Azerbaijan

Arash Labaf

About Quick Facts NameAlex Arash Labaf Born23 April 1977 Nationality🇸🇪 Swedish National SelectionInternal selection 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongAlways (& Aysel) Biography Alex Arash Labaf, born April 23, 1977, in Tehran, is an Iranian-Swedish musician. As an artist, he is known simply as Arash. Arash had his breakthrough in 2004 with the release of his single “Boro Boro”, which topped the Swedish charts. Following this success, he released his self-titled debut album, “Arash”, in 2005, which included other hits such as “Tike Tike Kardi”. His third single, “Temptation” (feat. Rebecca), also became a major hit in Scandinavia, reaching number two on the Swedish charts in 2005. Arash further expanded his influence by recording a Russian version of “Temptation” with the popular Russian group Blestjasjtjie. The song, called “Vostotjnie skazki”, was a significant hit in Russia. In 2006, Arash released “Crossfade (The Remix Album)”, showcasing new renditions of his popular tracks. He continued to build his career with the 2008 album Donya, featuring collaborations with artists like Shaggy on the title track Donya, and Rebecca on Suddenly. The album also included the heartfelt duet “Pure Love” with Helena Paparizou. In 2009, Arash represented Azerbaijan in the Eurovision Song Contest with AySel, performing the song Always. They finished in third place with 207 points. The song became a major hit in Sweden, reaching number 3 on the Swedish charts. Following this success, he released “Kandi” (feat. Lumidee) the same year. Arash’s international collaborations continued with the release of “She Makes Me Go” (feat. Sean Paul) in 2013, a track based on “Think about the way” from 1994 by Ice MC. In 2014, he released his album “Superman”, which featured singles like “One Day” (feat. Helena Paparizou), “Doga Doga” (feat. Medina), and “Sex Love Rock N Roll” (feat. T-Pain). In 2016, Arash collaborated with Snoop Dogg on the track “OMG”. The following year, he released “Se Fue” (feat. Mohombi) and “Dooset Daram” (feat. Helena). His musical journey continued with the 2018 hit “Goalie Goalie” (feat. Pitbull, Blanco & Nyusha) and the 2019 single “One Night In Dubai” (feat. Helena). Arash’s more recent works include “Mary Jane” (versus Ilkay Sencan) and “No Maybes” (feat. Ilkay Sencan, Era Istrefi) in 2020. In 2021, he released several singles, including “Lavandia” (with Marshmello), “Angels Lullaby” (feat. Helena), Asemoon, and “Ich bin weg (Boro Boro)” (feat. Samra & Topic42). In 2022, he collaborated with Navid Zardi on “Bombe”, and in 2024, he released Hulu (feat. Sasy). Beyond his music, Arash has also contributed to film soundtracks. He produced music for the 2004 film Bombay Dreams, featuring the track “Bombay Dreams” (feat. Rebecca & Aneela), and for the 2005 film Bluffmaster, which included his song “Boro Boro (Bure Bure)”. Arash’s family resides in Sweden. He has two siblings, Arsalan Labaf, a lawyer, and Ashkan Labaf, a doctor. Malmö is his hometown in Sweden. Entries Always (& AySel) Country🇦🇿 Azerbaijan Year2009 LanguageEnglish LyricsArash LabafRobert UhlmannElin WrethovAnderz Wrethov MusicArash LabafRobert UhlmannJohan BejerholmMarcus EnglöfAlex Papaconstantinou Backings? Dancers??? Results Semi Points: 180Position: 2Running order: 12 Results Finals Points: 207Position: 3Running order: 11 https://youtu.be/9OEIOS1oUeY?si=XTfvyALTe_5fDfS1

