We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Estonia.
5miinust
5miinust is a popular hip hop group from Võsu, Estonia, established in 2015. The group initially consisted of Estoni Kohver, Päevakoer, Põhja-Korea, and Lancelot, with Venelane joining later. Venelane left the group in 2023, returning it to its original lineup. They first gained major attention in 2018 after their albums “Aasta plaat” and “Rämmar” became top sellers. Their 2019 collaboration with Nublu, “Aluspükse,” topped the Eesti Tipp-40 chart for six weeks. Signed to Universal Music Group’s Baltic branch, they’ve produced multiple number-one singles. 5miinust has won several Estonian Music Awards, including Artist of the Year twice. Recently, they won Eesti Laul 2024, earning the chance to represent Estonia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024.
Puuluup
Puuluup is an Estonian nu-folk duo formed in 2014 by Ramo Teder and Marko Veisson. Known for their innovative use of the hiiu kannel (a traditional stringed instrument) and loopers, they create a unique sound. They began their music journey with the release of “Süüta mu lumi” in 2018, followed by “Kasekesed / Kasekäpa” in 2020, and “Viimane suusataja” in 2021. In 2023, Puuluup teamed up with hip hop group 5miinust for Eesti Laul 2024, Estonia’s national selection for Eurovision. Their entry won the competition, earning them the chance to represent Estonia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024.
Eesti Laul
Eesti Laul, previously named Eurolaul, is the Estonian national final for the Eurovision Song Contest. This year, 15 songs competed in a semifinal. 5 of them headed to the final, where 5 other songs were added. Former participant Laura Põldvere participated in the semifinal but didn’t make it to the final. Ollie, 5miinust & Puuluup and Nele-Liis Vaiksoo competed in a superfinal, where televoters decided for 5miinust and Puuluup to win with the song “(Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi“.
Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest
The debut of Estonia came in 1993, when Janika Sillamaa participated in the Eastern European preselection Kvalifikacija Za Millstreet. The country failed to qualify, but Estonia had a song in the 1994 contest. So far, Estonia won only one time: in 2001 with Tanel Padar and Dave Benton and their song “Everybody”. The year before, Ines was 4th with “Once in a lifetime”. The year after, Sahlene was 3rd with “Runaway”. Those were the three times that Estonia made it to the top-5. Last year, Alika did well with an 8th place.
The Bookmakers
Currently, the Estonian song is 21st in the betting odds to win the contest. In the odds for the semifinal, Estonia has a 9th place. So at this moment it is likely for Estonia to qualify for the final.
The Song
And this is the song:
