Iba, a spiritual song by Nathaniel Bassey featuring Dunsin Oyekan and Dasola Akinbule, takes its name from the Yoruba word for deep reverence and obeisance. In the context of the song, Iba is a direct invitation into a state of profound worship and humility before God, referred to as Yahweh. It’s a journey, not to a physical place, but to a spiritual “inner chamber” where the sole purpose is to bow in honor and submission. The lyrics and melody are crafted to guide listeners into a similar state of worship, transcending everyday distractions to focus entirely on the divine. The song highlights the wisdom in giving honor and worship, reflecting a deep-seated belief within the Yoruba Christian community that true wisdom lies in recognizing and revering the greatness of the Creator.
The song “Iba” by Nathaniel Bassey ft Dunsin Oyekan & Dasola Akinbule is more than just a musical piece; it’s a powerful expression of spiritual devotion that has resonated with countless listeners. It draws its strength from its simple yet profound message: true worship is an act of deep reverence and complete surrender. The Yoruba language, with its rich cultural and spiritual heritage, lends a unique authenticity to the song, connecting the act of worship to the core identity of the people. Through the song, Alabi invites listeners to a transformative experience, where the act of bowing becomes a symbol of ultimate trust and love for God. The widespread appeal of “Iba” demonstrates its effectiveness in creating a space for personal and communal worship, solidifying its place as a cornerstone in modern Nigerian gospel music.
Lyrics
Blessed art Thou, Son of David
Blessed art Thou, root of Jesse
Blessed art Thou, Son of David
Blessed art thou, root of Jesse
You are eminently glorious
Immaculately beautiful
I can go on and on
On and on
But my words are not enough
My vocabularies will fail me
But permit me to cry out
Iba o, iba o-o, iba
Iba o, iba
Iba o, iba
Iba o-o, iba
Iba o-o-o, iba
Play, brother
Sing, I shall
Blessed art Thou, Rock of ages
Blessed art Thou
Blessed art Thou, King of Heaven
Blessed art Thou, Rock of ages
Blessed art Thou
Blessed art Thou, King of Heaven
You are infinitely powerful
Magnificently wonderful
I can go on and on
And on, and on, and on, and on
But my words are not enough (they’re not enough)
My vocabularies they fail me (they always fail me)
Permit me to bring this song of victory
Iba o, iba, iba
Iba o, iba (ah, atofarati)
Iba o, iba (Orọmọniṣẹfayati)
Iba o-o, iba (iba, iba)
Iba o, iba (iba, iba)
Iba o, iba (to the one who sing on the floor)
Iba o, iba (iba o-o-o)
Iba o, iba (iba o-o-o)
Iba o, iba (King of kings, Lord of lords)
Iba o, iba (Faithful One, righteous One)
Iba o, iba (Iba o-o-o)
Iba o, iba (I bow in all Your Power)
(Iba) iba o, iba (that’s why You’re faithful) iba
You tell the wind how hard to blow (ah, ah, ah)
And tell the rain how much to fall
You laid the pathway for the lightning (ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah)
Those who are wise will worship You
You are cloth with Jasmine Splendor (ah, ah, ah)
And wrapped in blistering Light (mm-mm)
There’s no limit to Your power (ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah)
Those who are wise will honor You
Iba o, iba (iba o)
Iba o, iba (my God and my Father)
Iba o, iba (I pour my heart in words)
Iba o, iba
Iba o, iba (just to say iba o, iba)
Iba o, iba (there’s no one like You, Jesus)
Iba o, iba (there’s no one like You, my Father)
(They can never be one like You) iba o, iba (worthy is the Lamb)
Iba o, iba (who are slain to receive power)
Iba o, iba (and righteous, and wisdom)
(And strenght and honour) iba o, iba
(And glory, and blessing) iba o, iba
(We worship You, jesus) iba o, iba
(We bow before Your throne) iba o, iba
(Just to say one thing)
(This one thing) iba o, iba (iba o)
(Iba) iba o, iba
That’s why we’ve come to say iba (that’s what we’ve come to do)
Kabiyesi ala funfun gbo
Arogun-masa, arogun-matidi
Ọba to n bẹ nibi gbogbo, nigba gbogbo, lọjọ gbgogbo
Ariroala, gbongbon idile Jésè
Atofarati bi oke
Ọba to tẹlẹ bi ẹni t’ẹni
O ta sanmọ bi ẹni ta’ṣọ
Ji jẹ emi ni, gbangba lẹhìn a ṣo ootọ
Ọkan ṣo-ṣo ajanaku ti n mi’gbo kiji-kiji
Ẹkun ọkọ Pharaoh
Ta la ba fi ọ we?
Ta lo le ba ọ dọgba?
Oluwa jokoo, o jẹ ọba lori iṣan omi
Oluwa jokoo lori ìtẹ gẹgẹ Ọba titi lai-lai
Awọn ọrun sọrọ o
Ofurufu n fi iṣẹ rẹ han
Ọjọ de, ọjọ fọ’hun, orun de, orun fihan
Ọba ti o fi ọrọ da’le aye
Aṣorokọlu bi ogiri gbigbẹ, Abetilukara bi ajere
Awọn agbagba mẹrinlelogun
Wọn ke mimọ, wọn ke mimọ si ìwọ Ọga ogo
Ọrọ Oluwa san ara
Ohun Oluwa fa calvary si Lebanoni ya
Ay, iba o-o-o
Iba o, iba (ẹyẹ oju ọrun n juba)
Iba o, iba (wonderful counselor)
(My King called everlasting Father, please, Lord, please)
Iba o, iba (iba o)
Iba o, iba (Kabiyesi o)
Iba o, iba (who shall I fear?)
(Who shall when standing? For You are glorious, and holiness, and fearful be praised)
(Iba o) iba o, iba (maa jọba lọ titi lai)
Iba o, iba
Iba o, iba (worthy, worthy)
Iba o, iba (holy, holy, holy, holy)
Great counsel, great in wisdom
Full of glory
Iba o, iba, iba o, iba (and before I’m 20, before I’m 24)
Iba o, iba, iba o, iba
Elshaddai (Elshaddai)
Adonai (Adonai)
Elgibor (Elgibor)
Elohim (Elohim)
Iba rẹ, iba o
Iba o-o-o
Iba o, iba, iba o, iba
Iba o (we worship You, iba) iba o
Iba o, iba (iba o)
Blessed art Thou, Son of David
Blessed art Thou, root of Jesse
Iba
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