Aysel Teymurzadeh

About Quick Facts NameAysel Teymurzadeh Born25 April 1989 Nationality🇦🇿 Azerbaijani National Selectioninternal selection 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongAlways (& Arash, 2009) Biography Aysel Teymurzadeh Aysel Teymurzadeh (Azerbaijani: Aysel Məhəmməd qızı Teymurzadə; born April 25, 1989, Baku) is an Azerbaijani pop and R&B singer. Biography Aysel was born in Baku, the youngest of three daughters to a journalist father and a university professor mother. Aysel began singing at the age of four and developed a passion for the piano early on. She graduated from the Intellect Lyceum in Baku and attended Texas High School in Texarkana, Texas, during the 2005-2006 academic year. Shortly after arriving in the United States, she joined the local choir and started training for young vocalists’ competitions. While in the U.S., Aysel won three gold medals at contests held at Southern Arkansas University and the University of Texas at Austin. In 2005, she participated in Season 4 of the national song contest Yeni Ulduz (“New Star”). As of January 2009, she was majoring in International Relations at the Azerbaijan University of Languages. Eurovision In January 2009, Aysel was selected internally by İTV to represent Azerbaijan in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 in Moscow, Russia, alongside Iranian-Swedish singer Arash with the song “Always.” On May 16, 2009, Aysel and Arash finished third with 207 points. Aysel and Arash won the 4th Annual ESC Radio Awards in the Best Group category. After Eurovision On May 28, 2009, Aysel announced a European tour with Arash, performing in countries such as Sweden, Greece, and Russia. She also starred in a high-profile TV commercial for Danone yogurts, which aired on Azerbaijani and Georgian TV channels. In 2012, Aysel was one of five musicians from Azerbaijan chosen as jurors for the Danish national selection of the 2012 Eurovision contestant. In December 2022, Aysel made a comeback and released a new single: “Yeni il”. In July 2023 a follow up came, in Russian: “Voploshcheniye mechty”. She also served as the spokesperson for the Azerbaijani jury at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, while she was also involved in the national selection as a member of the selection committee. Personal Life In 2012, Aysel married Murad Adigozalov, the 39-year-old director of the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Society and a divorced father of two children. Following her marriage, Aysel reportedly planned to leave the big stage and only perform at official events. The couple has three children: two sons born in 2012 and 2016, and a daughter born in 2014. Entries Always (& Arash) Country🇦🇿 Azerbaijan Year2009 LanguageEnglish LyricsArash LabafRobert UhlmannElin WrethovAnderz Wrethov MusicArash LabafRobert UhlmannJohan BejerholmMarcus EnglöfAlex Papaconstantinou Backings? Dancers??? Results Semi Points: 180Position: 2Running order: 12 Results Finals Points: 207Position: 3Running order: 11 https://youtu.be/J0qdRqY_3HM?si=FAod2E8VcBbI7bOU

Malmö messages: from rainbows to proud Eurovision fans

Azerbaijan: Fahree and Ilkin Dovlatov represent Azerbaijan. In the photos that have been released, it becomes even clearer that hands play a leading role in “Özünlə Apar”, the song Azerbaijan is sending. For the first time, the Azerbaijani language can be heard at the song contest, albeit in a few lines. The entry doesn’t impress much; bookmakers place it in 34th position. Australia: Many people were curious about how Electric Fields would perform their song “One Milkali (One Blood).” Lots of color, lots of instruments including a didgeridoo, and Zaachariaha wearing a white dress on which a rainbow is projected. Since the first rehearsal, Australia has been climbing in the bookmakers’ rankings. They now predict a 25th place for the country. Portugal: We’ve seen masked men before today. The Portuguese singer Iolanda is surrounded by them. Although these gentlemen bear a striking resemblance to beekeepers in their attire. But in Portugal, of course, it’s about the song and the music, as Salvador Sobral intended. Iolanda is unlikely to match Salvador’s success. Currently, bookmakers even predict her to reach 33rd place. Luxembourg: How proud Eric LeMan must be! This Luxembourgish Eurovision fan has hoped for years that his country would return to the festival, and his wish has come true. Of course, he was involved in the auditions himself. Tali represents Luxembourg with an energetic entry. It’s all about dance with “Fighter.” Tali is getting warm from it. Who knows, Luxembourg might make it to the final. However, the bookmakers are skeptical and place the country in 30th position. And in the end, we have a small update from Finland. We spoke to windows95man. “We’re still figuring out what we want to do with the pyro, as last rehearsal we used too much, but this time we used too little” We think he doesn’t want to burn his socks again.

