How to play "Uyahalalela / Uyakhazimula / We Praise Your Name"
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Song by
Benjamin Dube
Original KeyA
BPM108
Time Sig3/4
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Get ready for a powerful shift in the atmosphere. This beautiful South African gospel medley takes us on a journey from deep reverence to high praise.
We start with the holy declaration of “Uyahalalela” (You are Holy), transition seamlessly into the majestic “Uyakhazimula” (You are Glorious), and bring it all together with a joyful shout of “We Praise Your Name!” Whether you are playing for a Sunday service, a prayer meeting, or your own personal worship time, this medley is guaranteed to uplift your spirit and fill your environment with
joy.
In this tutorial, we will break down the chords, the flow, and the critical transitions needed to play this medley smoothly.
Mastering the Medley Flow
Playing a medley isn’t just about stringing songs together; it is about managing the energy and
maintaining a cohesive musical narrative. Here is what we will focus on in this lesson:
1. Setting the Atmosphere with “Uyahalalela”
This opening section requires a sensitive touch. We will focus on lush, sustained voicings and gentle arpeggiations. I’ll show you how to use suspended chords and minor 9ths to create that spacious, “holy” atmosphere that the song demands. It is about playing less and letting the chords breathe.
2. The Majestic Build in “Uyakhazimula”
As we transition into “Uyakhazimula,” the energy begins to lift. We will introduce thicker chord voicings, incorporating octaves in the left hand and fuller triads in the right. I will guide you through the specific passing chords (particularly secondary dominants and diminished walks) that give this section its majestic, traditional gospel weight.
3. Transitioning to High Praise: “We Praise Your Name”
The final shift is where the real joy happens! Transitioning from worship into high praise requires a distinct change in rhythm and articulation. We will lock into that classic, bouncy South Africa praise groove. I’ll break down the syncopated basslines and the rhythmic right-hand comping you need to drive the band and the congregation forward.
Elevate Your Worship Transitions
One of the hardest parts of playing medleys is knowing how to transition smoothly between songs, especially if they are in different keys or tempos. If you struggle with connecting songs seamlessly, grab our free Visual Piano Chord Guide. It is an
essential tool for visualizing the fretboard, making it easier to find those critical common tones and passing chords that bridge two songs together perfectly
O ya hala, o ya halalelaJesu wa makgotlaO ya halalelaO ya halalelaJesu wa makgotla
Let me hear come on everybody(O ya hala, o ya halalela)Jesu (Jesu)Wa ma, Wa makgotla (Wa makgotla)O ya halalela (O ya halalela)O ya halalela (O ya halalela)Jesu (Jesu)Wa makgotla (Wa makgotla)
We praise, We praise your nameWe praise, We praise your nameWe praise your nameWe praise your nameWe praise, We praise your name
