By James Fitzgerald BBC Minute

Billie Eilish Image copyright Getty Images
Image caption Billie Eilish is top of the playlist in Gaborone, Botswana

With around half the world's population living under social distancing rules, many of us are turning to our favourite tunes for comfort. They're helping us to reflect, grieve or even dance around while we follow orders to stay at home.

BBC Minute's team - which provide 24/7 news bulletins for radio stations around the world - believe any challenge can be faced with the right music. We even have a motivational poster that reads: "Make a coffee, put on some gangsta rap, and handle it."

It seems that's a view shared by our partner stations in 100 cities across 40 countries. We asked their presenters which songs they're playing to help their listeners get through the pandemic.

Consider it your lockdown playlist.

1. Bop Daddy (Falz) - chosen by Ronke from Splash FM in Ibadan, Nigeria

Image copyright Ronke Giwa Onafuwa

Many Nigerians are missing their nights out right now, if the #BopDaddyChallenge is anything to go by. It's a TikTok trend, Ronke explains.

Those who would normally go to nightclubs have been taking to social media instead. They picture themselves transitioning from pyjamas into glamorous evening-wear - as if by magic. "They're getting all made up… to go nowhere!" she laughs.

The soundtrack to the challenge is a tune by rapper-comedian Falz. "It really is just a guy talking about himself, and how he's going to be your everything," says Ronke.

"The lyrics may not always make much sense, but the important thing is that it's fun to dance to while at home."

2. Everything I Wanted (Billie Eilish) - chosen by Tebogo from Gabz FM in Gaborone, Botswana

Image copyright Tebogo Mokoto

Billie Eilish's sombre song recounts a nightmare in which she takes her own life - but nobody cares. It's hardly music to blast away the lockdown blues. But news reporter Tebogo insists it's an apt choice for the present time, which is why Gabz FM has been playing it loads.

"It relates to the state of mind Botswana is in," he says. "There's a bit of uncertainty. You're not sure where things are going to end up. But you have no choice other than to remain hopeful."

In her track, Eilish ultimately finds solace in those people closest to her, namely her brother Finneas.

3. Imagine (John Lennon) - chosen by Michael from Metro Plus in Hong Kong

Image copyright Michael Vincent

John Lennon's famous song appeals for unity and compassion. And Michael at Hong Kong's Metro Plus thinks people in Hong Kong are already showing each other more love than usual.

"You see a person without a mask by the roadside and someone will be giving him a helping hand. Before, they wouldn't have even looked at that guy," he says.

"This struggle is not between an Asian and an American, an American and a European, or a European and an African.

"Humans are up against something (coronavirus) we can't even see. If all we come together, as this song asks, we'll get through it."

4. Mulk Kay Nojawano (traditional) - chosen by Asfandyar from Power 99 in Islamabad, Pakistan

Image copyright Asfandyar Alam

Asfandyar's tricky task is to create "positive content" during the pandemic. His team have chosen to rework a traditional song, which he says gives people courage.

"It makes them feel like defenders. They're an army. Why? Because they're staying home, keeping themselves and their families safe."

His playlists follow a daily rhythm. In the mornings, people want energetic pop to exercise to. By 5pm, it's time for something more reflective.

"That's when the sun sets, and we play songs like this to give them hope again for tomorrow. Music is the thing here which is calming people down."

5. Par Pira (BeePee) - chosen by Okeng from Radio King in Gulu, Uganda

Image copyright Radio King

Lockdown has made radio more crucial than ever in rural northern Uganda.

Okeng's breakfast show has a feel-good feature in which the station calls up two people who want to connect with each other but lack the means (pay-as-you-go phone credit) - and it's proving popular with couples.

As well as dating each other via radio, Gulu's young lovers are said to be coping with their new separation by requesting an elegant Afro-fusion love song by local artist BeePee.

"The song means, 'have me in your heart during the good times, but also the bad times'," Okeng explains.

6. Quarantine Show (Dubioza Kolektiv) - chosen by Naida from Radio Antena in Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Image copyright Purple Key Agency

Due to increased pressure on the internet, some of us are glad to just Skype a friend without having issues. But, miraculously, the seven members of Dubioza Kolektiv manage to use video-calling to jam out songs even while each musician stays at home.

Radio Antena likes to play the best bits from these live sessions. "Wash your hands!" urges this eccentric (but informative) tune.

Antena's mostly English-language playlist rarely gets more Balkan than the odd Dua Lipa track. But presenter Naida says the coronavirus has raised demand for Bosnian artists.

"People are listening to us all over the world. A lot of people left here during the [1992-95] war. Right now, they're missing home. They want to hear their language, and to know what's happening here."