oyinwrites 3Speak Podcast

Hello Hive Open Mic family!

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

Hello Hive Open Mic family.

For Week 306, themed “Masks,” I chose to sing “Jailer” by Aṣa.

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

Hello Hive Open Mic family!

For Week 305, themed “Spotlight,” I chose to sing “Someone You Loved” by Lewis Capaldi.

This song puts the spotlight on emotions we don’t always talk about openly, loss, vulnerability, and the quiet ache that comes after love fades. Sometimes, the spotlight isn’t about being seen for success or talent, but about shining light on feelings many people carry silently. This song does exactly that for me.

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 is Afritunes Week 199, and I’m grateful to be part of this beautiful musical community once again. For this week, I chose to sing “You Do This One” by Mercy Chinwo, a powerful song that speaks about gratitude, testimony, and the goodness of God.

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**

Hello Hive Open Mic family! For Week 298, I’ll be sharing my cover of “Away in a Manger” by Pentatonix, a beautiful Christmas carol that reminds us of the humble birth of Jesus and the message of love, peace, and hope that the season carries.

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*

For this week’s Hive Open Mic themed “I Will Return”, I chose to sing “Dreamer Girl” by Aṣa. At first glance, it might not seem like a song about returning, but for me, it tells a story of coming back, returning to your heart, your dreams, and the moments that truly matter.

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](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.musixmatch.com/lyrics/Asa-%25E3%2582%25A2%25E3%2582%25B7%25E3%2583%25A3/Dreamer-Girl/amp&ved=2ahUKEwiIl_uyirGRAxUrVkEAHSp3BEwQFnoECD4QAQ&usg=AOvVaw1hBdL9nMrcT3VtO-RdXMwY)

**Much Love, Oyinwrites** 🎶

For this week’s entry, I decided to sing “Day by Day” by Simi & Kizz Daniel, a beautiful blend of Afropop and Afro-soul. I picked this song because it carries a soft, emotional feel while still holding that rich African rhythm that makes you connect immediately.

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](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.musixmatch.com/lyrics/Simi-Kizz-Daniel/Day-By-Day-Kizz-Daniel&ved=2ahUKEwig-d7WsquRAxXRXUEAHWX6Hb0QFnoECDMQAQ&sqi=2&usg=AOvVaw2pL7usUVjyAPgKmSqQce-x)

Instrumental gotten from Moises AI

Hello Hive Open Mic family!

For Week 295, themed “A Different World,” I decided to sing “Heal the World” by Michael Jackson. At first, I wasn’t sure if the song matched the theme, but the more I thought about it, the more it made sense to me.

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 💛🎶

Hello Hive family! For Week 276 of Hive Open Mic, with the beautiful theme “Healing”, I’ll be singing “Rise Up” by Andra Day, a song that has always spoken deeply to my heart.

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_💛🎶

Welcome to Afritunes Week 176, and I’m so excited to be part of this beautiful music movement once again! This week, I’ll be doing a heartfelt cover of “You Are Mighty” by Nathaniel Bassey and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my voice and love for music through this space.

“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](https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/nathanielbassey/olorunagbayeyouaremighty.html)

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