For Week 308, themed “Charity,” I decided to sing “My Redeemer Lives” by Nicole C. Mullen. To me, charity goes beyond giving material things; it is also about love, grace, and the sacrifice that comes from a genuine place of compassion.
When I think about charity in its deepest form, I am reminded of the ultimate act of love, the redemption that gives hope, healing, and a second chance. This song beautifully expresses that hope and faith, reminding us that no matter what we face in life, we are not alone. The message of “My Redeemer Lives” is one of assurance, love, and the powerful gift of grace that has been given to humanity.
Singing this song made me reflect on the kind of love that gives without expecting anything in return, the kind of love that uplifts, restores, and brings light even in dark moments. That, to me, is the true spirit of charity.
I hope this cover blesses and encourages someone listening today. Thank you to the Hive Open Mic community for always creating a space where music, expression, and meaningful themes can come together.

With love,
Oyinwrites 🎤✨

Lyrics

Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning?
And who told the ocean you can only come this far?
And who showed the moon where to hide 'til evening?
Whose words alone can catch a falling star?

Well, I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
All of creation testifies
This life within me cries
I know my Redeemer lives, yeah

The very same God that spins things in orbit
Runs to the weary, the worn and the weak
And the same gentle hands that hold me when I'm broken
They conquered death to bring me victory

Now I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
Let all creation testify
Let this life within me cry
I know my Redeemer, He lives

To take away my shame
And He lives forever, I'll proclaim
That the payment for my sin
Was the precious life He gave
But now He's alive and there's an empty grave

And I know my Redeemer, He lives
I know my Redeemer lives
Let all creation testify
Let this life within me cry
I know my Redeemer

I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives

I know that, I know that, I know that, I know that
I know my Redeemer lives
Because He lives I can face tomorrow

I know, I know, He lives, He lives, yeah, yeah
I spoke with Him this morning
He lives, He lives, the tomb is empty
He lives, He lives, I've gotta tell everybody, yeah

At first, this song may not immediately sound like it relates to masks, but the more I reflected on it, the more it made sense. “Jailer” speaks about control, injustice, and systems that quietly imprison people. Sometimes, those who hold power wear masks (masks of authority, superiority, or righteousness), hiding the truth underneath. And sometimes, those who are oppressed wear masks too, pretending to be strong while carrying pain inside.

This song shines a light on those hidden layers. It questions who the real prisoner is. Is it the one behind the bars, or the one holding the keys? Sometimes, we are all wearing masks without even realizing it.
I chose this piece because it forces reflection. It challenges us to remove the masks, the ones society gives us and the ones we create ourselves.

I hope this cover makes someone pause and think a little deeper. ❤️

Lyrics

I'm in chains, you're in chains too
I wear uniforms, and you wear uniforms too
I'm a prisioner
You're a prisioner too
Mr. Jailer

I have fears, you have fears too
I will die, but you self gon'die too
Life is beautiful, don't you think so too
Mr. Jailer

I'm talking to you Jailer
Stop calling me a prisioner
Let he who is without sin -
be the first to cast the stone
Mr. Jailer
Mr. Jailer man

You supress all my strategies
You opress (wo oh oh) every part of me
What you don't know
you're a victim too
Mr. Jailer

You don't care about my point of view
If I die another will work for you
So you treat me like a modern slave
Mr. Jailer

I'm talking to you Jailer
Stop calling me a prisioner
Let he who is without sin-
be the first to cast the stone
Mr. Jailer
Mr. Jailer man

You see.
If you'walking in a market place
Don't throw stones
Even if you do, you just might hit
One of your own
Life is not about your policies
All the time
So you better rearrange your philosophies
and be good to your fellow man Jailer

Stop calling me a prisioner
Let he who is without sin-
be the first to cast the stone
Mr. Jailer

Oh I'm talking to you Jailer
Stop calling me your prisioner
Let he who is without sin-
be the first to cast the stone
Mr. Jailer
Mr. Jailer Man

I hear my baby say
I wanna be president
I wan chop money
From my government
What he don't know
What he won't know
What he can't know
Jailer, Jailer oh
Be good oh Somebody
Be good oh

Singing “Someone You Loved” felt like giving space to honesty and raw emotion. It reflects moments when we realize how much someone meant to us only after they’re gone, and how difficult it can be to find our footing again. I believe those moments deserve to be acknowledged, not hidden.