🇦🇿 Road to Malmö: Azerbaijan

photo: EBU 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: Azerbaijan. Fahree Fahree, an emerging Azerbaijani musician, was born into a culturally rich family in Baku, 1995. With a jazz drummer father and an esteemed actor grandfather, the arts were deeply ingrained in his upbringing. Despite a diligent academic pursuit resulting in law degrees, the 2020 pandemic rekindled his inherent musical inclination. Forsaking law for his true calling, Fahree launched his music career with the 2022 hit “Dance.” Further success came with “Apardı uzağlara,” a collaboration with Mila Miles. His track “Yollar” solidified his rising fame in February 2023. Come March 2024, Fahree’s artistic journey ascended as he was chosen to represent Azerbaijan at the Eurovision Song Contest. Ilkin Dovlatov Ilkin Dovlatov, a distinguished Azerbaijani mugham vocalist, was born into a musical family on June 16, 1990, in Baku. His talent emerged early with a debut performance at age four. Recognized by his school music teacher, Dovlatov pursued his musical aspirations, leading to his acclaim as the runner-up on The Voice of Azerbaijan in 2023, guided by mentor Ilqar Khayal. He further showcased his abilities in the Azəri Star contest. In October 2023, he joined the final contenders for Azerbaijan’s Eurovision entry, eventually teaming up with Fahree to perform “Özünlə apar” on the Eurovision stage, representing their cultural heritage with pride. Mugham Mugham is an intricate form of traditional Azerbaijani music, renowned for its rich improvisational character. It intertwines passionate singing with the complex modal structure of the “mugham” modes, often accompanied by the tar (a long-necked lute), the kamancheh (a bowed string instrument), and the daf (a type of frame drum). Rooted in the cultural intersections of the Silk Road, mugham is more than music; it’s a spiritual journey that narrates stories of love, loss, and the divine through its deeply emotional and philosophical performances. This UNESCO-recognized art form is a cornerstone of Azerbaijani culture, reflecting the nation’s soul and historic ethos. It is the third time (after 2008 and 2012) that a mugham singer can be heard at Eurovision. Seyid Sushinski Ansambl, Mugham, photo: Wikimedia Commons Azerbaijan in the Eurovision Song Contest Elnur & Samir represented Azerbaijan in the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Day after day”. It meant the debut of the country in the contest. With an 8th place, it was an immediate succes. So far the first and only victory came already in 2011, when Ell & Nikki won the contest with “Running scared”. But let’s not forget AySel & Arash (3rd in 2009), Safura (5th in 2010), Sabina Babayeva (5th in 2012) and Farid Mammadov (2nd in 2013). Last year, the twins TuralTuranX didn’t make it to the final. Ell & Nikki The Bookmakers Currently, Azerbaijan has a 30th place in the odds to win the contest. If we look at that, it might be a tough job for Azerbaijan to reach the final. However, stage performance and act might lift the country up in the ranking. The song And this is the song:

Ilkin Dovlatov

@EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett About Quick Facts Nameİlkin Dövlətov Born16 June 1990 Nationality🇦🇿 Azerbaijani National SelectionInternal selection 2024 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongÖzünlə apar (& Fahree, 2024) Biography Ilkin Dovlatov (Azerbaijani: İlkin Dövlətov), born on June 16, 1990, is renowned for his contributions to Azerbaijani music as a mugham vocalist. Born into a musically inclined family in Baku in 1990, Dovlatov was greatly influenced by his father, sparking his interest in music from a young age. At just four years old, he performed “Qəlbimdə qaldı,” marking the beginning of his musical journey. His exceptional singing talent was recognized by a school music teacher who encouraged him to showcase his musical talents. Dovlatov’s career saw a significant milestone in 2023 when he participated in The Voice of Azerbaijan, specializing in native songs, under the mentorship of Ilqar Khayal. He secured the runner-up position in the competition and has also been a contestant in the Azəri Star song contest. In the latter part of October 2023, İctimai Television announced a group comprising Ilkin Dovlatov, Mila Miles, and Etibar Asadli as contenders in the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest selection process for Azerbaijan. They progressed to the final six candidates the following week, performing the song “İnsanlar.” Although Fahree was initially chosen for the Eurovision representation on March 7, 2024, a subsequent announcement on March 13 revealed that Dovlatov would join Fahree on stage, presenting the song “Özünlə apar.” Unfortunately, the two didn’t reach the final. Entries Özünlə apar (& Fahree) Country🇦🇿 Azerbaijan Year2024 LanguageEnglishAzerbaijani LyricsFahreeMado Salikh MusicFahreeEdgar RavinHasan HaydarMila Miles Backings– Results Semi Points: 11Position: 14Running order: 12 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/QhN9r8TH2Hw?si=GOjsQd0BfXoI7M94

🇦🇿 The last entry of this year, Azerbaijan: Fahree & Ilkin Dövlatov with “Özünlə apar”

