Published 17:51 IST, September 12th 2019
Hong Kong protests: Anthem penned by anonymous composer goes viral
A contentious protest anthem penned down by some anonymous composer has become the new unofficial soundtrack of Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests in few days.
- World News
- 3 min read
A contentious protest anthem penned down by some anonymous composer has become the new unofficial soundtrack of Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests. Hong Kong's protest movement made its presence felt in a sports stadium and shopping malls on September 10. The anthem 'Glory to Hong Kong' is being loudly chanted by the protestors who staged flash events in shopping malls. Fans attending a football match drowned out the pre-game Chinese national anthem with loud booing. The anthem 'Glory to Hong Kong' first appeared on YouTube on 31 August and has gained huge followers among those who want democratic reforms in the semi-autonomous Chinese territory. In less than a fortnight the original video has been viewed by more than 1.3 million people while multiple duplications of the video have been made including one featuring the entire orchestra with helmets, goggles and gas masks worn by protestors.
Anthem catches on
The protesters won a major concession last week when the extradition bill which sparked violence was scrapped. This has failed to end the unrest as protestors want other demands which include democratic elections and an independent inquiry into police for using excessive pressure was not being fulfilled. On Tuesday evening thousands of protestors gathered in shopping malls across Hong Kong singing Glory to Hong Kong and chanting slogans. An ocean of people congregated at different levels of one mall at a popular shopping area of Mongkok dressed in black and started singing the Christian hymn "Sing Hallelujah to the Lord", "Glory to Hong Kong". Another video showed protesters chanting "Go Hong Kong" - a phrase that has been used frequently as a sign of encouragement.
Protestors gather to chant
The lyrics and tune of the anthem 'Glory to Hong Kong' has been quickly incorporated by the protestors during the widespread movement. The pro-democratic protestors gathered at various malls of the city each night found booing the slogan. The song was written and helmed by some unknown musician in response to calls for an anthem for anti-government pro-democratic protestors. The lyrics of the anthem contains lines such as 'Rise up and speak up', persevere, for we are as one and 'Do you feel the rage in our cries?'.The clashes mostly occurred at shopping malls. Earlier in July, protestors got into a clash with riot police inside a mall at Sha Tin District.
Updated 19:03 IST, September 12th 2019