Traditional costumes

Ansambel Žlindra

About Quick Facts MembersRok ŽlindraBarbara OgrincNejc DrobničRok Modic Founded2005 Nationality🇸🇮 Slovenian National SelectionEMA 2010 In Eurovision2010 Oslo SongNarodnozabavni Rock (& Kalamari, 2010) Biography Ansambel Roka Žlindre, also known as Ansambel Žlindra, is a folk music group that started in 2005. They are from Sodražica. The group has three musicians and two singers. In 2010, they performed at the Eurovision Song Contest in Oslo with the group Kalamari. The Roka Žlindre Ensemble includes Rok Žlindra, who plays the accordion and leads the group, Boštjan Merhar on guitar, Rok Modic on bass, and singers Barbara Ogrinc and Kristjan Oven. Before Merhar, Toni Tomas Lovšin played guitar, and before Oven, Tadej Osvald was a singer. The group has been active since 2005. In the next two years, they joined the Graška Gora festival and won the Silver Shepherd award twice. After two years, they did well at a festival in Dolenjske Toplice, winning awards from both the audience and the judges. In 2008, they performed in Škofja Loka and Graška Gora, winning audience awards and other prizes. Their most successful years were 2009 and 2010. They won awards at top festivals like Slovenska polka in valček and in Ptuj. They are best known for winning EMA and performing at Eurovision in Oslo in 2010 with the song “Narodnozabavni rock.” They did not make it to the final round. In 2011, the group toured western Canada, hosted by Slovenian clubs. They spent most of their time in Vancouver and Calgary, and also visited Kelowna. During the tour, they saw sights like Myra Canyon and watched a hockey game. They even visited the USA for a day. The tour lasted one month. In 2015, to celebrate their 10th anniversary, they held a concert called “Mi ga pa žlindramo” in Ribnica’s Sports Hall. Television Slovenia recorded the concert and showed it in two parts the next year. At this concert, they introduced a new song “Nasmehni se,” recorded with their idols, the Franc Mihelič Ensemble, who are also from Sodražica. In February 2016, they released a single “Le tvoj parfum”. In June, it was followed by “Mi ga pa žlindramo”. Also in 2016, bass singer Tadej Oswald left the band. He was succeeded by Kristian Oven. The first record with the new bass singer was called “Pogrešam te” and was released in March 2017. The song immediately reached the Slovenian charts, and reached the #1 spot on the domestic charts. In December, the song “Neumen in mlad” came out. At the Pesem prepostih Ljudi concert the band received the award for best ensemble by the jury in February 2018. In the summer, they did a lot of performances. In September, Boštjan Merhar left the band. The last song including him was called “Ko se ženi ribnčan”. Matic Padaršič was the new group member. In December 2018 the band came up with two Christmas songs, “Srečno novo leto” and “Srečno novo leto”. The new song “Veliko je želja” was premiered at the Slovenska Polka in Valček Festival in 2019. For the festival they teamed up with the group Amabile. They reached the final with their song. In September of the same year they released the song “Kaj pa vidva”. In February 2020 the band started a concert tour along with Amabile, the Iskreno tour. Unfortunately, some of the concerts had to be cancelled. Due to COVID19 they could not be held on another time. In September 2020, the new single “V tvojem objemu se pomirim” came out. After a long time of silence, in January 2022 the news came that Rok Modic, Matic and Kristian left the band. Only Rok Žlindra and Barbara continued, together with new members Blaž Žnidaršič (guitar and drums) and Jernej Oblak (tuba, accordion, trumpet, baritone, and bass). In March 2024 they released a new polka, “Nočem bit ujet”. Entries Narodnozabavni Rock (& Kalamari) Country🇸🇮 Slovenia Year2010 LanguageSlovenian LyricsLeon Oblak MusicMarino Legovič Backings– Results Semi Points: 6Position: 16Running order: 11 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/2faHkE1JZwc?si=QcJWZx4srVTPW_yJ

