Liner Notes
Aline Gahongayire – Out of Africa
Meet
Aline Gahongayire
It’s virtually impossible to talk about multi-award winner Aline Gahongayire without acknowledging her artistic influence on an entire musical genre and the groundbreaking achievements she’s accomplished over the past decade in her native country of Rwanda.
Blessed with one of the music industry’s greatest voices, Aline has crossed all stylistic, social barriers with her inspirational delivery and powerful music.
Aline’s American debut album, “Out Of Africa is a sacred album whose words you will probably not understand unless you speak the language of Rwanda — but please,
Oh please, don’t let that stop you from being inspired by this wondrous voice, music and heart-a-plenty from Rwanda’s major talent and star, Aline Gahongayire.
You don’t have to understand the words to get the inspiration. That’s a promise.
“What kind of music is it?” you may ask. We would answer that it has, at its root, the chants of Africa, but it goes far beyond that in its influences – India, Spain, American R&B & Pop and more. If pressed, we would simply call it Modern Africa – the root of the western world meets much of the rest of the world.
Introducing Aline …
From Peter Link, Creative Director
About a decade ago Julia Wade was approached by a lovely man, one Pierre Aimable Ilyamukuru from Rwanda, Africa who explained that he had been a great fan of hers for years and wished to know if she might be able to come to Rwanda to concertize. Of course, both Julia and I were excited to contemplate an African Tour. At the time, Julia had just finished two years of touring here in the United States where she had done 64 dates. It was an exhausting schedule for her, but the prospect of taking her concerts to Africa was most intriguing.
So, we dove into the planning stages with great enthusiasm only to find that the tour with travel, personnel and sound truck was simply too expensive and would not be possible. Africa would have to wait.
But our relationship with this true gentleman, Pierre, was to continue, for a decade later, Pierre brought Africa to us – in the form of amazing chanteuse, Aline Gahongayire. We met with Pierre and Aline about a year ago on Zoom and discussed the idea of breaking Aline in America.
Once again, we were so intrigued by the notion of going much more international with Watchfire Music and adding an African recording artist to our roster. At this point, we had never heard her music – only played with the notion of possibly working with her and Pierre.
Then we heard her music – and we were hooked!
She sent me about 25 songs, all from various albums and single releases in Rwanda and I plowed through them and had the great pleasure of organizing and creating an album playlist that I thought would work here in America.
This is a sacred album whose words you will probably not understand unless you speak the language of Rwanda, but please, oh please, don’t let that stop you from being inspired by this wondrous voice, music and heart-a-plenty from Rwanda’s major talent and star, Aline Gahongayire.
“What kind of music is it?” you may ask. I would answer that it has, at its root, the chants of Africa, but it goes far beyond that in its influences – India, Spain, American R&B & Pop and more. If pressed, I would simply call it Modern Africa – the root of the western world meets much of the rest of the world.
You don’t have to understand the words to get the inspiration. That’s a promise.
If you love music, I believe you will love and admire Aline and Out Of Africa. That’s another promise!
Aline is a beautiful lady with wondrous talent and the theatricality especially in her costuming and presentation to invoke a real international stardom. But foremost of all that is, of course, the music. I’ll stop gushing praises now and turn it over to each of you to judge and enjoy on your own.
Needless to say, both Julia and I are so excited to bring you this beautiful International Sacred artist.
Enjoy! And tell your friends about Aline Gahongayire and Out Of Africa.
Welcome to America. Aline!
