Konstantin Wecker is a well-known figure in Germany, with a musical career spanning over 25 years that has left a lasting impact both socially and artistically. His powerful lyrics carry a deep political message. One of his most famous songs, “Sage nein!” (“Say no!”), stands out for its call for peace and rejection of all forms of hatred and prejudice. Unlike the American slogan “Say No” from the Reagan era, focused on drug abstinence, Wecker’s “Sage nein!” addresses issues such as Holocaust denial and institutional racism in the education system.
It is no surprise, that one of our favourite rising bands, Jagas, who we have previously featured for the intentional single, Comment on s’aime?, and the transcendental ode to Brazil, Ma Brésilienne, wanted to cover the song and translate the lyrics into French!
We learn that the Jagas singer, also known as Thomas Humbert, met Konstantin Wecker in person in Munich in July 2023 which inspired his re-creation Dis non! for a Francophone audience! Through his own interpretation of this song, Thomas Humbert wants to show that we need “to fight together across Europe, especially at a time when tanks are rolling in many places around the world and the rumblings of extremes and isolation are echoing.”
The intention behind releasing the song now is designed to build “a bridge to the past to talk about the present, and thus spreading the message that it is our responsibility to take action and get involved.” We deeply connect with the timeless folk-pop soundscape that manifests with the cover and the cinematic accompanying music video filmed together with Rosa Gabbert, a young German director who lives in Paris. We have added Dis non! to our New Music Spotlight playlist, whilst we continue to stream Jagas‘ wider discography, and anticipate future releases from the visionary band.