Huruma Yake ni ya Milele by P. F. Mwarabu is an invitation to God's Mercy
For decades, P. F. Mwarabu has been regarded as a living legend—a composer and writer that has shaped the way many catholics encounter God through song. His works stand as pillars of faith and culture, drawing people into reflection, prayer, and worship. Among his timeless compositions, Huruma Yake ni ya Milele (His Mercy is Eternal) holds a unique place, carrying both theological depth and an intimate sense of hope for humanity.
According to P. F. Mwarabu, the song was inspired by his meditation on the greatness of God’s mercy in the life of every human being. “Huruma yake ni ya Milele is the song I wrote about the majesty of God’s mercy in the life of man. Truly, His mercy is far greater than we can imagine. Many times, we act against the will of the Almighty, yet He continues to forgive us and invite us back to Himself,” P. F. Mwarabu shared.
This short but profound statement captures the heart of his music. Mwarabu has always written with an emphasis on grace, forgiveness, and the unending invitation of God. Huruma Yake ni ya Milele serves as a personal testimony of faith, encouraging listeners to see themselves as children constantly embraced by divine mercy.
To understand the significance of Huruma Yake ni ya Milele, one must look at Mwarabu’s broader legacy. He is more than a composer—he is a patriarch of Tanzanian Catholic music. Over the years, he has written and arranged a vast collection of hymns, many of which remain widely sung in parishes, choirs, and gatherings of the faithful across the country. Songs like Inakuwaje Tunasikia Maneno, Niongoze Vema Maria, Ninakupenda Ewe Mwokozi Wangu, and Ee Mama Yetu Maria have become staples in Catholic liturgy and popular devotion.
These songs reflect not only theological truths but also the cultural richness of Tanzanian worship. His compositions are known for their melodic accessibility, lyrical depth, and ability to touch the hearts of both young and old. They embody the idea that music is prayer, and prayer through music can transcend boundaries of language, tribe, and generation.
P. F. Mwarabu was born on April 23, 1943, in Ifakara, Morogoro. His early life was marked by a disciplined pursuit of education. After completing primary school in 1958, he joined Mzumbe Secondary School, where he studied from 1959 to 1962. Shortly after, in 1963, he joined the Tanzania Police Force, an institution that instilled in him order, discipline, and resilience—values that would later shape his approach to music and ministry.
His journey did not stop there. Determined to expand his horizons, Mwarabu traveled to Canada to pursue further education. The exposure to diverse cultures, liturgical traditions, and the global church enriched his outlook, broadening his understanding of music as a universal language of worship.
Upon returning home, Mwarabu’s life took another turn of service. He worked at the Tanzania President’s Office at Ikulu, where he faithfully served for 17 years. His dedication to national duty was remarkable, but in 1993, at the age of 50, he voluntarily retired due to illness. This marked a turning point in his life, allowing him to dedicate more time to what he loved most—composing songs that glorify God and inspire the faithful.
Though illness brought challenges, it did not silence him. Instead, it redirected his energy into music ministry. His compositions during this period carry an even deeper sense of reliance on God, echoing the reality of human frailty and the strength found in divine mercy.
Mwarabu’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. Over the years, he has been featured in interviews and documentaries by outlets such as Jugo Media and Radio Maria Tanzania. These platforms have given him the opportunity to share his personal journey, his struggles, and his philosophy of music. Through such appearances, new generations have discovered the man behind the songs, gaining insight into the prayerful spirit that fuels his creativity.
‘Huruma Yake ni ya Milele’ is an invitation. It calls believers to look beyond their weaknesses, sins, and failures, and to trust in the eternal mercy of God. It is a song that encourages resilience, hope, and faith in a world that often feels harsh and unforgiving.
In Catholic tradition, mercy is not just an attribute of God; it is the very heart of His relationship with humanity. Mwarabu’s song captures this truth with simplicity and depth, making it accessible to everyone.