Read the Translated Lyrics and Listen to Song Samples
1. Nzaririmba Ishimwe (I Shall Sing Praises)
- Title: Nzaririmba Ishimwe (I Shall Sing Praises)
- Artist: Aline Gahongayire
- Composer: Aline Gahongayire
- Lyricist: Aline Gahongayire
- Links: View Product
- Duration: 03:40
- Sample:
Sample
| Instrumental | |
2. Prelude
- Title: Prelude
- Artist: Aline Gahongayire
- Composer: Bugingo Patrick
- Links: View Product
- Duration: 01:00
- Sample:
Sample
| Instrumental | |
3. Urukundo – Love
- Title: Urukundo (Love)
- Artist: Aline Gahongayire
- Composer: Aline Gahongayire
- Lyricist: Aline Gahongayire
- Links: View Product
- Duration: 03:24
- Sample:
Sample
| Lyrics and translations coming soon! | |
4. Inanga / Iyo Nteruye Ndirimba – Inanga / When I Start Singing (Medley)
- Title: Inanga / Iyo Nteruye Ndirimba (When I Start Singing) Medley
- Artist: Aline Gahongayire
- Composer: Aline Gahongayire, Bugingo Patrick
- Lyricist: Aline Gahongayire
- Links: View Product
- Duration: 02:24
- Sample:
Sample
| Iyo nteruye ndirimba uwo Mwami | When I start singing that King |
| W’abami numva nguwe neza | Of kings, I feel happy |
| Nibuka ko yankunze urukundo ruhebuje | I remember that He loved me greatest love |
| Yanguze amaraso y’igiciro cyinshi | He redeemed me with His precious blood |
| Yampaye amahoro numva nguwe neza. | He gave me peace and I felt happy. |
| Yemwe misozi namwe bibaya | You, mountains and valley |
| Nimuze dushime uwo Mwami | Come and let us thank that King |
| Ibihumeka byose | All that have breath |
| Bishime uwo Mwami | Must thank that King |
| Ni imbaraga zacu | He is our strength |
| Ni ibyirato byacu! | He is our pride! |
| Yitwa Emmanuel Imana iri kumwe natwe | His name is Emmanuel God is with us |
| Yahemuje abatware b’isi y’umwijima ku mugaragaro | He destroyed the rulers of the darkness publicly |
| Akandagira Satani | He trampled on Satan |
| Amunyaga imfunguzo azihereza abera | And deprived him of the keys and handed them to the saints |
| Atugabira ubutware none turi abastinze | He gave us authority and now we are the winners |
| Kandi tuguwe neza! | And we feel happy! |
5. Araje – He Is Coming
- Title: Araje (He Is Coming)
- Artist: Aline Gahongayire
- Composer: Aline Gahongayire
- Lyricist: Aline Gahongayire
- Links: View Product
- Duration: 03:34
- Sample:
Sample
| Ngo araje araje araje | He is coming, coming |
| Amanukiye kugutabara | He comes on Earth to save You |
| Nguwo asura | Look at Him visiting |
| Abari mu butayu | Those who are in the desert |
| Asetsa abari bababaye | Making those in distress smile |
| Ni ukuri uwo ntasanzwe | It’s true, that One is special |
| Ni ukuri aratabaye. | It’s true, he’s saving people. |
| Uwo ni intare batinya | He is the fearful lion |
| Iyo avuze biraba | When He speaks, it happens |
| Yategeka bigakomera | When he commands, things get tough |
| Ni ukuri aratabaye. | It’s true, he’s saving people. |
| Ngaho mpa akanya mukubwire | Give me little time to speak of Him to You |
| Impa akanya di! | Give me little time, Dear! |
| Uwo yandutiye bose | He has been matchless to me |
| Uwo nguwo | That One |
| Yitwa ndiho | His name is I am |
| Yahozeho | He has always existed |
| N’ubu ariho. | And even now He is alive. |
| Ye ngo araje araje araje | He is coming, coming, coming |
| Amanukiye kugutabara ni ukuri. | He comes to save You, it’s true. |
6. Harimpanvu Pe – There Are Genuine Reasons To Praise
- Title: Harimpanvu Pe (There Are Genuine Reasons to Praise)
- Artist: Aline Gahongayire
- Composer: Aline Gahongayire
- Lyricist: Aline Gahongayire
- Links: View Product
- Duration: 04:44
- Sample:
Sample
| Harimpanvu pe zo gushima Yesu Harimpanvu pe zo gushima Uwera. Harimpanvu pe (×2). | There are genuine reasons to praise Jesus. There are genuine reasons to praise the Lord. There are genuine reasons (×2). |
| Amavi apfukame | Kneel down |