Through this performance, I hope to highlight the beauty in being honest with our emotions and remind someone listening that it’s okay to feel, to grieve, and to heal at their own pace. Music has a powerful way of bringing hidden feelings into the light, and this is my way of sharing that moment.
Thank you for listening.

Lyrics

I'm going under and I fear this time there's no one to save me
This all or nothing really got a way of driving me crazy
I need somebody to heal
Somebody to know
Somebody to have
Somebody to hold
It's easy to say, but it's never the same
I guess I kinda liked the way you numbed all the pain

And now the day bleeds into nightfall
And you're not here to get me through it all
I let my guard down
And you pulled the rug
I was getting kinda used to being someone you loved

I'm going under and this time I fear there's no one to turn to
This all or nothing way of loving got me sleeping without you
Now, I need somebody to know
Somebody to heal
Somebody to have
Just to know how it feels
It's easy to say but it's never the same
I guess I kinda liked the way you helped me escape

And now the day bleeds into nightfall
And you're not here to get me through it all
I let my guard down
And you pulled the rug
I was getting kinda used to being someone you loved

And now the day bleeds into nightfall
And you're not here to get me through it all
I let my guard down
And you pulled the rug
I was getting kinda used to being someone you loved

This song reminds me that sometimes, the things we prayed for quietly, the blessings we hoped for, and the miracles we didn’t even expect, God makes them happen in His own time. “You Do This One” feels like a song of thanksgiving, a moment of reflection on God’s faithfulness, and a reminder that He still answers prayers.

While working on this cover, I found myself thinking about the little victories and the big testimonies, the ones people see and the ones only God knows. Singing this song felt personal, joyful, and deeply uplifting. I hope that as you listen, it also reminds you of what God has done in your life, and encourages you to remain hopeful for what He will still do.

Kindly sing along, lyrics below.

Ooh Oh Oh Oh
You Do This One O
You Do This One O
(Oh Oh Ooh Oh Oh)
Aye, Yeh, Yeh
(Aye Yeh Yeh Yeh Yeh)
Oh Oh Ooh, Oh Oh Ooh Oh Oh
(Aye, Yeh, Yeh)
Aye Yeh Yeh Yeh Yeh
Oh Oh Ooh, Oh Oh Ooh Oh Oh
When I think about the things
That You've Done
My Imagination
Has Turned to reality
Oh my God
You Do This One O
Oh Oh Ooh
You Do This One O
When I think about
The Love that You've Shown me
My Imagination
Has Turned to reality
Oh my God
You Do This One O
Oh Oh Ooh
You Do This One O
Testimonies, overflowing
Celebrations
All Around Me
Testimonies, overflowing
Celebrations
All Around Me
Jesus, You Do This One O
(Oh Oh Ooh)
(You Do This One O)
All the Glory is Yours
You Do This One O
(Oh Oh Ooh)
(You Do This One O)
Jesus, You Do This One O
(Oh Oh Ooh)
(You Do This One O)
All the Glory is Yours
You Do This One O
(Oh Oh Ooh)
(You Do This One O)
Aye, Yeh, Yeh, Yeh
(Aye Yeh Yeh Yeh Yeh)
Oh Oh Ooh (Oh Oh Ooh Oh Oh)
Gbes, gbes, gbes, ye, ye, ye
(Aye Yeh Yeh Yeh Yeh)
Oh Oh Ooh (Oh Oh Ooh Oh Oh)
God is good O, (God is good O)
All the time O, (All the time O)
Even Now Ooh
(You Do This One O)
My God is good O
(God is good O)
All the time O, (All the time O)
Even Now Ooh
(You Do This One O)
Testimony, overflowing
Celebration
All Around Me
Testimony, Overflowing
Celebration
All Around Me
Jesus, You Do This One O
(Oh Oh Ooh)
(You Do This One O)
All the Glory is Yours
You Do This One O
(Oh Oh Ooh)
(You Do This One O)
Jesus, You Do This One O
(Oh Oh Ooh)
(You Do This One O)
All the Glory is Yours
You Do This One O
(Oh Oh Ooh
You Do This One O)
Aye, Yeh, Yeh, Yeh
(Aye Yeh Yeh Yeh Yeh)
Oh Oh Ooh (Oh Oh Ooh Oh Oh)
Aye, Yeh, Yeh
(Aye Yeh Yeh Yeh Yeh)
Oh Oh Ooh (Oh Oh Ooh Oh Oh)
You Do This One O
You Do This One O (you Do This One O)
All the Glory is Yours
You Do This One O
You Do This One O (you Do This One O)

