5 Years Since the Release of ‘Yanipasa Kumshukuru Mungu’
On July 27, 2020, the popular song Yanipasa Kumshukuru Mungu, performed by St. Yuda Thadei Choir from Arusha Institute of Accountancy, was officially released on YouTube.
Since its release until September 2025, the song has attracted over 2.5 million views. This has made it the choir’s most successful production to date.
St. Yuda Thadei Choir is based in Arusha and is composed of students pursuing accounting studies at Arusha Institute of Accountancy. Over time, the choir has gained recognition for producing many beautiful Catholic songs such as 'Asante Twakushukuru.'
'Yanipasa Kumshukuru Mungu' is a powerful song that reminds us to always be thankful to God in every situation of life, because He is the giver of all things to mankind.
The song was composed by the renowned Catholic hymn writer, Mr. M. Makonge, who has also written other well-known songs including 'Njoni Tumwabudu', 'Nchi Imejaa Fadhili', 'Mtumaini Mungu', 'Maombi Yangu', and 'Kuleni Mwili'.
The message of the composer is clear: we must always thank God, the Creator of heaven and earth, for making us who we are, giving us both body and spirit, life and strength. We are called to praise Him and surrender our lives into His hands.
We should praise Him even in suffering, because He has made us who we are. We should thank Him even in blindness, because He has created us as we are. We should glorify Him even in leprosy, for although some people may reject us, we must always exalt Him.
We must worship God in times of weakness, in illness, and in every hardship, because He alone knows the reasons why these things happen in our lives.
Too often, it is easy for human beings to only express gratitude after being blessed with good things, but this song teaches us to be thankful even in trials.
We may ask ourselves: How can we be thankful to God during difficult times? This is a question that often lingers in our hearts. Gratitude is not just an attitude for optimistic people; it carries deep meaning for how we view life and how we trust in God’s providence.
Being thankful does not mean ignoring pain or pretending life is easy. It doesn’t mean being overly cheerful at every moment. Rather, it is a deeply rooted trust that God is good, that we have more than we deserve, and that He is working through every circumstance, even disappointments.
Being thankful does not mean ignoring pain or pretending life is easy. It doesn’t mean being overly cheerful at every moment. Rather, it is a deeply rooted trust that God is good, that we have more than we deserve, and that He is working through every circumstance, even disappointments.
Thanksgiving in times of difficulty is not about enjoying suffering or denying pain. It is about trusting in God’s promises—His sovereignty, His goodness, and His perfect timing. It is about believing that everything is ultimately working together for our good and His glory.
We might also ask: Why being thankful during hardships?
'Yanipasa kumshukuru Mungu' does not present an unrealistic view of gratitude. It does not suggest that when tragedy strikes, or when we are hospitalized, or when we lose our jobs, someone should simply say, “Be thankful!” That would be insensitive and even harmful.
Instead, the song insists on cultivating thankfulness as a way to release bitterness. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we already have. It prevents us from being trapped in the past or anxious about the future. It reminds us to see the blessings already present in our lives.
Remember: gratitude is a discipline.
As one wise person once said: “Do not think it is hypocritical to thank God with your lips when your heart feels ungrateful. There is false thanksgiving that hides bitterness and seeks human praise. That is not the goal. True thanksgiving with your mouth is a prayer for God’s mercy, that He may fill your words with genuine gratitude. You are not seeking men’s approval, but the Spirit’s renewal.”
Indeed, giving thanks with our mouths can stir up genuine thankfulness in our hearts.
The music video for this inspiring song was produced by the well-known Holy Trinity Studios, a studio that has previously worked on many other popular projects such as 'Nimekuja Kukushukuru', 'Asante Tu', and 'Edongata Oboliakisi'.
The video carries a rich cultural theme, featuring singers dressed in traditional attire and using traditional instruments such as malimba and flutes.
St. Yuda Thadei Choir continues to perform this song as part of their mission to spread the Gospel while also entertaining audiences across different settings. Recently, the choir performed 'Yanipasa Kumshukuru Mungu' during the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord at St. Theresia Parish in Arusha.
