A nurse, who spent what should have been her wedding day, socially distanced from her intended groom, treating Covid-19 patients on the front line, has finally tied the knot after her wedding was postponed for two years.
Instead of walking down the aisle, Olivia Hall, spent the day working at University College Hospital but finally got hitched earlier this month to Alex Violaris, nephew of one of LGRs veteran presenters, Soulla Violaris.
Olivia and Alex officially celebrated the wedding of their dreams, after the pandemic complications postponed their big day, and took their vows in Greek Orthodox fashion on 6th May this year.
The wedding took place at The Twelve Apostles Greek Orthodox Church in Hatfield, with an extravagant country-manor reception at Orsett Hall in Essex.
In an exclusive interview to London Greek Radio, the couple said, “We’re really happy that after two years, (727 days to be exact), we finally got married at the fourth attempt.”
Two years ago, LGR had reported that on the original date of the wedding, instead of Olivia wearing her wedding dress and walking down the aisle, she had to wear her nurse uniform and PPE working in A&E, helping those with Covid.
The story was subsequently covered by the Evening Standard, the Parikiaki newspaper and the BBC news.
Olivia and Alex told LGR that the whole occasion finally proved to be a lovely family affair as the wedding day went without any issues. The pair revealed to London Greek Radio that they had even hired a surprise act for their guests, which was a well-protected secret.
They told LGR, “The entertainment was provided by The Function Band with surprise guest, Stavros Flatley! We had to keep it a secret for two years. We had friends and family attend from all over the UK, Cyprus and Australia to celebrate with us, which helped make it the perfect day!”
London Greek Radio wish Olivia and Alex a very happy future together.
Olivia and Alex, finally tied the knot after pandemic delays. The couple had revealed their wedding joy to LGR.
LGRs broadcaster Soulla Violaris with her husband, the music artist, Costas Violaris also attended their nephew’s wedding.
Stavros Flatley with a surprise performance at the reception. A well-kept secret for two years…
Article written by Tony Neophytou
Greek singer Kaiti Garbi live in London on Saturday 25th June 2022.
Enjoy three decades of Greek music in just one night as Athens comes to London and for the first-time-ever at the iconic Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (East Quarter Level Three).
Kaiti Garbi LIVE with her band, together with Dimitris Schoinas. Another unique Greek event brought to you by Greek London Live!
This event is sponsored by Delphi Foods, Knights Residential, Archway Sheet Metal Works, Going Greek, Exquisite Floors & Doors, and Build It Builders Merchants.
Supported by Kounnis & Partners Chartered Accountants.
Official Media Partner is London Greek Radio 103.3 FM.
For ticket info and VIP table reservations call Greek London Live on 07956242473.
Tiered table reservations, ranging from £60 – £120 per guest, plus booking fee* online at eventbrite.co.uk/e/kaiti-garbi-live-tickets
Kaiti Garbi is one of the most established, beloved, award-winning and timeless Greek singers. Her career has spanned over 30 years with over 1.5 million records sold in Greece and abroad, while her discography is marked by several multi-platinum, platinum and gold releases, including Arhizo Polemo (1996) and Evaisthisies (1997), two of the best-selling albums of the decade. Garbi represented Greece in the annual Eurovision Song Contest in 1993 with the song “Ellada, Hora Tou Fotos”, taking ninth place. She later struck her biggest commercial success with To Kati (2000) in terms of unit sales. Over the years, Garbi has won 11 Pop Corn Music Awards, including three for Album of the Year, and one Arion Music Award. On 14 March 2010, Alpha TV ranked her among the top-certified female artists in Greece’s phonographic era (since 1960).
Among her countless and timeleass hits are; “Pes To M Ena Fili”, “Xamena”, “Tha Melagxoliso”, “Viastika”, “Atofio Xrysafi”, “Nai, Iparho Ego”, “Evaisthisies”, “Ierosylia”, “Tou Fegariou Anapnoes”, “Pes To M Ena Fili”, “Ksypolyti Xorevo”, “Min Me Sigkrinis”, “To Lathos Mou”, “Arhizo Polemo”, “Apla Ta Pragmata”, “Na Pernas”, “Galazio Kai Lefko”, “Otan Se Xreiazomai”, “Esena Mono”, “Doro Theou”, “To Kati”, “Perasmena Ksehasmena”, “Anemodarmena Ipsi”, “Mia Fora Kai Enan Kairo”, “Eho Sta Matia Ourano”, “Ante Geia”, “Aspro I Mauro”, “Ti Theloune Ta Matia Sou”, “Pos Allazei O Kairos”, “Kainourgia Ego”, “Aponomi Dikaiosynis”, “Agkyres”, “Spase Tous Deiktes Tou Rologiou”, “Ilios Den Vgainei An Den Peis Kalimera” and “Kormia Hamena”.
