"Turn your power into power, and that your power into growth," goes a quote on the internet.

That's what Penang-based singer cum songwriter Govin Raaj, 29, did following a painful break-up, and today, his debut single "Aruginil" is making waves globally.

The song, apart from being broadcast in a recent episode of BBC Asian Network presented by Ashanti Omkar, is also now streaming in Spotify, Apple Music, JioSaavn, Amazon Music, and several other major streaming platforms.

Govin told The Star that he penned "Aruginil" eight years ago, following a break-up with his first love. The song, however, was only officially released last April, after he got retrenched during the Movement Control Order (MCO).

"The song is about a heartbroken guy whose former lover strung him along for personal benefit," he told the portal.

Having borne the pain all these years, Govin only found the time to release the song after he was laid off from the hospitality industry during the COVID-19 lockdown.

"As cliched as it may sound, writing this song helped me get the closure I needed to move on. It taught me to channel all the energy into producing something that is worthwhile," he said.

According to him, it only took him two days to write the song, and around two weeks to complete the composition. The delay in release the single was due to him not knowing how to do so, he said.

"I taught myself how to make music and release my single through free courses on Youtube, and read many articles," he recalled.

Besides singing, Govin has also dabbled in dance coreography, as well as co-organising shows and concerts featuring renowed artistes such as Karthik, Reshmonu, Roshan Jamrock, Yunohoo, and Dasha Logan, among others.

"Aruginil" was added to the "Maajja Selects" playlist on Spotify on June 24.

Govin considers the placement on the initiative by Oscar-winning AR Rahman for independent Indian musicians around the globe a privilege, and the encouragement to work harder.

"I'm currently working on a couple of songs and collaborations in Tamil, English and Bahasa Malaysia. I can't wait to show everyone what I have in store," he told The Star.

Congratulations Govin, and all the best for your future projects!


Source: The Star
Photo source: Govin Raaj Instagram