Voices only: An African version of ‘The Blessing’ shines

I don’t like “The Blessing.”

Or at least I didn’t think I liked it.

The song, written and performed by Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes and Elevation Worship, is a modern take on the traditional hymn “The Lord Bless You and Keep You.” It’s big on emotion but, in my opinion, lacking in depth. The lyrics are extremely repetitive. The song is emblematic of what I see as a problem in contemporary Christian music nowadays — lots of emotion to stir the soul but little to challenge the mind.

After hearing the song repeatedly on K-LOVE, I saw this version, recorded by Uganda-based Destiny Africa Children’s Choir. Charlotte Hackett, a longtime missionary with the Eastleigh Church of Christ in Nairobi, Kenya, brought it to my attention when she mentioned it at the end of a recent newsletter.

Thanks Charlotte!

Related: Africa’s other plague

With the instruments stripped away, this song really starts to shine. And translating portions of the lyrics into the African languages of Kiswahili and Luganda takes the edge off the repetitiveness.

This is worth watching all the way to the end.

I miss Africa, and I pray for all of our brothers and sisters on the continent as this pandemic drags on. Seeing these bright smiles and hearing them praise God in their native tongues really helps.

Got a suggestion for our weekly Voices only feature? Email links to [email protected] or post suggestions in the comments.

•  Click here to see more of our recent “Voices only” features

Filed under: Africa African choir African Christianity choir Destiny Africa Children's Choir Elevation Worship International Kari Jobe Kenya The Blessing Uganda Voices Only Voices Only