Get your tickets now at eventbrite.co.uk/e/kaiti-garbi-live-tickets
Article written by London Greek Radio
We know, it’s been a while since an LGR Club Night…
And it’s been a tough and challenging couple of years for all of us, but LGR club-nights are back!
Yep, and to celebrate 10 years of LGR Greekology, the one event that you have to be at this year happens at The Country Club, Trent Park N14 on Saturday 28th May!
Our very own DJ’s Andreas Michaelides and Kostas Voudouris alone with confirmed artist: Mixalis Theodosiou, Zach Koullas and Drummers Rhythm and Bass will be live in person from 10pm ’til late on what’s expected to be a night to remember!
So head over right now to eventbrite.com/e/greekology-at-the-country-club-trent-park-tickets for your tickets whilst stocks last!
Don’t miss the biggest return to the dance floor since… the last one!
LGR’s Greekology Club Nights, The Country Club, Trent Park N14 4UW on Saturday 28th May!
This event is sponsored by Aspris & Son, Cypriot Community Centre, Funland at the Brunswick Centre, next to Russell Square tube, Uncle Tony’s Taverna, Nicholas & Co. Chartered Surveyors.
eventbrite.com/e/greekology-at-the-country-club-trent-park-tickets
Article written by LGR Club Nights
With the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 tonight, singer Andromache missed out on the chance to represent Cyprus in this year’s final at the weekend.
All eyes were on the Greek girl on Thursday night as 2022’s entry took to the stage singing “Ela” in the second of this year’s semi-finals.
The 27-year-old newcomer’s full name is Andromachi Dimitropoulou and she was born in Germany and raised in Ilia, Greece.
Andromache was hoping to follow in the footsteps of Elena Tsagrinou, Tamta, and Eleni Foureira whose results helped Cyprus to consecutive finals, from 2015 to 2021.
Qualifying for the final at Cyprus’ expense was Belgium, Czech Republic, Azerbaijan, Poland, Finland, Estonia, Australia, Sweden, Romania and Serbia.
Cypriot bosses stuck to the formulae, of internally picking a singer and song-package with Andromache mixing traditional Greek folk and Byzantine, with modern music.
The track is an ethno song that embellishes the instrument of bouzouki and the flute which blends into the ensemble, giving this track a more modernised touch, mixing old and new.
The percussions and the bouzouki add some magical reverie to the song.
LGR’s Eurovision fanatic said, “When I first heard this it felt hypnotising and catchy enough, with its nice melodic embellishments.”
“This is a really good radio song which has soared to top of London Greek Radio play-lists, in recent weeks”.
“On reflection Cyprus is a radio friendly song, perhaps it requires other elements translating it to the stage. It is a lovely tune, chilled and laidback, with maybe its lack of a build-up holding it back as a Eurovision competitive song entry,” Mr Neophytou commented.
Tony Neophytou furthermore said, “I don’t know, maybe she felt nervous at first verse, and gradually felt more in her stride and composure at the Greek choruses. She grew in confidence, and smiles, as the song was progressing…”
Her performance was met with rapturous applause from the audience.
“The attractive Andromache was standing inside a sea shell structure. The imagery was conjuring up Cypriot exotic flavours, and motifs. She was like a mermaid or maybe a wink, to the Cypriot myth of Aphrodite’s birth, at sea.”
Her female dancers Despina Lagoudaki and Nefeli Theodotou were at either side.
Andromache’s choreographed arm movements, or armography and her dancers give it a fusion of energy.
“Three girls are the Cypriot equivalent to ‘Charlie’s Angels‘,” (Tony quips).
“The staging was aesthetically-pleasing bathed in lots of warm colours. The blue and golden lighting, swept across the sea shell structure and stage reminiscent of Cypriot flag colours, which was a beautiful aesthetic.” Mr Neophytou underscores.
CyBc made the official announcement along with title of her entry “Ela” earlier this year. The song is written by Alex Papaconstantinou, or Alex P, a Greek-Swedish producer, well-known in Eurovision circles.
He collaborates on the tune with Cypriot singer-songwriter Giorgos Papadopoulos, Arash, Eyelar Mirzazadeh, Fatjon Miftaraj, Filloreta Raci Fifi, Geraldo Sandell, Robert Uhlmann, Viktor Svensson and Yll Limani.
Andromache is signed to Panik Records, whose roster includes former Eurovision predecessors such as Ivi Adamou, Demy, Eleni Foureira and Anna Vissi and Elena Tsagrinou.
Thank you to Andromache and the Cypriot delegation for their efforts and roll on 2023, with Cyprus’ pick of the next act and tune.
The Eurovision Final takes place on Saturday night at 8pm.
