Hello my brothers and sisters, greetings and blessings to us all. This week, Hive Open Mic reverberates with the vibrant theme of “Afritune”. I, Zein Grind from @indonesiabersatu, enthusiastically participated in enlivening this event with a cover of Eddy Grant's “Gimme Hope Joanna”.
“Gimme Hope Joanna” is an anti-apartheid song written by Eddy Grant in 1988, during the apartheid era in South Africa. The song carries a message of hope for change and freedom. Eddy Grant voiced his sorrow for the injustices that occurred at that time and expressed his hope that the situation could change for the better.
The theme of “Afritune” itself reminds us of the power of African music in voicing the spirit of struggle and change. African music has been an important tool in fighting oppression and injustice, as seen in the song “Gimme Hope Joanna”.
For me, this song is not just a song. It's a statement. A hope that is echoed in the midst of the flow of life that sometimes feels heavy. “Gimme Hope Joanna” is about struggle, about finding light in the darkness, and about believing that change will come. The song's message is powerful and relevant, especially in this day and age. We all need hope, we all need faith that a better future can be achieved together.
I chose this song because of the strong resonance it exudes. In “Gimme Hope Joanna”, we hear the voice of courage and the desire to achieve freedom and justice. Through music, we can build bridges and unite hearts, just like Eddy Grant does in this song. Hopefully, this cover will inspire us all to keep fighting and finding hope in the midst of adversity.
Thank you, Hive Open Mic, for this valuable opportunity.
Lyrics
Well Jo'anna she runs a country
She runs in Durban and the Transvaal
She makes a few of her people happy, oh
She don't care about the rest at all
She's got a system they call apartheid
It keeps a brother in a subjection
But maybe pressure can make Jo'anna see
How everybody could a live as one
Gimme hope, Jo'anna
Hope, Jo'anna
Gimme hope, Jo'anna
'Fore the morning come
Gimme hope, Jo'anna
Hope, Jo'anna
Hope before the morning come
I hear she make all the golden money
To buy new weapons, any shape of guns
While every mother in black Soweto fears
The killing of another son
Sneakin' across all the neighbors' borders
Now and again having little fun
She doesn't care if the fun and games she play
Is dangerous to everyone
She's got supporters in high up places
Who turn their heads to the city sun
Jo'anna give them the fancy money
Oh to tempt anyone who'd come
She even knows how to swing opinion
In every magazine and the journals
For every bad move that this Jo'anna makes
They got a good explanation
Even the preacher who works for Jesus
The Archbishop who's a peaceful man
Together say that the freedom fighters
Will overcome the very strong
I want to know if you're blind Jo'anna
If you want to hear the sound of drums
Can't you see that the tide is turning
Oh don't make me wait till the morning come
Lyric Source by LyricFind
Credit
Artist: Eddy Grant
Backsound: KaraFun
Edit: Adobe Audition & Capcut