🇳🇴 Blast from the Past: Norway 1980

photo: Nationaal Archief, Den Haag We know a lot about Eurovision and we want to share this knowledge with you! Therefore we’d like to bring you a blast from the past. Today: Mattis Hætta and Sverre Kjelsberg, representing Norway in 1980 with the song “Samiid Ædnan”. Norway in the Eurovision Song Contest Norway has had a long and varied history in the Eurovision Song Contest, which they first entered in 1960. Over the years, Norway has experienced both highs and lows in the competition.Norway has won the contest three times: 1985 – Bobbysocks: The duo, consisting of Hanne Krogh and Elisabeth Andreassen, won with the song “La det swinge” (Let it swing). This victory was a landmark moment for Norway, as it was their first win in the contest. 1995 – Secret Garden: An instrumental piece, “Nocturne”, with just 24 words sung by Norwegian violinist Rolf Løvland and Irish violinist Fionnuala Sherry, secured Norway’s second victory. 2009 – Alexander Rybak: The singer, violinist, composer, and actor won with a record-breaking 387 points for his song “Fairytale”. This score remained the highest in Eurovision history until the voting system was changed in 2016. Despite their victories, Norway is also known for having finished last a number of times, often with the infamous ‘nul points’. Some of these instances have become iconic in Eurovision history, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the contest. Melodi Grand Prix 1980 The national final, Melodi Grand Prix, was held on March 22nd at NRK Studio 2 in Oslo. Åse Kleveland, participant in 1966 and hosting Eurovision in 1986, was the host of the show. Note that she also traveled along with Mattis Hætta and Sverre Kjelsberg to The Hague to introduce the duo. Every country had their own host in the 1980 show. The songs were: “Stjerneskudd“, by Anita Skorgan, 48 pts, 6th “Ja“, by Jahn Teigen, 32 pts, 9th “Parken“, by Radka Toneff, 43 pts, 8th “Bjørnen sover“, by Åge Aleksandersen og Sambandet, 61 pts, 1st “Maestro“, by Hilde Heltberg, 32 pts, 9th “Auståvind“, by Hennig Sommerro, 45 pts, 7th “Univers“, by Alex, 58 pts, 3rd “Rudi“, by Nina Askeland, 58 pts, 3rd “Svart fortid“, by Inger Lise Rypdal, 57 pts, 5th “Samiid ædnan“, by Mattis Hætta and Sverre Kjelsberg, 61 pts, 1st As there was an ex aecquo between both the songs, all the juries had to give one vote for one of the winning songs. In that voting, “Bjørnen sover” received 4 points while “Samiid ædnan” got 5. Age Aleksandersen, the other winner Mattis Hætta and Sverre Kjelsberg Sverre Kjelsberg was a multifaceted Norwegian musician, born on October 18, 1946, in Tromsø, and passing away on June 18, 2016. He began his musical journey as a bassist and vocalist for the popular 1960s rock band, The Pussycats. Known for their Beatlesque style, the band enjoyed considerable success domestically. After the band’s dissolution, Kjelsberg’s musical style evolved, incorporating elements of pop, rock, and folk. Sverre Kjelsberg is perhaps best remembered on the international stage for representing Norway in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1980, alongside Mattis Hætta, with the song “Sámiid Ædnan.” Mattis Hætta was a Sami singer and artist renowned for his contribution to the preservation and popularization of the traditional Sami form of singing, known as joik. Born on March 24, 1959, in Maze, Norway, Hætta was a prominent figure in the indigenous Sami community. His musical journey was intertwined with his cultural identity, and he has used his artistry to advocate for the rights and recognition of the Sami people. Mattis Hætta has continued to advocate for indigenous rights and remains a celebrated figure in Norway for his cultural contributions and activism. He passed away on November 9, 2022. Who are the Sami? The Sami are an indigenous people inhabiting the Arctic region known as Sápmi, which spans across the northern parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Kola Peninsula of Russia. Numbering approximately 80,000 to 100,000, the Sami have a rich cultural heritage deeply intertwined with the natural landscapes they inhabit. Traditionally, the Sami have engaged in diverse livelihoods, including fishing, fur trapping, and sheep herding. However, reindeer herding is perhaps the most emblematic aspect of Sami culture, with specific communities having developed semi-nomadic lifestyles centered around reindeer migrations. The Sami have their own distinct languages, which belong to the Uralic linguistic family. While there are multiple Sami languages, many Sami people also speak the languages of the countries they reside in. Sami traditional clothing, known as “gákti,” is vibrant and distinctive, often adorned with colorful bands of decoration and intricate beadwork. The designs and colors can indicate a person’s geographical origin, marital status, and other personal details. Despite facing historical oppression and forced assimilation policies, the Sami have persevered in maintaining and revitalizing their cultural heritage. Today, they continue to advocate for their rights, including land rights, cultural preservation, and political representation within the Nordic countries and Russia. Apart from Mattis Hætta and Sverre Kjelsberg, also Keiino brought the audience something of the Sami culture. Sami rapper Fred Buljo brought us the sound of the joik too! Samiid Ædnan “Sámiid Ædnan” is a significant and memorable song that represented Norway in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1980. Sung by Sverre Kjelsberg and Mattis Hætta, the song is a powerful melding of pop music elements with the traditional Sami form of singing known as joik. The title “Sámiid Ædnan” translates to “Sami Earth” and the song’s lyrics are a call for recognition of the indigenous Sami people and their rights. The song is performed in both Norwegian and Sami languages and emphasizes the unity and connection of the Sami people with their land. What made the performance standout in the Eurovision contest was Mattis Hætta’s joiking and the duo’s choice to wear traditional Sami clothing. This was an act of cultural pride and a political statement about indigenous rights. The song was written as a protest against the construction of a dam in the area where the Sami live. So,