| Harimpanvu pe! Indimi zature ko uri Uwera (×2). Harimpanvu pe! | There are genuine reasons. Let tongues confess that you are the Lord (×2). There are genuine reasons! |
| Harimpanvu pe! | There are genuine reasons! |
| Sinzibagirwa rya cumu watewe mu rubavu kubera njyewe; sinzibagirwa. (×4) | I will never forget the spear that pierced your side because of me. I will never forget. (×4) |
7. Uri Intwari Yesu – You Are A Hero Jesus
- Title: Uri Intwari Yesu (You Are a Hero, Jesus)
- Artist: Aline Gahongayire
- Composer: Aline Gahongayire, Claude Intore ya Yesu
- Lyricist: Aline Gahongayire, Claude Intore ya Yesu
- Links: View Product
- Duration: 03:30
- Sample:
Sample
| Yesu wabaye intwari | You’ve been a hero, Jesus |
| Intwari rutaneshwa, uraganje | Invincible hero, You are the absolute master |
| Waducunguye twese I Gologota | You redeemed us all at Golgotha |
| Tubona gukira, uraganje. | And we were saved, You are the absolute master. |
| Babyeyi mumuhe impundu | You parents, clap and cheer for Him |
| Nimumfashe kumuvuga ibigwi, Yesu | Help me to sing His praises |
| Yabaye hii Rubasha | He has been the Almighty |
| Nzahora murata. | I will always praise Him. |
| Mboneza makuba, rudasumbwa, mugabo udatinya | The danger fighter, the unbeatable, the fearless |
| Mwene rudahunga | Son of Who never flees |
| Uwo turata tugasingiza ni Yesu Kristo | The One we praise and worship is Jesus Christ |
| Intare yo mu muryango wa Yuda | The lion of the Tribe of Judah |
| Gishyitsi cyo mu muryango wa Dawidi | Stump of the family of David |
| Aserukana ishema n’isheja ku rugamba | He goes to battle with pride and bravery |
| Abatamuzi bose bakamumenya | And gets known by those who don’t know Him |
| Ni igikomangoma araganje | He is a Prince and He is the absolute master |
| Kandi azahora aganje | And He shall always be the absolute master |
| Iteka ryose. | Ever and ever. |
| Ugira neza, uraganje. | You do good, You are the absolute master. |
8. Reka Nkuvuge Imyato – Let Me Sing Proofs Of Your Feats
- Title: Reka Nkuvuge Imyato (Let Me Sing Proofs of Your Feats)
- Artist: Aline Gahongayire
- Composer: Aline Gahongayire
- Lyricist: Aline Gahongayire
- Links: View Product
- Duration: 03:58
- Sample:
Sample
| Reka nkuvuge imyato | Let me tell proofs of Your feats |
| Reka nkuvuge ibigwi | Let me sing Your praises |
| Ndakuramya | I worship You |
| Reka mvuge amaraso wamennye | Let me sing the blood You shed |
| Reka mvuge bwa butwari bw’I Gologota | Let me sing Your bravery at Golgotha |
| Reka mvuge iyo ncungu wancunguje | Let me sing that ransom with which You redeemed me |
| Ndakuramya. | I worship You. |
| Yesu wabaye intwari, ndakuramya | You’ve been a hero, Jesus |
| Intwari ku rugamba, ndakuramya | A hero at the battlefield, I worship You |
| Mbe byishongoro byanjye | You are my pride |
| Gakiza kanjye | My salvation |
| Ndakuramya. | I worship You. |
| Umugabo uruta abandi, ndakuramya | You, outstanding Man, I worship You |
| Umubyeyi uruta bose, ndakuramya | You, matchless Father, I worship You |
| Wahojeje imfubyi | You consoled the orphans |
| Ugaburira abashonje, ndakuramya. | You fed the hungry, I worship You. |
| Wowe mahoro yanjye, ndakuramya | You, my peace, I worship You |
| Wowe gukira kwanjye, ndakuramya | You, my salvation, I worship You |
| Wowe byirato by’abatoya, ndakuramya | You, the pride of the young, I worship You |
| Wowe byirato by’abakuru, ndakuramya. | You, the pride of the adult, I worship You. |
| Wowe ntare ya Yuda, ndakuramya | You, the lion of Juda, I worship You |
| Mutware w’isi yose, ndakuramya | Ruler of all the world, I worship You |
| Uri inyamibwa, Yesu | You are my elite, Jesus |
| Uruta abantu inzovu, ndakuramya. | You outstand huge crowds of people, I worship You. |
| Mana y’Abanyarwanda, ndakuramya | God of Rwandese, I worship You |
| Wowe rumuri rw’isi, ndakuramya | You, the light of Earth, I worship You |