“Özünlə apar” is the song Azerbaijani Fahree will sing to represent his country during the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. All other countries had already announced their artist and song but Azerbaijan waited a while to release their song “Özünlə apar” on March 15th. And thus concluded the 37 act announcements. Fahree will perform the song together with singer Ilkin Dövlətov. Ilkin is known for his participation in the Azerbaijani version of “The Voice”. The song is a mix of pop and traditional elements. The music styles of the two artists will compliment each other. Fahree is considered a primarily pop artist while Dövlətov is known for incorporating more traditional and folk elements into his music. Additionally, Fahree stated: “We have already started preparations, our stage choreography will be really different and spectacular. Since the stage structure is very big and difficult, I will start acting lessons.” Moreover, a very interesting message was conveyed by “The Azeri Times” about Armenia’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest, “Jako” by Ladaniva. More specifically, the following text was posted on the official Twitter/X account of “The Azeri Times”: “Lovely music accompanied by a beautiful theme. The day we exchange 12 points between Azerbaijan and Armenia will be a beautiful symbol of true peace. Here’s to hoping for that day!”

Fahree

© EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett About Quick Facts NameFahree Maisan Born10 April 1995 Nationality🇦🇿 Azerbaijani National SelectionInternal selection 2024 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongÖzünlə apar (ft. Ilkin Dovlatov, 2024) Biography Born in Baku in 1995, Fahree grew up surrounded by the arts, with a father who was an avid jazz drummer and a grandfather renowned as an actor. Throughout his university years, Fahree diligently pursued a career in law, earning both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree over six years. Yet, during the 2020 global pandemic, Fahree experienced a revival of his early passion for music, deciding to fully embrace it. Emboldened to leave behind his potential career in law, Fahree pursued his true passion. In June 2022, he released the track “Dance”, which was his first breakthrough. A collaboration with Mila Miles, “Apardı uzağlara”, followed in October of the same year. In February 2023, he released the song “Yollar”. On March 7th, 2024, it was announced that Fahree will represent Azerbaijan in the Eurovision Song Contest. Unfortunately, he and his duo partner Ilkin Dovlatov didn’t manage to reach the final. Entries Özünlə apar (feat. Ilkin Dovlatov) Country🇦🇿 Azerbaijan Year2024 LanguageEnglishAzerbaijani LyricsFahreeMado Salikh MusicFahreeEdgar RavinHasan HaydarMila Miles Backings– Results Semi Points: 11Position: 14Running order: 12 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/QhN9r8TH2Hw?si=nuqKU-3xDYlpkHrJ

🇦🇿 Fahree represents Azerbaijan

photo: EBU/İctimai Today, the announcement came that Fahree will be the representative of Azerbaijan in the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest. Born in Baku in 1995, Fahree grew up surrounded by the arts, with a father who was an avid jazz drummer and a grandfather renowned as an actor. Throughout his university years, Fahree diligently pursued a career in law, earning both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree over six years. Yet, during the 2020 global pandemic, Fahree experienced a revival of his early passion for music, deciding to fully embrace it. Emboldened to leave behind his potential career in law, Fahree pursued his true passion. Participating in the Eurovision Song Contest represents the fulfillment of his dream. The song he will perform in Malmö will be announced shortly. Fahree will perform in the 2nd half of the first semifinal. This Fahree song is NOT the Eurovision entry!

Nigar Jamal

About Quick Facts NameNigar Aydın qızı Camal Born07 September 1980 Nationality🇦🇿 Azerbaijani National SelectionMilli Seçim Turu 2011 In Eurovision2011 Düsseldorf SongRunning Scared (with Ell, 2011) Biography Nigar “Nikki” Aydin qizi Jamal, born Nigar Mutallibzadeh on September 7, 1980, in Baku, is a celebrated Azerbaijani singer. Before embarking on her singing career, Jamal spent five years as a housewife. She attended Khazar University from 1997, studying economics and management for three years. Her journey in the Azerbaijani music scene began in December 2010 with her participation in Milli Seçim Turu 2011, the national selection for Eurovision. Jamal’s initial performance in Heat 7 led to a joint first-place finish and advancement to the semi-finals. Ultimately, she and Eldar Gasimov triumphed in the final on February 11, 2011, earning the privilege to represent Azerbaijan at the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 in Düsseldorf, Germany. Performing as Ell & Nikki, their song “Running Scared,” penned by international songwriters, secured victory with 221 points. Following their Eurovision win, Jamal and Gasimov toured various countries to perform their winning song. Azerbaijan honored their achievement by issuing 15,000 commemorative postage stamps. In September 2011, Jamal made a guest appearance in the Turkish comedy series Yahşi Cazibe. In 2012, Jamal was selected as one of the five Azerbaijani jury members for Denmark’s Eurovision contestant selection. On December 1, 2011, she debuted her post-Eurovision solo track “Crush on You,” along with its music video. Subsequent releases included collaborations with Miri Yusif on “Qal” (“Stay”) and Eurovision 2008 winner Dima Bilan on “Come Into My World.” August 11, 2012, marked the release of her debut album “Play With Me,” featuring work with Danish songwriter Boe Larsen. In early 2014, Jamal served as a judge on the Turkish edition of X Factor, where she played a pivotal role in producing the show’s winner. In 2015, she reached the no. 1 spot in the Turkish charts with the song “Broken dreams”. She teamed up with Berksan for the song “Herhalde”. A year later, she released the single “Çağıran da ürəkdi” and in 2017 she came up with “Sus”. In 2023, she recorded several songs with Ell. Entries Running Scared (Ell & Nikki) Country🇦🇿 Azerbaijan Year2011 LanguageEnglish LyricsSandra BjurmanStefan Örn MusicSandra BjurmanStefan ÖrnIain James Farquharson BackingsLisa StadellVera PradaJessica MarbergerÅsa Engman Results Semi Points: 122Position: 2Running order: 18 Results Finals Points: 221Position: 1Running order: 19 https://youtu.be/_0tlQUW5X0U?si=zWTMOFFGj20ZpRnk

