Make me strong in faith
Nisije nikateleza njiani
Lest I slip on the way
Nifanye imara katika imani
Make me strong in faith
Nisije nikateleza njiani
Lest I slip on the way
Mbele yako… mbele yako
Before You… before You
Naomba nikuwe mbele yako
I pray to be before You
(Bridge/Outro repeats and fades with emphasis on surrender and seeking God’s presence)
I’m a music blogger and lyrics translator passionate about helping listeners understand the real meaning behind songs. On this blog, I translate and explain lyrics especially African and gospel music so readers can connect with the message beyond the language.