Story Behind ‘Mzabibu’ Song Trending in TikTok
Story Behind ‘Mzabibu’ Song Trending in TikTok
Story Behind ‘Mzabibu’ Song Trending in TikTok
Mombasa-based musician Zablon Ndale has shared the background and inspiration for his song Mzabibu, which has been popular on the social media platform TikTok. Nearly ten years after his song’s premiere, Ndale expressed his happiness in a media interview on Friday, stating that it was trending nationwide.
Speaking in a Mijikenda dialect, the pastor translated portions of the song and said he was quoting from the book of John, which describes Christians as the branches of a vine tree and the Biblical Jesus as a tree. “I was taken aback, but I suppose that God’s timing is ideal. It makes me happy to see everyone, Muslims and Christians alike, dancing to the song, Ndale said.
The artist further explained that the inspiration to write the song was drawn from his preparation of a Sunday service summon, recalling how he picked up a paper and pen and wrote some of the words in his local dialect to create a rhyme for the verse. “As an artist, inspiration can come when you are resting in bed, taking a shower, or when taking a walk,” he explained in the interview on Citizen TV.
Ndale continued, saying he saw multiple videos of individuals dancing to the song while going through TikTok and learning about the new craze. He said, “I tried to explain to people that I wrote the song using TikTok, and afterwards people who knew me started reaching out.”
He continued by saying that since his intention was to spread the gospel to everyone, he had no problem with the song becoming popular at bars and other entertainment venues. “I’m not surprised that the song is becoming popular in clubs; as long as God’s people hear the message, then I’m happy,” he said.
“I know it’s a trend, so even though some of the moves aren’t that appealing, it’s okay.” Kenyans have taken to the song, with DJs even doing mash-ups and interpretations. Fans include Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa and Charlene Ruto.
