London Greek Radio

What’s On… New Year’s Eve… Community Events…

The countdown to celebrations to New Year’s Eve and where to go…

On Saturday 31st December, New Year’s Eve…

Going out or staying in don’t forget to tune in to London Greek Radio… 

Pure Cyprus,14 Goodwin Street, N4 3HQ

New Year’s Eve Meze Night.

For further details call 07795 06 0207

The Greek Cypriot Brotherhood of North Finchley

Cypria Maris… Nikos Shakolas and the band Moo Soo Too will be entertaining…

The well-known Sotiri Kampanela will be catering for souvla and meze throughout the night.

£45 per person.

The Greek Cypriot Brotherhood, 2 Britannia Road, N12 9RU

For reservations or further information 020 8445 7070 or 07956 25 7606

Article written by lgr.co.uk

Anna Vissi illustrates her new song ‘Προτιμώ Να Πεθαίνω’ with a countryside inspired story. Featuring an unpredictable trip to Crete, filled with suspense, Anna Vissi brings her new single to life.

The music video is actually based on the remixed version of her song, created by Themis Georgantas. The song, titled ‘Προτιμώ Να Πεθαίνω’ features on Anna Vissi’s latest album ‘Συνέντευξη’, meaning ‘Interview’, which perhaps implies the singer feels as if though she is making a personal confession in this latest album.

The album consists of 14 songs, each titled with a statement and together they create a heartfelt ‘Interview’.

The music and lyrics of the album, are once again, written by Vissi’s lifelong fellow traveller, Nikos Karvelas. Furthermore, Gerasimos Evaggelatos has contributed to the lyric-writing.

Right before the premiere of her live shows in Athens, Anna Vissi visited the island of Crete for an adventurous four-day trip, in order to film her brand new music video. During her stay in Crete, a countryside inspired story evolved, which is different from anything else we’ve seen from the singer.

The music video is directed by Manolis Leventelis, and the song was released under the Panik Records banner. The video, which is featured below is quirky, fun and something we haven’t seen before from Vissi.

Article written by Panayiotis Koutoulas

Well, it’s a Christmassy story with a happy ending for a local campaign which fought for the lights on the Christmas tree in Tally Ho Corner in North Finchley to be switched on this year. Now, finally lit-up, it is visible from the LGR House if you take a 15 to 20 minute walk or a 5 minute drive to the round–a–bout linking Tally Ho Corner on the long High Road stretch.

So, with an ’empty’ tree, especially looking out of this place for what you might expect to see this December, a local initiative certainly helped make Barnet council take their stance blatantly clear, and finally do the right, which was promised all along anyway.

Barnet Council has apologised for causing confusion over whether it would be funding lights for the ‘living’ Christmas tree at Tally Ho Corner in North Finchley this year.

Traders began a campaign to raise cash for the lights after they said they had been told by the council that no cash was available.

Woodside ward Labour councillor Alan Schneiderman accused the local authority of ‘a bar humbug attitude’.

Helen Michael, a London Cypriot lady who owns Cafe Buzz nearby took it upon herself to decorate the tree with her friend Tracey Allen, when other local traders followed suit and Martyn Gerrard Estate Agents pledged funds towards it.

But, following an email from The Press, the council announced funding would be available for lights for the tree, which was planted in 2014.

Dean Cohen of the Environment committee, said:

‘Generally we don’t fund Christmas trees and decorations in the borough. However, a few years ago we installed a permanent living tree in North Finchley, which we have dressed with lights. Unfortunately, this did not happen this year and I have instructed that the lights are installed by the end of this week.

‘I would like to apologise for any inconvenience this has caused and hope traders continue to enjoy the benefits of free Christmas parking at weekends in our town centres.‘

Well done to Helen and all the other traders showing true community spirit and helping to make sure the local authority followed through with lighting up the tree, only a few days before the festivities are due to begin in earnest.

 

Article written by London Greek Radio

Cyprus expects Turkey, which is responsible for the illegal stationing of more than 40.000 occupation troops in Cyprus, to take practical and concrete steps towards a Cyprus solution, particularly during the upcoming Conference of Cyprus, in Geneva, President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades has said.

