Project Pop sing about COVID-19
When living through dark times, music can be a beacon of hope. Music that makes us feel nostalgic for better times might sound like escapism, but can be a good coping mechanism during the COVID-19 global health crisis.
Indonesians who grew up in the 1990s would know the cheeky pop group, Project Pop. Known for their sense of humor, they recently released “Gara-Gara Corona.” Part personal reflection, part PSA, this song is a reworked version of their 2013 hit “Gara-Gara Kahitna.”
“Gara-gara Corona,” or Because of Corona
Video credit: Project Pop
It’s almost impossible to not feel cheered up by a catchy pop tune. Project Pop knew how to use their style to talk about how much the COVID-19 pandemic has changed our personal and communal lives.
The 3.5-minute music video starts off with a brief sequence of life before the virus and then cuts to the group in a studio. “Awal tahun ini / aku nggak ngerti / kenapa di Wuhan / ada isolasi” (At the beginning of the year / I didn’t get / why Wuhan / was being isolated) are the first few lines of the song.
They are then followed by “Ketika diterangkan / Corona lagi beraksi / Kita harus mau / Jaga jarak bersama” (It was explained to me / that Corona is in action / we have to want / to maintain a safe distance).
Apart from urging listeners to study and work from home, Project Pop also details the different habits that we’ve developed over the quarantine period. While it’s not great that people can’t meet up with their pacar (significant other), it’s an unexpectedly good time to reconnect with family via video chat. And because of the coronavirus, we wash our hands more frequently, even though there are problems such as the scarcity of hand sanitizers and the high prices of face masks.
Fans react positively to the song
The video was met with positive comments from fans, with most of them being glad that Project Pop has resurfaced, even if they have COVID-19 to thank for the group’s comeback.
Image credit: Project Pop
One YouTube commenter said: “The TikTok generation should move over. The 90s kids want to reminisce.”
Image credit: Project Pop
Another commenter played the title, and said that “Gara-gara Corona” (Because of Corona), Project Pop is back.
Image credit: Project Pop
Ferdinan Chandra wished the group well, addressing them directly: “It’s been a while since I’ve seen you guys. Hope that Project Pop will always be around and stay healthy.”
Image credit: Project Pop
YouTube user Marta Lolyta praises the positivity and lyrics of the song, admitting that they’re great for stress-relief in the time of the Coronavirus.
Image credit: Project Pop
Like Marta, Indi Sugar Taufik also finds the song’s message positive. She’s moved by it, and thinks that the lyrics are fun but educational.
Project Pop sing about COVID-19
It’s not easy to compose a song to brighten up the situation during COVID-19, but maybe the trick is a down-to-earth message with a hint of humor that’s refreshing and doesn’t try too hard to be positive.
More articles:
- Indonesian woman hangs free instant noodles on her gate
- Wearing masks is now mandatory in Jakarta
- 11 things to do while in quarantine
Cover image adapted from: Project Pop
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