Performance notes: Tempo ~74 BPM (roots reggae feel). Primary drum pattern: one-drop with optional steppers fills; all-reggae percussion (deep kick on 3, snare rim click on 2, warm tom fills). Warm deep bassline that locks with the kick; off‑beat skank guitar; Hammond/organ bubble on the off‑beats; light hi‑hat and shaker for groove; congas/bongos for gentle syncopation. Male lead vocal intimate in verses, fuller and bright in chorus; full background choir (male & female) on chorus and hook with tasteful call-and-response in Hausa and English. Hook is a short 2–3 line melodic motif repeated 3x, then return to chorus and fade.
Verse 1: (Male lead, warm delivery)
Jah blessings like a river, running by my feet
You sheltered me from the storm, You made my pathway sweet
From the deepest valley You lifted up my name
You are my lamp, my anchor, You put fire in my frame
Safiya da dare, You steady every step
Ubangiji, mai girma, Your mercy never left
Mi soul sing out, mi voice lift high like morning sun
Praise to the King forever, every battle You have won
Chorus: (Full choir answer — big, joyful)
Give thanks, give thanks to the Most High
Mu gode, Ubangiji mai girma — we lift Your name on high
With one‑drop drums and a joyful sound
Praise You, Lord; Your love abounds
(Choir echo: Mu gode! Mu gode! — call & response)
Verse 2: (Lead with gentle ad‑libs; vivid imagery)
You turned my night to daylight, like a lamp upon the road
When fear came as a river, You held me, bore the load
You gave bread in hunger, You clothed me in new hope
You are the shelter in the thunder, the steady rope I hold
From mountain peak to riverside, Your wonders fill the sky
Safiya da dare, we praise Your name — Ubangiji, You are nigh
Mi heart full up, a praise again, mi feet dancing in Your grace
Every breath an offering, every moment face to face
Chorus: (Bigger, full choir with tight harmonies)
Give thanks, give thanks to the Most High
Mu gode, Ubangiji mai girma — we lift Your name on high
With one‑drop drums and a joyful sound
Praise You, Lord; Your love abounds
(Choir echo: Mu gode! Mu gode! — layered responses)
Hook: (Sweet melodic motif — short, punchy, repeatable)
Jah, You reign — mi heart full up
Ubangiji, we praise — forever love
Give thanks, give thanks
[Repeat Hook 3x — build each repeat (1: intimate, 2: warmer, 3: full choir)]
Chorus (Return & fade): (Choir surrounds the lead, soft dub echoes)
Give thanks, give thanks to the Most High
Mu gode, Ubangiji mai girma — we lift Your name on high
With reggae drums and joyful sound
Praise You, Lord; Your love abounds
(Choir softly: Mu gode — Ubangiji — Mu gode)
Outro: (Lead + a cappella choir tag, gentle organ linger)
Give thanks — Jah give thanks
Mu gode — Ubangiji mai girma
Give thanks (fade with organ bubble and light delay on the last phrase)
