Common Hymnal
A virtual hymnbook stocked with forward-facing content from the spiritual underground, channeling an eclectic art movement in which praise and protest live side by side.
Releasing June 12
“Thula Sizwe / I Shall Be Released,” our debut as Common People, reimagines a rare collaboration between Miriam Makeba and Nina Simone—a medley recorded in 1990 in the wake of Nelson Mandela’s release and Makeba’s return to South Africa after 31 years in exile. Licensed from the label behind that release, it carries that history into the present.
Most Recent Songs
Releasing June 12, 2026. A remix-collab between Common People, Miriam Makeba and Nina Simone.
"History has shown us that courage can be contagious.” (Michelle Obama)
In the same way that “The Kingdom Is Yours” massaged out the ideas in the Beatitudes, so this song explores Ecclesiastes 3.
In this season of difficult circumstances, unjust situations, and overwhelming disappointments our hope is summed up in this song: God Will Prevail.
Resistance is not just struggle—it is also song. It is dancing in the ruins, laughing in the face of despair, and choosing joy as an act of defiance.
Just as “The Kingdom Is Yours” massaged out the ideas in the Beatitudes, so this song explores The Lord's Prayer.
Like in the psalms, this song asks God: “Do you feel it, too?”
It is both the familiarity and unfamiliarity of God that makes him holy.
A full-throttled and unapologetic celebration of the melanated savior.
Most Recent Blog Posts
It was for Joseph. Moses, too. Maybe a timely perspective for your current challenges?
“Jesus was not results driven. He was always focused on the process and never the outward performance. It is inconceivable to think of him reveling in big outcomes for the sake of influence.” (Malcolm du Plessis)
Why songs, stories, and stages belong inside the work of justice.
”There is no resurrection until you walk by the pain of Calvary, and catch a glimpse, in the sunlight, of the lynching tree.” (Otis Moss III)
Another heart wrenching poem from Micah Bournes’ debut collection: Here Comes This Dreamer.
"I read this story many years ago. And have read it many times over the years. It has the same effect on me each time I review it." (Malcolm du Plessis)
“The Spirit of God didn’t just place a baby in Mary’s womb, but also planted a vision of the Kingdom in her heart.” (David Gate)
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