On March 22nd BYU Men’s Chorus released two videos of ‘Baba Yetu,’ a song originally written by composer Christopher Tin. Singer, actor, and YouTube sensation, Alex Boyé, joins them in one of the videos, and in the second video we see them experiencing the African culture and singing with the people of Africa.

‘Baba Yetu’- translated into English meaning ‘Our Father’- is the Lord’s Prayer in Swahili. One of the well known parts of the Lord’s Prayer is: “Utupe leo chakula chetu Tunachohitaji, utusamehe Makosa yetu, hey! Kama nasi tunavyowasamehe Waliotukosea usitutie Katika majaribu, lakini Utuokoe, na yule, muovu e milele!” That verse sung in Swahili translates into English as: “Give us this day our daily bread, Forgive us of our trespasses, As we forgive others Who trespass against us Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one forever.”

The first video I will talk about is BYU Men’s Chorus singing their cover of ‘Baba Yetu’ with some locals and orphans in a village in Africa. BYU Men’s Chorus visited the orphanage, and while there, invited people around to join them in their song cover and video. ‘Baba Yetu’ has very powerful lyrics with deep, rich spiritual meaning that connects people to their religious beliefs and to their God.

The spirit of joy and light could be seen and felt while viewing this video. The incorporation of the people’s culture in the place in Africa where they were visiting, along with the welcoming of orphans from a poor orphanage to join in the singing of this song and making of this video, are just parts of the beauty that is captured on film. The coming together of groups of people from totally different cultures and backgrounds, and being able to share happiness and love, is a true witness of Gods love for His children.

The second video of ‘Baba Yetu’ is filmed with Alex Boye featuring the BYU Men’s Chorus. This video shows a bit more symbolism relating to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In the beginning of this video, before any singing starts, well-known singer, Alex Boyé is wandering through a deserted land, looking worn out and lost. Suddenly his foot bumps into something on the ground, so he curiously bends down and picks up a compass, known as the Liahona. Immediately the music begins and as the camera zooms out, BYU Men’s Chorus can be seen surrounding him, and joining him in praising Our Father and singing The Lord’s Prayer.

The symbolism continues when we see Alex Boyé referencing the Liahona to take him where he needs to be. Walking back and forth, Alex finds himself at the bass of the tree. This scene of him coming to the bass of the tree is representing the Tree of Life, seen in the vision of Lehi in the Book of Mormon. The Tree of Life is where you end up by leading a righteous and good life, and where you can taste of the Pure Love of Christ. It symbolizes that only by following Our Father, obeying His will, and being willing to follow the compass given to us in this life, then we will find our way to The Tree of Life.

A beautiful and powerful scene is then filmed where the camera zooms farther out, showing BYU Men’s Chorus in a complete circle around the tree, an orchestra group inside the circle, and Alex Boyé at the foot of the tree. This is where the song picks up momentum, and the true spirit of The Lords Prayer can be manifested.

These two videos have definitely given to me the desire to be more like Christ, as well as a desire to praise my Lord more often. Singing is a prayer unto The Lord, and the more often one does it, the closer one will draw to the Lord in their bond and communication.

Praising and worship is an important part of any religion, and ‘Baba Yetu’ is dedicated to praise and worship of Our Father in Heaven, by singing to Him, The Lords Prayer.