The band has been active in the South East Asian music scene since 2011 (and counting), where they performed at festivals in the likes of Baybeats Festival 2011 (Singapore) and Hello ASEAN Music Festival (Bali). In 2012, Protocol Afro were featured in NYLON Magazine Indonesia as one of their 10 Local Music Heroes of 2012. Also, the song "Music (Dance With Me)" was featured in the October 2012 edition of P+M Magazine, a unique photo & music magazine from Japan. The same song was nominated as Best Pop Song at VIMA Awards 2013, an annual independent music award based in Malaysia.
In May 2013, Protocol Afro introduced their new single, “Electrified”, taken from the band’s debut album, “The Youth”, scheduled to be released in early 2014 by local label Indische Partij Records. The song is chosen as the first single off the debut album as it serves as an introduction to the band’s "Inconsistent Pop" philosophy; mixing anthemic rock & pop music with dancey beats that will ensure an electrifying experience for the listeners. The song was also nominated as Best Pop Song at VIMA Awards 2014 and also included as one of 33 songs highlighted in January 2014, by music bloggers around the world (Argentina, Australia, UK, Indonesia, Korea, etc), or more known as the Music Alliance Pact program.
In January 2014, the band was given the opportunity to open for one of their favourite bands, Phoenix, at the Love Garage 2014 event (featuring other international acts like Zero 7, Fenech-Soler, etc), promoted by one of the prominent music promoters in Indonesia, Ismaya Live.
Currently, Protocol Afro is preparing to launch their debut album in May 2014 and also to perform at the ASEAN Pride Festival, in Hanoi, Vietnam.
LIGHT IT UP
Protocol Afro Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Try not to trip, as they move their feet
They hear the rhythm as they miss the beat of desire
When we were young, we all had dreams
But sometimes life isn't what it seems
In the end we gave up those dreams of desire
So don't be afraid if you fail
Just as long as you get out there and do your thing
Light it up! Light it up!
Light the fire of desire!
The time has come to step out your cage
The first step may feel a little strange
But what the hell, just go make the change
Light the fire, light the fire!
It's never too late, we can all change our fate
So don't be afraid if you fail
Just as long as you get out there and do your thing
Light it up! Light it up!
Light the fire of desire!
The lyrics of Protocol Afro's "Light It Up" are all about pursuing your dreams and desires. The first verse starts with a description of people walking down the street, trying to avoid tripping over themselves. They hear the rhythm of life but sometimes miss the beat of desire. In other words, they're so caught up in the day-to-day of life that they forget what really drives them. Then, the second verse acknowledges that when we were young, we all had dreams, but along the way, life can get in the way and we might give up those dreams. But the chorus is all about how it's never too late to chase your desires and light that fire of passion.
The bridge of the song encourages the listener to step out of their cage and take that first step towards their dreams. It might feel strange or uncomfortable, but it's worth it to make a change and pursue what you really want in life. The final chorus repeats the message to light up that fire of desire and not be afraid of failure as long as you're out there doing your thing.
Overall, "Light It Up" is an uplifting and motivational song about never giving up on your dreams, no matter how long it's been or how far away they might seem. It's a call to action to pursue what truly drives you and to not be afraid of failure along the way.
Line by Line Meaning
Every day people walking down the street
People go through their daily routine, walking on the streets.
Try not to trip, as they move their feet
People are cautious about not stumbling as they walk.
They hear the rhythm as they miss the beat of desire
People are distracted from their inner desires with daily chores and routine.
When we were young, we all had dreams
As kids, we all had significant aspirations for the future.
But sometimes life isn't what it seems
But as we get older, the realities of life made it hard to pursue our aspirations.
In the end we gave up those dreams of desire
Eventually, we let go of dreams that were once our source of motivation.
It's never too late, we can all change our fate
Despite it all, it is never too late to pick ourselves up and change our destiny.
So don't be afraid if you fail
Do not be afraid of failing in trying to achieve your goals.
Just as long as you get out there and do your thing
What is important is that you go out there and try your best.
Light it up! Light it up!
Ignite the flame of passion! Ignite the flame of passion!
Light the fire of desire!
Fuel your burning desires and passions!
The time has come to step out your cage
It is high time to break away from our self-imposed limitations and boundaries.
The first step may feel a little strange
Initially, the first step may feel odd and uncomfortable.
But what the hell, just go make the change
But what does it matter? Just go out there and make a change!
Light the fire, light the fire!
Fuel your burning desires and passions! Fuel your burning desires and passions!
Writer(s): Ditto, Panji, Giano, Kristian, Ferdi, Mayo
Contributed by Lucas B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.