Tiyin Tiyin”: Soundwise’s Bridge of Spirit, Culture, and Sound

By Emmanuel Waziri Okoro

“Tiyin Tiyin,” a heartfelt worship song by Soundwise, is another call by this contemporary psalmist for a shower of adoration to God. Released on November 2, 2025, the gospel musical art gives that glory woven with the Yoruba cultural language. The singer, Hakeem Oladimeji Popoola, popularly known as Soundwise, is a versatile Nigerian musician, sound designer, and music producer currently based in Middlesbrough, UK.

The song is ushered in by the slashes of the hi-hats, the keyboard, and the rolled toms. The full percussion continues with the chords, and these sounds in harmony bring reverence and a peaceful grace. The lyrics, although they may seem simple, are chosen to carry a jot of the magnificence of God. Yet, Soundwise still finds his way to worship in the spirit, tarry in His presence, and also lead other worshippers to Him.

Soundwise’s gentle voice touches the prepared soul of the listener with the first few words and rhymes. “My Lord, my King, Creator of creations…” is a lyric from the deepest heart of a worshipper who knows whom he worships. Soundwise calls him his rock and shield and says, “Every sunrise brings your glory / Every sunset sings your praise…” which ends the first verse of the song. Here, soundwise, using poetic devices speaks of one with strength, authority, and power far beyond any human.

After the chorus, “Tiyin tiyin…” Soundwise starts the second verse with “My light, my peace” and sings indirectly from the question in Psalm 8:4a, “What is man that thou art mindful of him?” For he or any man doesn’t deserve His mercy, but “… you call me your own.” Soundwise, as a human realizes the height of His being and still His love, then sings this verse wholeheartedly.

In the third verse, Soundwise reiterates that he will lift up his voice in praise, even with all he has: his voice, his note, and from the start to the end. The use of a choral backup after this verse, singing, “Ese, ese gan o,” makes the song more deepened in spirit. Likewise, the oriki (panegyric) of God rendered using Yoruba, the singer’s cultural language, adds not only a soulful feeling but also a sonic beauty that reveals the singer’s mastery of his sound.

The song’s sound production is also part of its success. From the gentle start to the paces, harmony, and to the end, all communicate the praises of God. There is obviously a masterful use of the instrument. The snare, the kick, the toms, and the hi-hats, among others, plus the keyboard, bass guitar, and violin, all lift the worship. It’s been proven that Soundwise is a true leader with how he managed his backup singers in the song, which provided a wonderful result.

“Tiyin Tiyin” is a song that lifts the spirit and elevates God. It brings every listener to humility and causes a heart to linger for more. With the blend of languages in the song, Soundwise bridges geographical locations and cultures. The use of “Oriki” towards the end of the song shows Soundwise’s depth of knowledge of this traditional culture. From Èkó to Middlesbrough, His name will continually be praised till the end of time.