Elombe / Pasola Lola / Jericho (medley)
Dena Mwana
A Triumphant Praise: Celebrating Divine Victory in Dena Mwana's Medley
Dena Mwana's medley, comprising 'Elombe,' 'Pasola Lola,' and 'Jericho,' is a powerful and uplifting celebration of faith, victory, and divine intervention. The lyrics, primarily in Lingala, a language spoken in the Democratic Republic of Congo, are a testament to the artist's deep-rooted spirituality and her ability to convey profound religious sentiments through music. The repetitive and rhythmic nature of the lyrics enhances the meditative and worshipful atmosphere, inviting listeners to join in the praise and adoration of Jesus Christ.
The song 'Elombe' repeatedly acknowledges Jesus as 'Elombe,' which translates to 'the great one' or 'the mighty one.' This part of the medley is a declaration of Jesus' greatness and a call to worship Him for His mighty deeds. The lyrics emphasize the communal aspect of worship, with phrases like 'biso to yembeli yo' (we sing to you) and 'biso to kumisi yo' (we praise you), highlighting the collective nature of the praise and the unity among believers in acknowledging Jesus' supremacy.
'Pasola Lola' shifts the focus to a plea for divine revelation and intervention. The repeated call for 'Yawhe kumama' (Yahweh be praised) and the invocation of biblical figures like Moses, Anna, and Elijah, who experienced God's miraculous acts, serve as a reminder of God's enduring power and presence. The lyrics express a longing for similar divine encounters and miracles in the present day, reinforcing the belief in God's unchanging nature and His ability to perform wonders.
The final part of the medley, 'Jericho,' is a triumphant declaration of victory over obstacles and adversaries. The reference to the biblical story of Jericho, where the walls fell after the Israelites' faithful obedience, symbolizes the breaking down of barriers and the defeat of evil forces. The repeated phrases 'buka jericho' (break Jericho) and 'niata satana' (crush Satan) are powerful affirmations of faith in Jesus' victory over all forms of opposition. This section of the medley is a call to action, encouraging believers to trust in Jesus' power to overcome challenges and to celebrate the victory that comes through faith.