Thank you

This song has a calm and gentle feel that I really love. Singing it felt like a quiet moment of reflection and gratitude, a reminder of the joy that Christmas brings, and the warmth that comes from sharing music with others. I hope this performance brings a little peace and light to anyone who listens.

As we celebrate this festive season, I want to wish everyone in the Hive Open Mic community a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in advance. May this season fill your hearts with joy, love, and beautiful moments with the people you care about. I’m grateful to be part of this amazing community and thankful for another year of music, creativity, and connection.

Much love,
Oyinwrites

Lyrics

La da da da da da, la da da da da da
La da da da da da, la da da da
Away in a manger, no crib for His bed
The little Lord Jesus lay down His sweet head
The stars in the sky look down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay
La da da da da da, la da da da da da
La da da da da da, la da da da
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes
But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes
I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
And stay by my side 'til morning is nigh
La da da da da da, la da da da da da
La da da da da da, la da da da
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever and love me, I pray
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care
And take us to Heaven to live with Thee there (with Thee there)
La da da da da da, la da da da da da
La da da da da da, la da da da
Away in a manger, no crib for His bed
The little Lord Jesus lay down His sweet head
The stars in the sky look down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay
La da da da da da, la da da da da da
La da da da da da, la da da da

Sometimes in life, we drift away from ourselves or from what we love most. “Dreamer Girl” reminds us that even after wandering, we can always return, to love, to hope, to clarity, and to peace. Singing it felt like a journey of reflection and reconnection, and I hope it encourages anyone listening to embrace their own return to what’s important in their lives.

Lyrics

Have you ever heard
Of a dreamer girl
Living in a world
So far away
You might think that she
Is a bit naive
When she says that someday
She'll be your queen
Isn't it possible?
Is it a crime?
Or is it just a silver state of mind?
Baby baby
Close your eyes
Life's a dream
Maybe someday one day...
I dream of simple things every day
I dream that love will come my way
I dream of many lives
I cross the stage
I dream that in this world I can make a change
Is it possible?
Is it a crime?
Or is it just a silver state of mind?
Baby baby
Close your eyes
Life's a dream
Maybe someday one day...
Tell me that I could have it all
Tell me that I wouldn't change at all
Tell me this road is not too long
Will I give up a few years from now
Will I be strong someway somehow
Tell me that I should keep holding on
Baby baby
Close your eyes
Life's a dream
Maybe someday one day...
Baby baby
Close your eyes
Life's a dream
Maybe someday one day...

Lyrics Source

Much Love, Oyinwrites 🎶

There’s something about the simplicity of the lyrics and the smooth flow of the melody that really drew me in. The song talks about love, growth, and the gentle process of moving through life one step at a time. It’s a reminder that not everything has to be rushed, sometimes, the best things unfold slowly, day by day.

I enjoyed working on this cover, and I hope you enjoy listening to it just as much. African music has a way of blending emotion and rhythm effortlessly, and this song is a perfect example of that.

Thank you for listening, and let me know how the song speaks to you too.