| Mana wibutse u Rwanda | Oh God, you remembered Rwanda |
| Maze urukiza ndeba, ndakuramya. | And saved it under my eyes, I worship You. |
9. Nzanywe No Kugushima – I Am Coming To Thank You
- Title: Nzanywe No Kugushima (I Am Coming to Thank You)
- Artist: Aline Gahongayire
- Composer: Aline Gahongayire
- Lyricist: Aline Gahongayire
- Links: View Product
- Duration: 06:22
- Sample:
Sample
| Nzanywe no kugushima uburyo | I am coming to thank you for |
| Unyitaho; nzanywe no kukubwira | Your care for me; I am coming to tell you |
| Ko nzahora mbyibuka; sinzi icyo nzakwitura. Nkubakiye igicaniro ngo abagukunda twese dutambeho amashimwe. | That I will always remember that; I don’t know how I will be grateful to you; I am building an altar for you whereupon all of us who love you can express our praises. |
| Mwami wanjye kandi Mana yanjye umbwire icyo unyifuzaho kandi nanjye ndagikora (×2). | My Lord and my God, tell me what you expect from me then I will obey (×2). |
| Mâle | Male |
| Mwami wanjye kandi Mana yanjye umbwire icyo unyifuzaho kandi nanjye ndagikora (×2) | Oh, my Lord and my God, tell me what you want me to do then I will obey (×2) |
| Nzanywe no kugushima uburyo | I am coming to thank you for |
| Unyitaho; nzanywe no kukubwira | Your care for me; I am coming to tell you |
| Ko nzahora mbyibuka; sinzi icyo nzakwitura nkubakiye igicaniro Mucunguzi ngo abagukunda twese dutambeho amashimwe. | That I will always remember that; I don’t know how I will be grateful to you; I am building an altar for You, Savior, whereupon all of us who love you can express our praises. |
| Mwami wanjye kandi Mana yanjye umbwire icyo unyifuzaho kandi nanjye ndagikora (×2). | Oh, my Lord and my God, tell me what you want me to do then I will obey (×2). |
| Nzanywe no kugushima uburyo | I am coming to thank you for |
| Unyitaho; nzanywe no kukubwira | Your care for me; I am coming to tell you |
| Ko nzahora mbyibuka; sinzi icyo nzakwitura nkubakiye igicaniro Mucunguzi ngo abagukunda twese dutambeho amashimwe. | That I will always remember that; I don’t know how I will be grateful to you; I am building an altar for You, Savior, whereupon all of us who love you can express our praises. |
10. Mpore – Hang On Mother
- Title: Mpore (Hang On Mother)
- Artist: Aline Gahongayire
- Composer: Aline Gahongayire
- Lyricist: Aline Gahongayire
- Links: View Product
- Duration: 03:33
- Sample:
Sample
| Mpore mpore, Mama (×2). | Hang on, hang on, Mother (×2). |
| Izina ryawe Imana irarizi. | God knows your name. |
| Izi iyo wishimye cyangwa ubabaye. Mpore, mpore, Mama (×2). Wihogora. | He knows when you are happy or sad. Hang on, hang on, Mother (×2). Don’t be saddened. |
| Wihogora, ibuka ibyo yakoze. | Don’t be saddened; remember His deeds. |
| Ibuka ibyo yagusezeranyije. | Remember His promises to you. |
| Ibuka aho yagukuye. | Remember where He took you from. |
| Benshi barapfuye ariko wowe uriho. | Many have died but you are alive. |
| Uko biri kose haracyari ibyiringiro. | No matter what there is still hope. |
| Naho igiti cyatemwa haracyariho | Even if the tree gets felled, there is still |
| Ibyiringiro. Komera, komera, komera, komera, komera, komera ushikame. | Hope. Hang on, hang on, hang on, hang on, hang on; don’t give up. |
| Mpore, mpore, Mama (×2). | Hang on, hang on, Mother (×2). |
| Izina ryame Imana irarizi. Izi iyo wishimye cyangwa ubabaye. | God knows your name. |
| Mpore, mpore, Mama (×2). Wihogora. | He knows when you are happy or sad. Hang on, hang on, Mother (×2). Don’t be saddened. |
| Wihogora. Tegereza wihanganye; tuza utunganirwe; ibyo yagukoreye biruta ibyakubabaje kandi ibyiza agukorera biruta ibizakubabaza. Komera, komera, komera, komera. Ejo hawe ni heza kandi nawe arakuzi; arakumva agutegeye amaboko ngo agutabare. | Don’t be saddened. Wait patiently; take heart and be happy; what He did for you is by far greater than your grievances and His good deeds to you are greater than your future grievances; hang on, hang on, hang on; hang on. Your future is brighter and He knows you; He listens to you; He is stretching his arms wide to save you. |