Eldar Gasimov

About Quick Facts NameEldar Pərviz oğlu Qasımov Born04 June 1989 Nationality🇦🇿 Azerbaijani National SelectionMilli Seçim Turu 2011 In Eurovision2011 Düsseldorf SongRunning Scared (2011, & Nikki) Biography Eldar “Ell” Parviz oglu Gasimov, born on June 4, 1989, is a renowned Azerbaijani singer. Eldar Gasimov hails from a distinguished artistic lineage, being the great-grandson of celebrated Azerbaijani actors Abbas Mirza Sharifzadeh and Marziyya Davudova, and grandson of actress Firangiz Sharifova. His musical journey began in early childhood, leading to numerous performances across Azerbaijan and Russia. Between 2001 and 2005, he honed his skills in music and piano. Gasimov is an alumnus of Baku Slavic University, where he double-majored in international relations and regional geography. He pursued postgraduate studies in international relations at the same institution since 2010. Fluent in Russian and German, he also possesses proficiency in English. Gasimov’s Eurovision journey commenced with the Azerbaijani national selection, Milli Seçim Turu 2011. His initial performance in Heat 6 earned him second place, leading to the semi-finals and eventually the final on February 11, 2011. Teaming up with Nigar Jamal as Ell & Nikki, they represented Azerbaijan at the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 in Düsseldorf, Germany. Their song “Running Scared,” composed by international artists, clinched victory with 221 points. Post-Eurovision, Gasimov, alongside Jamal, toured various countries to perform their winning song. Azerbaijan commemorated their victory with 15,000 postage stamps featuring the duo. In 2012, Gasimov was a jury member for Denmark’s selection of its Eurovision contestant. His first single post-Eurovision, “Birlikda nahayat” (“At last together”), was released in January 2012. Gasimov also co-hosted the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 in Baku. July 17, 2012, marked the release of his acoustic single “I’m Free,” with its official video following in September. The track, a collaboration with Azerbaijani DJ/producer ALIGEE, was produced by Farid Mammadov and Ali Abasbeili. In the academic sphere, Gasimov joined Baku Slavic University as a lecturer in international relations in October 2012. Eldar released a lot of singles, in English, Azerbaijani and Russian. He teamed up with Nikki again in 2013 for the single “Music’s Still Alive”. In 2014 he recorded “Ice On Fire”, a duet with Zlata Ognevich. In 2015 he teamed up with Rustam for the song “Gülümse”. In 2019, Eldar expressed support for the LGBT community through a post on his personal Instagram account. In 2020, he and VoColor released the song “Until The end”. From 2021 to 2022, Gasimov was a coach on The Voice of Azerbaijan‘s second season. His protégé, Nadir Rustamli, won and represented Azerbaijan in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022, achieving 16th place. In 2023, he released a new single and video, “Break Free”, and recorded several songs with Nikki. Entries Running Scared (Ell & Nikki) Country🇦🇿 Azerbaijan Year2011 LanguageEnglish LyricsSandra BjurmanStefan Örn MusicSandra BjurmanStefan ÖrnIain James Farquharson BackingsLisa StadellVera PradaJessica MarbergerÅsa Engman Results Semi Points: 122Position: 2Running order: 18 Results Finals Points: 221Position: 1Running order: 19 https://youtu.be/_0tlQUW5X0U?si=7_mUm-omYWujabhE