Lyrics

Hmm, see me now
(Niphkeys)
Vado!
Everyone going through something
No be say only me get something for my head
As long as my heart is pumping
Just believe say joy is coming in the morning
Ṣùgbọ́n l'oni
Alàgbà o, ẹjọ' ẹ ṣá'dúrà fun mi
Pray for me make the work of my hand prosper
Anywhere wey I pour water, make seed start to grow
Ọ'rọ' òtítọ', take it day by day
Ṣá maa rora
When the storm is over, I go raise my shoulder (I go raise my shoulder)
Power me like solar, Oladamola (Simisola)
Ka ma ralakoba (ka ma ja ri), àlàáfíà yó gbà
And until then, I take it day by day (ye, ye, ye, ye)
Opportunity show up everyday
Go get that money, go get that pay
When things are bad, when things are shaky
Ọmọ ayé no go frown face
Stand up, tì wèrè bọ
Oni b'oṣe jẹ, but you can't give up (fire o)
Allow yourself to grow oh (okay)
On my neck is diamond, awọn temi to da'yan mọ
Same Cartier
On my wrist is a rose gold, all the girls them go low, emi Vado
That guy no dey show love
I dey show love, but I dey keep am on the low, oh why
Uncle K, Simisola, kanipe
Ṣá maa rora
When the storm is over, I go raise my shoulder (I go raise my shoulder)
Power me like solar, Oladamola (Simisola)
Ka ma ralakoba, àlàáfíà yó gbà
And until then, I take it day by day
Hopefully, I'll get to say, "Mama, I buy you house"
Hopefully, one day, "Papa, I buy you car"
Àlàáfíà at'emigigun là nbere fun
Ore-ọfẹ, k'adura gba o
Ooh

Lyrics gotten from musixmatch

Instrumental gotten from Moises AI

When we talk about a different world, many of us imagine a world that is kinder, softer, and more peaceful than what we see today. A world where people care for each other, where love is louder than hate, and where children grow up without fear or pain. “Heal the World” paints exactly that picture, a world transformed not by magic, but by compassion, empathy, and intentional action.

I chose this song because it reminds me that a different world is possible, but it starts with each of us. Healing isn’t just physical; it is emotional, spiritual, and collective. And sometimes, music is one of the simplest ways to spark that healing. Every time I listen to this song, I feel a gentle push toward hope, hope that things can change, hope that people can be better, and hope that love still has power.

I pray this cover inspires someone to believe in that “different world” again, even if it’s in small ways. Let’s keep spreading love, kindness, and healing through music.

With love,
Oyinwrites 💛🎶

I chose this song because it reflects the strength to keep going even when everything feels heavy. Healing is not always instant; sometimes, it’s in the quiet strength of rising up each day with hope.

I hope this cover brings comfort and light to anyone going through a difficult season. Let it remind you that you're not alone, and that healing, though gradual, is possible.

Lyrics

You're broken down and tired
Of living life on a merry go round
And you can't find the fighter
But I see it in you so we gonna walk it out
And move mountains
We gonna walk it out
And move mountains

And I'll rise up
I'll rise like the day
I'll rise up
I'll rise unafraid
I'll rise up
And I'll do it a thousand times again
And I'll rise up
High like the waves
I'll rise up
In spite of the ache
I'll rise up
And I'll do it a thousand times again

For you
For you
For you
For you

When the silence isn't quiet
And it feels like it's getting hard to breathe
And I know you feel like dying
But I promise we'll take the world to its feet
And move mountains
Bring it to its feet
And move mountains

And I'll rise up
I'll rise like the day
I'll rise up
I'll rise unafraid
I'll rise up
And I'll do it a thousand times again

For you
For you
For you
For you

All we need, all we need is hope
And for that we have each other
And for that we have each other
And we will rise
We will rise
We'll rise, oh, oh
We'll rise

I'll rise up
Rise like the day
I'll rise up
In spite of the ache
I will rise a thousand times again
And we'll rise up
High like the waves
We'll rise up
In spite of the ache
We'll rise up
And we'll do it a thousand times again

For you
For you
For you
For you
Ah, ah, ah, ah

Much love,
@Oyinwrites💛🎶

“You Are Mighty” is a worship song that reminds me of God’s strength, power, and unchanging nature. In a world where so many things feel uncertain, it brings peace to know that we serve a God who remains mighty no matter what. Singing this song helped me reflect on how God has been my anchor in tough times, my joy in quiet seasons, and my confidence when everything around me seemed to shake.