Receiving on Monday the credentials of High Commissioner of the Republic of Rwanda to the Republic of Cyprus, Joseph Rutabana, based in Tel Aviv, the President said that “for the past 18 months a new effort has begun which has provided, I have to admit, positive results. Progress has been achieved in the Chapters of Governance and Power-Sharing, Economy, EU and to a lesser extent the Chapter of Property”, but noted that “despite the remarkable progress achieved, differences remain on a number of issues relating to the Chapters I have mentioned”.

Referring to the meetings to be held in Geneva between 9-11 of January 2017, he said that the aim is to achieve further convergences on the internal aspects of the Cyprus problem.

He added that on 11 January maps will be submitted on territorial adjustments, noting that `progress on the above issues will allow us to come within reach of an agreement by creating the conditions and prospects for a successful conclusion of the multilateral Conference on Cyprus on 12th of January, which will discuss issues that relate to the international aspects of the Cyprus problem, and in particular on the Chapter of Security and Guarantees and ways and means to ensure the smooth implementation of the settlement`.

The President stressed that `at this critical juncture, I wish to reassure of my determination to reach a successful outcome at the negotiations in Geneva, so as to achieve a settlement that will reunify our country and fulfill the vision of the people of Cyprus of building an attractive future for our youth and the generations to come, setting an example for peace-making and enhancing security and stability in our region`.

He underlined that Turkey’s contribution in tangible terms in these negotiations is vital and that there is no solution that can be reached without Turkey’s input.

`We do therefore expect Turkey, which is responsible for the illegal stationing of more than 40.000 occupation troops in Cyprus, to take practical and concrete steps towards this direction, particularly during the upcoming Conference of Cyprus, taking into account not only the benefit of the people of Cyprus, but also the positive impact a settlement will have to regional stability and cooperation` the President of Cyprus said.

Referring to bilateral ties, he said that Cyprus is committed to the enhancement of the political dialogue and cooperation between the EU and Rwanda, as part of a broader EU – Africa partnership, agreed at the 4th EU-Africa Summit in 2014, for effectively dealing today’s common challenges in the fields of security, governance and political stability and economic development.

Presenting his credentials, High Commissioner Rutabana said that his country has been following closely developments regarding the Cyprus situation, including recent talks in Mont Pèlerin.

`The Republic of Rwanda is confident that Cypriots will reach a durable solution to settle the longstanding problem` he said.

He also said that Rwanda proposes a few sectors, on which the two countries can base a strong partnership: Tertiary Education, Agriculture, Energy, Tourism, Mining, Infrastructure development, ICT and Healthcare.

The High Commissioner expressed gratitude to Cyprus for the scholarships offered to Rwandan students in different Cypriot Institutions of Higher Learning.

`We have no doubt whatsoever that the knowledge that those students will acquire, will contribute to the socio-economic development of our country` he concluded.

The Republic of Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. President Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci have been engaged in UN-led talks since May 2015 with a view to reunite the island under a federal roof.

Article written by

A delegation from the House of Representatives comprising MPs Eleni Mavrou and Christos Orphanides participates in the deliberations of the 62nd World Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) which began yesterday in London.

 

A delegation from the House of Representatives comprising MPs Eleni Mavrou and Christos Orphanides participates in the deliberations of the 62nd World Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) which began yesterday in London.

In the framework of the Conference, which brings together 53 member countries with more than 600 participants, MP Christos Orphanides participated in a panel discussion on the role of parliamentarians in promoting and implementing sustainable development goals of the United Nations.

Emphasizing that issues such as climate change, sustainable development, the eradication of poverty and the fight against terrorism can not be addressed in isolation, he said the complexity of the challenges facing parliaments necessitates collective action.

Orphanides stressed that the Commonwealth is rich in resources and has huge financial and human resources which through collective action can be utilized to the maximum in connection with the United Nations Goals, noting that strengthening regional cooperation is an essential step for the further expansion of the sustainable development.

Recalling that 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is an ideal starting point for the coordination of actions to achieve the objective of peace, security and prosperity, Orphanides noted that the Agenda places special emphasis on cooperation for peaceful, fair and inclusive society worldwide level.

