Lion of Judah

Lebo Sekgobela's “Lion of Judah” is a multilingual worship chant in which a short English opening gives way to Shona and Tswana. The English lines are the plainest, “Lion of Judah, we worship You... you are Holy,” and they serve as the anchor before the song moves to the languages of southern Africa, where much of its audience listens.

The Shona section is a quiet confession of trust. “Mamuri ndowana zororo” means “in you I have found rest,” “handina kutya” says “I have nothing to fear,” and the lines about being under God's wings mean “I am protected.” The Tswana section returns to the title, “Tau ya Letsoe la Judah,” and ends with a prayer line and the invitation “Let Him roar.” The translations are included in parentheses in the lyric, so a listener who knows only one language can follow all three.

The lion title is from Revelation 5:5, where Christ is called the Lion of the tribe of Judah. The Shona verse about resting under his wings draws on Psalm 91:4, and finding rest in God is the plea of Psalm 116:7.