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.
owl
Protocol Afro Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Each step leaves muddy trails from the path we choose
But we will not look down when we grief
We won't let blasphemy take our beliefs
The owl flies through the silver rain, silver rain, silver rain
The owl flies through the silver rain, silver rain, silver rain
Tell this message to all believers, all the doubters, and all the people
(ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh)
The lyrics of the song "Owl" by Protocol Afro portrays a strong sense of resilience and steadfastness in the face of trials and hardships. The first stanza talks about the occurrence of hardships, represented by blackened clouds and muddy trails that come our way. Despite this, the singer professes a refusal to give in to grief or to abandon their beliefs in the face of such trials. Instead, they choose to stand strong and face the difficulties head-on.
The chorus, which repeats the phrase "the owl flies through the silver rain" thrice, serves to strengthen this message. Here, the owl represents the singer's determination and ability to weather the storms, to fly through the silver rain – a metaphor for hardship. The lyrics use imagery of the bird flying to send a strong message of hope and perseverance to listeners. Additionally, there is a call to action, to spread the message of endurance to believers, doubters and all people.
Line by Line Meaning
Blackened clouds swiftly move above us
The situation is gloomy and uncertain, with trouble looming over us that is beyond our control.
Each step leaves muddy trails from the path we choose
Our actions have consequences, and we must be mindful of the choices we make because they will affect our future.
But we will not look down when we grief
In times of sadness or despair, we won't lose hope. We will stay strong and keep moving forward with our heads held high.
We won't let blasphemy take our beliefs
We stand by our values, morals, and beliefs, and we won't let anyone force us to abandon them.
The owl flies through the silver rain, silver rain, silver rain
In difficult times, there is hope. Like the owl, we must navigate through the challenges with grace and perseverance.
Tell this message to all believers, all the doubters, and all the people
We must spread hope and positivity, inspiring all those who are feeling lost or hopeless, regardless of their faith or beliefs.
Silver rain, silver rain, silver rain!
The silver rain represents hope and a new beginning, bringing forth positive change and better times ahead.
Writer(s): Ferdi, Mayo, Ditto, Panji, Kristian, Giano
Contributed by Jayden A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.