Referring to the role of Parliaments, Cypriot MP argued that they have a duty to work for the promotion of measures that will lead to the establishment of these objectives ensuring through the legislative process and parliamentary control the legitimacy of the institutional structures that ensure the fair administration of justice and the respect of the rule of law.

He also stressed the importance of citizen participation, arguing that an approach should be adopted that allows citizens to have a say and a role in decision-making.

In the framework of the Conference, which brings together 53 member countries with more than 600 participants, MP Christos Orphanides participated in a panel discussion on the role of parliamentarians in promoting and implementing sustainable development goals of the United Nations.

Emphasizing that issues such as climate change, sustainable development, the eradication of poverty and the fight against terrorism can not be addressed in isolation, he said the complexity of the challenges facing parliaments necessitates collective action.

Orphanides stressed that the Commonwealth is rich in resources and has huge financial and human resources which through collective action can be utilized to the maximum in connection with the United Nations Goals, noting that strengthening regional cooperation is an essential step for the further expansion of the sustainable development.

Recalling that 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is an ideal starting point for the coordination of actions to achieve the objective of peace, security and prosperity, Orphanides noted that the Agenda places special emphasis on cooperation for peaceful, fair and inclusive society worldwide level.

Referring to the role of Parliaments, Cypriot MP argued that they have a duty to work for the promotion of measures that will lead to the establishment of these objectives ensuring through the legislative process and parliamentary control the legitimacy of the institutional structures that ensure the fair administration of justice and the respect of the rule of law.

He also stressed the importance of citizen participation, arguing that an approach should be adopted that allows citizens to have a say and a role in decision-making.

Article written by

Cyprus has confirmed that Hovig Demirdjian will be the Cypriot representative for the up-coming Eurovision Song Contest 2017 which takes place in Kiev, in Ukraine.

The Cypriot broadcasters internally selected their choice announced through a press release on Friday 21st October; He will fly the Cypriot flag at next May’s annual music event.

Hovig, 27 years-old, was born in Nicosia, a Cypriot artist of Armenian origin. He will sing a song composed by Thomas G:Son, a Swedish song-writer. He produced 2016’s Cypriot entry, co-writing the Minus One ‘Shine’ track, and qualifying well enough to the final, did pretty much alright in fact. His involvement shows ambition to impress at the competition, with his notable many credits including, Sweden’s victory of 2012 in the song contest.

The date for the release of the song has not yet been specified for listeners, which leaves Cypriot fans in eager anticipation. The LGR website will have the song on its release date in the months leading up to the competition.

Hovig is a professional singer and song-writer with 10 years under his belt. This versatile performer is handling pop to Laika and emotive ballads. Excitingly enough, for this reviewer London Greek Radio Dj, his Laiko tune ‘Ego Gia Sena’ goes in to his favourites list, on the LGR air-waves. Well, this is somehow adding a more pleasant touch, because we know the artist a little bit, from his work.

He is very well liked by the Cypriot public, his evolving fan-base, largely beginning with his long-run on live shows of the Greek X Factor. The same year Miss Ivi Adamou was in the series, herself flying the Cypriot flag at 2012’s Eurovision Song Contest.

Hovig finally realises his long time goal pursuing his shot at Eurovision and he’s certainly had a try at it a couple of times before at the local finals. He had a song ‘Stone In A River’ finishing 4th, at 2015’s Cypriot heat stages, likewise, his ‘Goodbye’ tune rated 3rd during 2010’s pre-selection.

This is looking very likely that third time is the charm now he’s attained his goal proper.

He feels absolutely honoured to sing for his native Cypriot land, and is very much looking forward to it.

On his Facebook page, Hovig posted, ”Nai! (Greek word for yes), that’s all I said to CyBC when they popped the Eurovision question.

”This year, I intend to work very hard, day and night, to deliver the best possible performance in Kiev.

Cyprus is a diverse, and a hot island. Diversity runs in our ideas, our people and our music.

Our small island is an oasis of awesome talented people with amazing Mediterranean temperament.”

He concluded, ”Eurovision is happening guys and it’s going to be fun. Let’s do this!”

