A defiant protest anthem penned by an anonymous composer has become the unofficial new soundtrack to Hong Kong’s pro-democracy protests, belted out by crowds at flashmobs in malls, on the streets and in the football stands.
“Glory to Hong Kong” first appeared on YouTube on Aug. 31 and has quickly won a huge following among those pushing for greater democratic freedoms in the semi-autonomous Chinese city.
In less than a fortnight the original version has racked up more than 1.3 million views while multiple copycats videos have been made —including one featuring an entire orchestra decked out in the helmets, goggles and gas masks worn by those on the barricades.
Alongside the Christian hymn “Sing Hallelujah to the Lord”, “Glory to Hong Kong” is a riposte to the city’s unelected leaders and Beijing after more than three months of huge and sometimes violent protests.
Little is known about the composer, who gave himself the online pseudonym “Thomas dgx yhl.”
But the song’s lyrics and melody have quickly spread within the movement.
During a football match on Tuesday night between Hong Kong and Iran, crowds of local fans booed the Chinese national anthem, and then sung the new protest song as the match began.