Esma Redžepova

About Quick Facts NameEsma Redžepova-Teodosievska Born08 August 1943 Deceased11 December 2016 Nationality🇲🇰 North Macedonian National SelectionInternal selection 2013Specialen Evroviziski Den 2006Jugovizija 1971 In Eurovision2013 Malmö SongPred Da Se Razdeni (2013, with Lozano) Biography Early Life and Introduction to Music Born on August 8, 1943, in the heart of Skopje, North Macedonia, Esma hailed from the vibrant Romani district of Čair. The youngest in a family of six, Esma’s early years were deeply influenced by the rich tapestry of Romani culture. Her initiation into the world of music began at local events and ceremonies where, even as a child, her melodious voice made her a favorite. In a fortuitous twist of fate, 13-year-old Esma’s talent caught the attention of Stevo Teodosievski, a prominent Macedonian composer and bandleader. Seeing potential in the young songbird, Teodosievski not only mentored her in music but also adopted her, ensuring she received both formal education and intensive musical training. Embarking on a Musical Journey Under Teodosievski’s guidance, Esma’s repertoire expanded to include various genres: from Macedonian folk to Romani ballads, Turkish classics, and even modern pop. By 1961, she was ready to record her first song. “Čaje Šukarije”, with its catchy rhythm and Esma’s unique voice, became an instant success, marking the beginning of her ascendancy as the “Queen of Romani Songs”. Esma’s distinct sound stemmed from her ability to seamlessly blend traditional Romani music with other genres. This adaptability made her music universally appealing, allowing her to transcend national borders. Throughout the 60s and 70s, her fame skyrocketed, leading to performances across Europe, Asia, and even Africa. In 1971 she took part in Jugovizija, the Yugoslav national final for the Eurovision Song Contest. Her song “Malo Malo” earned a 3rd place. Career Milestones and International Acclaim Across her illustrious career, Esma recorded over 500 songs and produced multiple albums. She performed in over 40 countries and sang in multiple languages, a testament to both her versatility and the universality of her music. Her tunes resonated with a wide audience, from the Balkans to the far reaches of the Middle East and beyond. One of her most memorable moments on the international stage came in 2013 when she represented Macedonia at the Eurovision Song Contest. Alongside singer Lozano, Esma showcased her timeless appeal to a European audience, further cementing her legacy. Beyond Music: A Humanitarian at Heart While music was her first love, Esma’s heart had room for much more. She was deeply moved by the plight of her Romani community, which, despite its rich cultural heritage, often faced prejudice and social exclusion. Together with Teodosievski, who she later married, Esma embarked on numerous humanitarian projects. The couple’s most notable endeavor was their decision to foster 47 destitute children. But for Esma and Teodosievski, fostering wasn’t just about providing shelter; it was about holistic development. The children were given formal education, trained in the arts, and most importantly, taught the values of love and unity. This led to the establishment of their ensemble, where many of their foster children performed, thus ensuring the next generation carried forward the Romani musical tradition. Esma’s relentless efforts towards uplifting the Romani community didn’t go unnoticed. The community lovingly bestowed upon her the title of “Romani Mother Theresa”. Legacy Esma Redžepova’s passing on December 11, 2016, marked the end of an era. Yet, her legacy is far from forgotten. As the voice of the Romani people, she championed their cause, bringing their music and issues to the global forefront. More than just an artist, Esma was an emblem of unity, resilience, and compassion. Entries Pred Da Se Razdeni (with Lozano) Country🇲🇰 North Macedonia Year2013 LanguageMacedonianRomani LyricsMagdalena Cvetkovska MusicDarko DimitrovLazar CvetkovskiSimeon Atanasov BackingsEleonora MustafovskaNina Yaneva Results Semi Points: 28Position: 16Running order: 13 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/Vi1VYsOUCsY?si=mmMG0NSQ1sYLooy0

