Unkebuke is a worship song that carries a heartfelt message of surrender, repentance, and spiritual renewal before God. The title “Unkebuke” translates as “Refine me” or “Purify me” in English, a humble plea to God to cleanse one’s heart and make it worthy of His presence.

This song follows his recent string of powerful releases that have crossed borders, including “Nina Siri” (85M views), “Nitaamini” (52M views), “Sikiliza” (24M views), and “Malengo ya Mungu” (24M views).

It is also part of Mbonyi’s fifth studio album titled “Hobe”, officially launched on October 5, 2025, during a massive live concert at Intare Arena in Rusororo, Kigali.

The Meaning Behind “Unkebuke”
“Unkebuke” is not just another worship song; it’s a prayer. Through it, Mbonyi expresses a deep longing for purification and closeness with God, asking to be shaped into a vessel worthy of divine service.

Below is a line-by-line translation and meaning of each verse:
Verse 1

Uwiteka we,
Urondore umutima w’umugaragu wawe Mwami,
Umvugutire, Umpindure igikoresho gikwiye munzu yawe.
Kuko aho uri, Ariho honyine nanjye nifuza kwibera.

English Translation:

Lord, search the heart of Your servant, my King.
Melt me, and transform me into a vessel worthy in Your house.
For where You are is the only place I desire to dwell.

Meaning:

The singer begins with a humble request, for God to search his heart, remove impurities, and shape him into a useful servant. It’s a cry for sanctification and nearness to God, echoing Psalm 139:23–24, “Search me, O God, and know my heart.”

Chorus

Unkebuke Mwami, Mbone mu maso hawe,
Wuzuze amavuta mw’itabaza wampaye.
Unsubizemo kunezezwa, Kunezezwa n’agakiza.

English Translation:

Refine me, Lord, that I may behold Your face.
Fill me with the oil in the lamp You have given me.
Restore to me the joy, the joy of salvation.

Meaning:

Here, Mbonyi draws from Psalm 51:12 — “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation.” The “oil in the lamp” symbolizes the Holy Spirit and divine anointing that keeps believers burning with faith and purpose.

Verse 2

Umpe kuzinukwa ingeso zose za kamere,
Ndusheho Kukwegera.
Unkubitire ibyaha byose bimpeza kure y’ubwiza bwawe.
Unkangurire gusa na Kristo mw’ijambo no mu bingerageza.

English Translation:

Help me to despise all the ways of the flesh,
That I may draw closer to You.
Strike down every sin that keeps me away from Your glory.
Awaken in me the likeness of Christ, in Your Word and in my trials.

Meaning:

This verse reveals Mbonyi’s spiritual maturity, the willingness to abandon worldly habits and embrace Christlikeness. It is both a prayer of repentance and transformation, urging believers to live in the Word and find purpose even in hardship.

Solo Verse

Naho ibyaha byanjye byatukura cyane,
Ubasha rwose kubyeza byose.
Kandi nubwo njyewe ntagira shinge na rugero,
Warandimiye, Umpa andi mahirwe.

English Translation:

Though my sins are crimson red,
You are able to cleanse them all.
And though I have no foundation or worth,
You called me and gave me another chance.

Meaning:

A moving reflection on Isaiah 1:18 — “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” Mbonyi acknowledges human weakness and celebrates God’s mercy and grace that offers new beginnings.

Bridge

Umpindure igikoresho, Gukoreshwa iby’umumaro.
Unyeze kandi unyuzuze, Kunezezwa n’agakiza.

English Translation:

Transform me into a vessel useful for Your purpose.
Cleanse me and fill me with the joy of salvation.

Meaning:

This bridge seals the song’s message, complete surrender. The artist longs to be refined and filled with divine joy, ready to serve God in purity and purpose.

Spiritual and Musical Depth

Musically, “Unkebuke” carries Israel Mbonyi’s signature style, deep worship melodies blended with emotional vocal delivery and a slow rhythmic build that draws listeners into a prayerful atmosphere. Spiritually, it’s an invitation to self-examination, repentance, and renewal.

The song aligns perfectly with the rest of his “Hobe” Album, which is rich in spiritual depth and biblical reflection. Each song from the album, including “Hobe”, “Urithi”, “Sindekura”, and “Sijamalizana Nawewe”, explores themes of hope, endurance, and unwavering faith.

About Israel Mbonyi

With over 2.05 million YouTube subscribers and more than 419 million total views, Israel Mbonyi remains one of the most celebrated gospel musicians in East Africa. Known for hit songs such as “Nina Siri,” “Nitaamini,” “Sikiliza,” “Kaa Nami,” and “Amenisamehe,” Mbonyi continues to uplift hearts with music that transcends borders and languages.

His official links: Website: imbonyi.com, Info: [email protected] | Bookings: [email protected], Socials: @israelmbonyi | YouTube | TikTok

Through “Unkebuke”, Israel Mbonyi invites believers to let God refine their hearts, to be cleansed, renewed, and filled with the joy of salvation. The song is not only a melody but a mirror for the soul, urging every listener to whisper the same prayer: “Lord, refine me, restore me, and make me a vessel for Your glory.”

Watch to “Unkebuke” by Israel Mbonyi — premiered November 11, 2025, on his official YouTube channel.