I chose this song because it connects deeply with how I’m feeling right now, just grateful. Grateful for life, for breath, for the ability to sing, and for a platform like Afritunes that allows us to express our faith, culture, and musical passion freely every week.

This cover isn’t just a performance; it’s worship from the heart. I pray that as you listen, you feel the presence of God and are reminded that He is still mighty, over your life, your family, and every situation.

Catch the lyrics below

_You are good, you are kind
You are more than these
I'm lost for words trying to describe You
Elohim, Elyon, Alese lewi [He who does what He has said]
Your greatness is all I see
There is nothing You cannot do
There's no mountain You cannot move

_If You have said it, then You will do it
'cause You have a track record of keeping Your word
And You're not about to stop doing it now

_Olorun Agbaye o [God of the Universe]
You are Mighty o
Olorun Agbaye o [God of the Universe]
You are Mighty o

_Se bi iwo l'ofi oju orun (se aso bora)
[You are The One who is wrapped with clouds]
Se bi eyin le f'oju orun (se aso bora)
[You are The One who is wrapped with clouds]
Olorun Agbaye o [God of the Universe]
You are Mighty o

Find the full lyrics _here

Looking forward to hearing from y'all, let me know how this song speaks to you.❤️

Every word, every note feels like a way to express the pain of losing someone you love, yet keeping their memory alive. This song gives voice to the emotions I often feel but find hard to put into words. It’s a tribute to the love and memories I still hold on to, even though he’s no longer physically here.

In the competition this week, I wanted to bring something deeply personal, something that reflects a part of me. "In the Stars" feels like the perfect choice, a reminder that, even though our loved ones may be gone, they’re still with us in so many ways.

Lyrics

Sunday mornings were your favorite
I used to meet you down on Woods Creek Road
You did your hair up like you were famous
Even though it's only church where we were goin'

Now, Sunday mornings, I just sleep in
It's like I buried my faith with you
I'm screamin' at a God I don't know if I believe in
'Cause I don't know what else I can do

I'm still holdin' on to everything that's dead and gone
I don't wanna say goodbye, 'cause this one means forever
And now you're in the stars and six-feet's never felt so far
Here I am alone between the heavens and the embers

Oh, it hurts so hard
For a million different reasons
You took the best of my heart
And left the rest in pieces

Diggin' through your old birthday letters
A crumpled 20 still in the box
I don't think that I could ever find a way to spend it
Even if it's the last 20 that I've got, oh

I'm still holdin' on to everything that's dead and gone
I don't wanna say goodbye, 'cause this one means forever
And now you're in the stars and six-feet's never felt so far
Here I am alone between the heavens and the embers

Oh, it hurts so hard
For a million different reasons
You took the best of my heart
And left the rest in pieces

I'm still holdin' (on), holdin' (on), holdin' on (on)
I'm still holdin' (on), holdin' (on), holdin' on (on)
I'm still holdin' (on), holdin' (on), I'm still holdin' on (on)
I'm still, ooh, still holdin' on

I'm still holdin' on to everything that's dead and gone (ooh)
I don't wanna say goodbye, 'cause this one means forever (ooh)
Now you're in the stars and six-feet's never felt so far
Here I am alone between the heavens and the embers

Oh, it hurts so hard
For a million different reasons
You took the best of my heart
Left the rest in pieces

Thank you for stopping by 😊

I still remember the first time I heard this beautiful melody—it was a soundtrack in one of my favorite series. The song instantly captured my heart with its tender lyrics and soothing rhythm. It’s one of those songs that, even outside the Disney realm, carries the magic of love and timelessness that resonates deeply with anyone who hears it.

For me, this song represents love's unwavering strength and the comforting promise that, no matter what happens, love remains constant. Covering "Nothing's Gonna Change My Love" is my way of honoring those unforgettable moments when a song becomes more than just music—it becomes a memory, a feeling, a piece of your heart.

I hope this cover brings back memories for you, just as it did for me, and reminds you of the power and beauty of love.

A big shout out to our leaders here @lordbutterfly and @verbal-d, thank you for everything you do in here.

I'm thrilled to share my latest cover for a special music competition this week. I've chosen "Gratitude" by An endlessocean, a song that resonates deeply with me. This beautiful piece reminds us to appreciate the blessings we often overlook and to embrace a spirit of thankfulness in every moment.