The press conference held at the Nicosia’s RED, where Hovig performs a lot, was made up of the Cypriot delegation’s Evi Papamichael and Kleitos Kleitou both expressed their hopes and confidence about our Cypriot chances in the song contest.

Hovig thanked them for selecting him as the artist and promised he will do his absolute best at the sing-off event. He thinks Cypriot talent is immense, he puts it, it’s a small nation but it’s really huge talent-wise, if you take in to account the extent of so many talented individuals.

Hovig will be certainly looking to equal the island’s solid qualifying record lately, following Minus One and John Karayiannis the year before, acts which made it to the final outright.

He will do whatever it takes to get to the final, Hovig, emphatically put it. This task is very likely to be very tough for sure, and will need lots of hard-work to make sure he passes to the last round, he’s very focused to knuckle down to achieve this, he points out.

Gson said he felt privileged, and honoured, to be writing his second Cypriot song in two years.

Meanwhile, CyBc CEO Thanasis Tsokos gives us a little quote by saying, ”Eurovision surely exists in the Cypriot nation’s DNA…” He’s of the opinion Cyprus’ participation is vitally relevant to encouraging, and promoting young Cypriot talent. It pays off economically and other ways, to being part of such a big thing. To which, he added, for a small state, like we have with the Cypriot state it is very important to be physically present, at these events.

He believed in Hovig’s talents and abilities and predicted he will qualify okay, adding, he forecasted rightly the same thing about Minus One, Tsokas told us.

We at London Greek Radio will be following all of the developments in the weeks to come and looking forward to have the song in our hands, where you will hear it first, and as always to happily support #teamcy and #eurovisioncy in the run-up to the contest.

The Semi-Finals will span from 9^th May 2017 to the 11^th May 2017, with the Final to take place on 13^th May 2017, where he will be hoping to stamp his authority on the rest of the Eurovision nations.

Article written by Tony Neophytou

Greek singer, Giannis Ploutarhos, and the hottest band of the moment, KINGS, have joined forces and created their brand new song ‘’Όσο Θα Λείπεις’’!

Their duet has already been labelled as ‘The Collaboration of the Year’ and is set to shake the Greek music scene!
The song is counting only six days from its release and the music video has already surpassed the 1 million views mark in the YouTube world, justifying all of the hype and anticipation that surrounded it.

With all of the great response and views which the music video has received, it is safe to say that we have a ‘hit’ in our hands. In the amazing music video, Giannis Ploutarhos, appears as we have never seen him before, portraying the psychiatrist who brings two lovers together.

The ultimate musical collaboration of the season has managed to make an impressive intro into radio frequencies and has climbed to the top of the airplay charts!

If you’ve yet to see the video, sit back, turn up the volume and enjoy Gianni Ploutarhos and KINGS’ brand new song ‘’Όσο θα λείπεις’’:

Article written by Panayiotis Koutoulas

Eleni Foureira is once again about to set the internet on fire!

The 29-year-old singer just completed the filming of her new music video and from what we’ve seen of it, we are certain it will spice up everyone’s Christmas!

Her new Christmas-themed single is called “2017 Σ’ αγαπώ”!

Some backstage photos of the music video were released onto social media and they have everyone excitedly anticipating the official release of the video! The photos show the popular singer wearing a red corset with suspenders alongside her dancers looking rather sultry! Apparently no one on the Greek music scene does sexy quite like Foureira.

Let’s just hope we all love 2017 as much as we love Eleni Foureira’s new song “2017 Σ’ αγαπώ”.

Article written by Panayiotis Koutoulas

This week Helena Paparizou decided to tease her fans with a sneak peek of her brand new music video.

The popular singer is currently filming her new music video for her latest song release “Αγκάλιασέ με”!

Helena posted of a photo [left] of the filming of her new video onto her Facebook account for all her fans to see. Helena looked gorgeous as ever and the photo was captioned with some of the lyrics of the song.

Helena’s fans also have the opportunity to enjoy watching her as a mentor on the hit TV show, The Voice of Greece!

We are all looking forward to listening to Helena’s new song as well as watching her new music video. Watch this space for the official release.

Article written by Panayiotis Koutoulas