Nelly Ciobanu

About Quick Facts NameNelea Ciobanu-Mărgineanu Born28 October 1974 Nationality🇲🇩 Moldovan National SelectionO melodie pentru Europa 2009O melodie pentru Europa 2005 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongHora din Moldova (2009) Biography Nelly Ciobanu, born on October 28, 1974, in the village of Cania, Cantemir District, Moldova, is a renowned Moldovan singer and a prominent figure in the music industry of her country. Her full name is Nelly Ciobanu-Malău, and she grew up in a musical family, which significantly influenced her career choice. From a young age, Nelly demonstrated a remarkable talent for singing. She pursued formal education in music, graduating from the Ștefan Neaga Music College in Chișinău. Her professional career began to take off in the early 1990s when she participated in various music festivals and competitions, showcasing her vocal prowess and stage presence. Nelly’s big break came in 1993 when she won the Grand Prix at the “Tineretul Speranțelor” festival in Chișinău. This victory opened numerous doors for her, leading to national and international recognition. She further cemented her status by winning several prestigious awards, including the Grand Prix at the “Slavianski Bazaar” in Belarus in 1996. One of the defining moments of Nelly’s career was her participation in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2009. Representing Moldova with the song “Hora din Moldova,” she captivated audiences with her powerful performance, which earned her a respectable 14th place in the final. The song, which blended traditional Moldovan folk elements with contemporary sounds, became a hit and is still celebrated in Moldova. In 2012, she attempted to represent Moldova once more in Eurovision with the song “Turn on the Light” but did not make it to the final selection. In 2013, Nelly released new singles, “Tu iubire” and “Ola Hello!”. She teamed up with Stefano Nutti to record the duet “Rimani qui!!” in February 2014. In 2017, Nelly Ciobanu was a member of the expert jury for the Eurovision Song Contest. On Christmas eve of the same year, Nelly performed in Paris along with Ionel Istrati. In February 2018 Toronto followed, where she sang with Valentin Uzun. A month later, Nelly sang in Italy. In October, she released a new single, “Dă-mi înapoi”. Nelly ended the year by performing in Israel. In 2019, Nelly was awarded the Gavrill Muzicescu Award from the Moldovan ministry of Culture. In January 2020, she performed with Ionel Istrati again, this time in Russia. She became an Interpol ambassador as a member of the “Turn back crime” campaign. She also released the song “Da-mi Inapoi” in the same year. It was in March 2023 when Nelly performed for the Moldovan diaspora in Zürich, Switzerland. A month later she was a member of the Caucaz- 2023 international festival of Arts jury. In March 2024 she performed in Nice, France, in collaboration with Valentin Uzun. In May of the same year she released a new song, “Treci dragoste pe la mine”. Nelly has also been involved in television, notably hosting the popular Moldovan music program “Vedete la bis” (Stars Encore), which showcases various musical talents. In November 2021 she played one of the main roles in the movie “Bereh pravyy, bereh levyy”. Entries Hora Din Moldova Country🇲🇩 Moldova Year2009 Language🇬🇧 English LyricsAndrei HadjiuNelly CiobanuAris Calimeris MusicVeaceslav Daniliuc BackingsGicu Cimbir??? Results Semi Points: 106Position: 5Running order: 15 Results Finals Points: 69Position: 14Running order: 13 https://youtu.be/ZoP_0okrWyo?si=d_wODx72ZZILbdEC