Gratitude is more than just saying 'thank you'—it's a way of life that brings positivity and joy. I hope this cover inspires you to reflect on the good things in your life and fills you with the same sense of peace and happiness it brings to me.Let's keep the positive vibes flowing!

Lyrics

Look, will I fathom
Or comprehend this love you give?
Tell me, where do I begin?
Oh, eh, look at my hands up
Kin ma ke bi Cherubim
Tabi Seraphim
Lowo o
Lowo, lowo ti mo wa yi oh
Iwo ni mo fi shasho bora
Your mercy, your goodness
Ni mo man fi gara and I feel it
Oh, I see it
Gratitude is it

And so with everything in me
I say
Eshe oh, eshe oh, oh, eshe oh, Jesu, Jesu
With everything in me
I say
Eshe oh, eshe oh, oh, eshe oh, Jesu, Jesu

'Cause every time I look to my right
Every time I look to my left
All I see all over me
Is your faithfulness
Every time I look up down below
Every time I look from top down below
All I see all over me
Is your faithfulness
Is your faithfulness
Oh, I Know, I know, I know, I know

I still cannot fathom
Or comprehend his love you give
Tell me, where do I begin?
Tell me, where do I begin?
Look at my hands up
Kin ma ke bi Cherubim
Tabi Seraphim
Mo ni lowo oh
Lowo, lowo ti mo wa yi oh
Iwo ni mo fi shasho bora
Your mercy, your goodness
Ni mo man fi gapa
And I feel it
Oh, I see it
Gratitude is it, eh, eh, eh
And so with everything in me
I say

Eshe oh, eshe oh, oh, eshe oh, Jesu, Jesu
With everything in me
I say
Eshe oh, eshe oh, oh, eshe oh, Jesu, Jesu

'Cause every time I look to my right
Every time I look to my left
All I see all over me
Is your faithfulness
And every time I look from up in the middle
Every time I look from top down below
All I see all over me
Is your faithfulness
And is your faithfulness

Eshe oh, eshe oh, oh, eshe oh, Jesu, Jesu
With everything in me
I say
Eshe oh, eshe oh, oh, eshe oh, Jesu, Jesu

'Cause every time I look to my right
Every time I look to my left
All I see all over me
Is your faithfulness
Your faithfulness

Till next week, bye

When I first heard "Unstoppable," I was instantly captivated by its powerful message of resilience and self-empowerment. It quickly became one of my favorite songs and has remained a source of inspiration ever since. Sia's raw emotion and strength in the lyrics remind us that no matter the obstacles we face, we have the inner power to overcome them.

I chose this song not only for its nostalgic value but also because of the way it encourages us to tap into our inner strength. The line "I'm unstoppable, I'm a Porsche with no brakes" perfectly encapsulates the unstoppable force within each of us, pushing us forward despite challenges.

A very big thank you to @pandamama for this week wonderful theme and also to @lordbutterfly for having her.

I want you to see beyond the tone or beat and focus on the lyrics, then you will understand why I'm so much in love with the song. Welcome to week 15 and a special shout out to @lordbutterfly and @verbal-d for all they do here, you are amazing.

The lyrics

I want to be an open book
But lately I've been hard to read
And maybe that's a good thing
Cause people are never what they seem

I'm so done with accusations
From people that are far from good

They think they know my situation
Aren't we all just all misunderstood?
I'm not afraid of you
But why should I explain to you
As if my life pretends to you

I mean
It's not like you care anyway
It's not like you care anyway

Give me reason to believe
That you would do the same for me
If I gave you everything that I have
How did the world get so bad?
How did we get so far
Why do we make it so hard?

Isn't is enough?
That we can't take it no more
But yet we ask for more
More problems
More money

I think we need each other
I think I need my mother
I think we all need family
I think we're all in a time of need

But it's not like you care anyway
No, it's not like you care anyway

I'm just tryna make my way
Just tryna make my way

But it's not like you care anyway
No, it's not like you care anyway
It's not like you care anyway

See you all next week, till then❤️