| Mpore, mpore, Mama (×2). | Hang on, hang on, Mother (×2). |
| Izina ryawe Imana irarizi. | God knows your name. |
| Izi iyo wishimye cyangwa ubabaye. | He knows when you are happy or sad. |
| Mpore, mpore, Mama (×2). Wihogora. | Hang on, hang on, Mother (×2). Don’t be saddened. |
| Mpore, mpore, mpore, mpore. Oya wirira; wihogora Umwami arakuzi. Mpore, mpore, mpore, mpore. Erega uvuka nta mpanuka yabaye! | Hang on, hang on, hang on, hang on. No, don’t cry, don’t be saddened; the King knows you. Hang on, hang on, hang on, hang on. You were not born by accident! |
| Mpore, mpore, mpore, mpore. Oya wirira. Mpore, mpore, mpore, mpore. Oya wihogora. Mpore, mpore, mpore, mpore. Ejo hawe ni heza. | Hang on, hang on, hang on, hang on. Don’t cry. Hang on, hang on, hang on, hang on. No, don’t be saddened. Hang on, hang on, hang on, hang on; your future is brighter. |
| Mpore, mpore, Mama (×2). | Hang on, hang on, Mother (×2). |
| Mpore, nshuti! | Hang on, my Dear! |
| Izina ryawe Imana irarizi. | God knows your name. |
| Izi iyo wishimye cyangwa ubabaye. | He knows when you are happy or sad. |
| Erega ni yo yaguciye imanzi mu biganza byawe. Mpore, mpore, Mama (×2). Wibabara. | He is the One who tattooed your hands. Hang on, hang on, Mother (×2). Don’t be saddened. |
11. Nimuze – Come Please
- Title: Nimuze (Come Please)
- Artist: Aline Gahongayire
- Composer: Aline Gahongayire
- Lyricist: Aline Gahongayire
- Links: View Product
- Duration: 04:05
- Sample:
Sample
| Iyehe nimuze | Do come, please |
| Iyehe nimuze | Do come, please |
| Nimuze dushime Imana | Come and let us praise God |
| Nimuze tuyiririmbe. | Come and let us sing for Him. |
| Nimuze mushima Imana | Come with thanks to God |
| Nimuze muvuga Yesu, | Come speaking of Jesus |
| Ngaho | Let’s go! |
| Nimuze dukeshe ibirori | Come and let us celebrate |
| Nimuze muguwe neza. | Come with joy. |
| Nimuze tuvuze impundu | Come and let clap and cheer |
| Nimuze dutege amaboko | Come and let us raise our arms |
| Ngaho | Let’s go! |
| Nimuze dukeshe ibirori | Come and let us celebrate |
| Tubyinire Imana yaturemye. | Let us dance for God, our Creator. |
| Nimumfashe tuyihimbaze | Help me praise Him |
| Nimumfashe tuyiririmbe | Help me sing to God |
| Ngaho | Let’s go! |
| Nimuze dukeshe ibirori | Come and let us celebrate |
| Nimumfashe | Help me |
| Tuyamamaze. | Proclaim Him. |
12. Umukiza Wanjye Ariho – My Savior Is Alive
- Title: Umukiza Wanjye Ariho (My Savior Is Alive)
- Artist: Aline Gahongayire
- Composer: Aline Gahongayire
- Lyricist: Aline Gahongayire
- Links: View Product
- Duration: 04:53
- Sample:
Sample
| Umukiza wanjye ariho. | My Savior is alive. |
| Ajya ankomeza ariho. | He strengthens me, He is alive. |
| Umukiza wanjye ariho. | My Savior is alive. |
| Kugira ngo amfashe maze ankomeze nanjye mwisegure. | To help me and strengthen me so that I rely upon Him. |
| Ntacyo mfite najya nirata; impamvu mfite yo kwirarira ubuntu bw’Umukiza wanjye ni bwo bungejeje aha (×2). | I have nothing to boast upon; the only reason I can boast upon is the grace of my Savior thanks to which I am still alive (×2). |
| Umukiza wanjye ariho. | My Savior is alive. |
| Ajya ankomeza ariho. | He strengthens me, He is alive. |
| Umukiza wanjye ariho. | My Savior is alive. |
| Haba ku manywa ndetse na nijoro no mu gicuku aranyumva. | He listens to me day in and night out. |
| Ntacyo mfite najya nirata; impamvu mfite yo kwirarira ubuntu bw’Umukiza wanjye ni bwo bungejeje aha (×3). | I have nothing to boast upon; the only reason I can boast upon is the grace of my Savior thanks to which I am still alive (×3). |