Klapa s mora

© Albin Olsson About Quick Facts MembersMarko ŠkugorAnte GalićNikša AnticaLeon BataljakuIvica VlaićBojan Kavedžija Active2013 Nationality🇭🇷 Croatian National SelectionInternal selection 2013 In Eurovision2013 Malmö SongMižerja (2013) Biography Klapa s Mora was a traditional Croatian music ensemble. It was a super klapa group that included six male klapa from five existing klapagroups in Croatia. The group was built up especially for the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest. For the occasion, “Mižerja” was written. Unfortunately, the group did not reach the final in the contest. Originating from Dalmatia, Croatia, Klapa music is a traditional style of a cappella singing. The term “klapa” means “a group of friends,” and the style is deeply connected to coastal church chants. Its themes often revolve around love, the homeland, the sea, and the joys of wine. While harmony and melody dominate Klapa music, rhythm isn’t typically emphasized. In recognition of its cultural significance, UNESCO added Klapa to its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2012. A typical klapa ensemble includes a first tenor, a second tenor, a baritone, and a bass. While all voice parts can be doubled, the first tenor remains singular. These groups usually feature up to twelve male singers. Although female klapa groups have gained popularity recently, groups traditionally remain either all-male or all-female without mixing. While klapa traditionally is a cappella, sometimes a soft guitar or mandolin, which resembles a tamburitza in look and sound, complements the singers. Additionally, synthesizer keyboards mimicking percussion instruments can occasionally accompany the ensemble. Klapa music remains a vibrant tradition with new compositions emerging and dedicated festivals celebrating it. Notably, the Dalmatian Klapas Festival in Omiš stands out as a premier event with deep roots in Klapa music. In recent years, Klapa Šufit has made a mark there, clinching the top spot for three consecutive years from 2006 to 2008. Klapa holds a special place in the hearts of Dalmatian youth who often indulge in this musical tradition during outings for meals or drinks. It’s common to encounter impromptu klapa performances in the evenings, set against a backdrop of food and wine on the streets. Entries Mižerja Country🇭🇷 Croatia Year2013 LanguageCroatian LyricsGoran Topolovac MusicGoran Topolovac Backings– Results Semi Points: 38Position: 13Running order: 4 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/FYm4sGd-qP0?si=jEPyb0lasQaMpTd4

Tulia

© EBU/Andres Putting About Quick Facts MembersTulia BiczakDominika SiepkaPatrycja NowickaJoanna Sinkiewicz Founded2017 Nationality???????? Polish National SelectionInternal selection 2019 In Eurovision2019 Tel Aviv SongFire of Love (Pali się) (2019) Biography Tulia is a Polish music band, founded in Szczecin in 2017. In October 2017, they recorded and published their version of Depeche Mode’s hit “Enjoy the Silence”, In February 2018, they released an official music video for “Enjoy the Silence”, which soon after its premiere received over 3.5 million views on YouTube . In the same month, they published a music video for a cover of Dawid Podsiadło’s song “Nieznajomy”, which reached over 10 million views on YouTube. On May 25, 2018, they released their debut studio album, simply called “Tulia”, which featured covers of songs by Polish artists and two original compositions; they published five additional songs on the extended version of the album, including covers of songs by Depeche Mode and Metallica. The album obtained the platinum status, selling in more than 30,000 copies. copies. They performed the song “Jeszcze Cię nie ma” during the “Premiery” concert as part of the 55th National Festival of Polish Song in Opole, where they won three awards: the jury and audience award and a special award from ZAiKS, the society of authors in Poland. In November 2018, they released a re-edition of their debut album, enriched with five original songs, among others “Pali się”. On February 15, 2019, they were announced as representatives of Poland in the 64th Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv, where they performed the song “Fire of Love (Pali się)”. Even before participating in the competition, they received the “Fryderyk” Phonographic Academy Award for their phonographic debut of the year. The group reached the 11th place in the first semifinal. On August 1, Joanna Sinkiewicz left the team, explaining the decision with health issues. In the same month, the other singers performed at the Pol’and’Rock Festival. In May 2021, they released their second studio album entitled “Półmrok”, which was promoted by the singles: “Rzeka”, “Burza”, “Marcowy” and “Przepięknie”. In November 2021, they released a Christmas album entitled “Nim gwiazda zgaśnie”. Entries Song Title Country???????? Poland Year2019 LanguagePolishEnglish LyricsSonia KrasnyAllan RichJud Friedmann MusicNadia Dalin Backings– Results Semi Points: 120Position: 11Running order: 4 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/IEu0F5uobVo