A Song of Prayer and Confession
In liturgical music, the name John Mgandu remains unforgettable. His works have crossed generations, inspiring worshippers with profound lyrics and melodies that go beyond music, touching the very core of faith and devotion. One of his most powerful compositions, “Ataniita Nami Nitamwitikia” (“He will call me, and I will answer”), continues to echo in churches, prayer gatherings, and quiet moments of personal reflection.
Written by the late John Mgandu, the song is a prayer—an intimate dialogue between man and God. It draws from the biblical assurance that God listens to those who call upon Him in times of distress and that He answers with salvation, protection, and eternal life. The lyrics carry a weight of both lamentation and hope, positioning the song as a spiritual bridge for believers seeking solace in God’s promises.
The heart of the hymn lies in its plea: “Ataniita nami nitamwitikia, nitamwokoa na kumtukuza, kwa siku nyingi nitamshibisha.” Translated, it affirms: “He will call me, and I will answer; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life, I will satisfy him.”
This verse resonates deeply with Psalm 91:15–16, where God assures the faithful of His divine response to their cries. Mgandu weaves this biblical foundation into a melody that is not only contemplative but also uplifting. It reminds the faithful that, even in moments of isolation, pain, or spiritual weakness, God’s voice cuts through the silence with promises of redemption.
The hymn does not shy away from human vulnerability. Lines such as “Uniangalie na kunifadhili, maana mimi ni mkiwa na mteswa” (“Look upon me and show me kindness, for I am lonely and afflicted”) highlight the raw human condition. This honesty is what gives the song its enduring power—it acknowledges suffering while anchoring hope in divine mercy.
Beyond being a declaration of God’s faithfulness, “Ataniita Nami Nitamwitikia” is also a confession. The plea “Utazame teso langu na taabu yangu, unisamehe dhambi zangu zote, Ee Mungu” (“Look upon my suffering and my trouble; forgive all my sins, O God”) reveals a heart that not only longs for rescue but also seeks forgiveness.
This blend of lament and repentance places the song within the rich tradition of African liturgical music, where hymns often carry dual layers of personal and communal spirituality. On one hand, the worshipper prays for personal deliverance; on the other, the song gives voice to a community weighed down by struggles, inviting God’s mercy upon all.
John Mgandu was not just a songwriter; he was a visionary in sacred music. His compositions reflect both theological depth and cultural rootedness. By writing in Kiswahili, he ensured accessibility, making the truths of Scripture and the beauty of worship available to ordinary believers.
Among his celebrated works are “Bwana Ndiye Mchungaji Wangu” (The Lord Is My Shepherd), “Bwana Asema Tazama” (The Lord Says Behold), “Bwana Amejaa Huruma” (The Lord Is Full of Mercy), “Bwana Mfalme” (The Lord Is King), and “Aleluya.” Each of these songs carries its own theological weight, but together they form a treasury of spiritual nourishment that continues to serve the church in East Africa and beyond.
What distinguishes Mgandu’s compositions is their ability to balance biblical faithfulness with emotional honesty. They are simple enough to be sung by congregations without formal training, yet profound enough to engage theologians and church leaders. This rare balance explains why his music has survived decades without losing its freshness.
In times of illness, grief, or social hardship, believers have turned to its verses for strength. The song’s reminder that God is attentive to cries for help offers reassurance when human support feels insufficient.
It is also widely used in funerals, memorial services, and moments of collective mourning. The lyrical assurance of God’s presence and deliverance provides comfort to the bereaved, affirming that death is not the end but the beginning of eternal communion with God.
John Mgandu may have passed on, but his voice endures through his music. His hymns remain staples in Catholic and Protestant liturgies, youth choir repertoires, and family prayer sessions. They stand as a testament to how music can transcend its original context, speaking to new generations with the same clarity and power.
In a rapidly changing society where modern rhythms dominate the airwaves, Mgandu’s compositions remind worshippers of the timeless truths of faith. They prove that songs anchored in Scripture and genuine human experience do not fade; instead, they grow stronger as years pass.