Article written by Tony Neophytou
Singer-Songwriter Amanda Georgiadi Tenfjord on Tuesday night qualified for the Eurovision Grand Final with her song “Die Together”.
This year, the Eurovision Song Contest takes place in Turin, at PalaOlimpico and the 25-year-old, who is studying to be a doctor, is a half Greek and half Norwegian singer-songwriter, born in Ioannina, Greece and raised in Norway.
Of the 17 competing countries, Greece was one of the 10 that gained enough votes from professional juries and the public to advance to Saturday night’s sing-off.
This is the twelfth time that Greece has qualified for a Eurovision since 2008.
“Die Together” was a “grower” on the London Greek Radio play-lists peaking at #5 in recent weeks.
The introspective song, has the sounds of a strong, melodic electro-pop ballad with emotional overtones which seem to cut deep. It’s a break-up song about a genuine relationship that’s expected to tear at the heart-strings.
Amanda has co-written the track with fellow Norwegian producer and songwriter, Bjørn Helge Gammelsæterx.
LGR’s Eurovision fanatic Tony Neophytou said, “Amanda’s beautiful, captivating performance felt emotional, and intense. Her vocals were on-point, as in yesterday’s jury voting dress rehearsal.
“Goosebumps… man!” Mr Neophytou recollects.
“The camera zooms into a close-up in the acapella section as it gradually builds up with wider stage shots of blue melting chairs. The visually-arresting act is well-crafted and thought out”. Amanda said the imagery of melting chairs is “symbolising break-ups or things coming to an end…”
The dancing silhouettes on-screen added a nice tough. The excellent camera-work complimented Amanda’s story-telling narrative, which underscores this song.
“Her soaring melodies combined with vocal hooks gives the tune that feel of a competitive package as Greece embarks on a Top 10 placement.” LGR’s reviewer furthermore noted.
“The Greek staging was immaculate and well-executed. It was sufficiently subdued and effective, and every single frame and shot was thought-out, presenting a slick, professional routine.”
The singer’s creative staging director is Fokas Evangelinos, a well-known figure in Eurovision circles, tasked with the elevation of her song.
In Mr Neophytou’s view, “Amanda in a white frock is emoting throughout, the song’s three minutes. A stage bathed in whites and blues, not only are these Greek flag colours which is a nice aesthetic. These colours suit it’s sad and melancholic undertones. The blinking lighting effects were in sync with its electro-pop beats, and the crescendo or climatic ‘die together‘ choruses.”
Amanda gave a strong, stoic and dramatic performance. Her frantic, hand gestures to her “Take my heart and rip it out and bring it to the other side” line, in the bridge, intensified the emotion that is felt, on the stage.”
Amanda was second favourite to win Semi-Final 1, with Ukraine still odds-on favourite to win Eurovision. The full results of these semis are released post-Eurovision night.
The Eurovision Song Contest Final is broadcast on Saturday 14th May on BBC1.
London Greek Radio wishes Greece the very best of luck in the competition.
Article written by Tony Neophytou
“British Cypriot” sitcom, ‘Stath Lets Flats’ was a winner at the Bafta TV Awards on Sunday night, scooping Best Male Performance in a Comedy for its star and creator Jamie Demetriou.
It’s a hat-track for Jamie, this is the third Bafta for ‘Stath Lets Flats’ which Jamie created and co-writes.
There have been three series of this popular comedy which also stars Jamie’s sister Natasia Demetriou.
Mr Demetriou beat out tough competition in the form of the new Doctor Who Ncuti Gatwa – who was announced earlier as the next Time Lord, to take home the comedy gong.
Jamie Demetriou is “Stath” an imbecilic lettings agent working at ‘Michael & Eagle Lets’, an apparently chaotic London lettings agency run by his father, Vasos, [Christos Stergioglou).
The set-up is that Stath comes across as incompetent, impulsive and ambitious – in equal measure, and is desperate to prove himself to his Greek-Cypriot father who is retired and at home in series three but still as ever-observant and watchful over his son’s antics.
“I promised myself I wouldn’t sing” (he teased his audience), as Jamie accepted his award. “Thank you so much to everyone who makes this show possible, Channel Four, for having me a part of your insane roster of unbelievable shows that inspired me, and I would never be doing what I was doing if it wasn’t for them. Thank you to Ash Atalla for sticking to this for so long, thank you to Andrew Gaynord for being such a good friend and director. Thank you to Seb Barwell, the producer of this show, who is my rock. And I think a lot of the time he rather not be a rock, but be a producer.
Thank you to this astonishing cast that I’ve had the privilege of working with for so long now, Al, Ellie, Katy, Kiell, Christos, and my amazing sister Natasia who I couldn’t do this show without. Thank you to my flat-mate Ollie Cambridge for just having to put up with a really, really dirty… comedian and to my girl-friend Claire”.
The Bafta TV Awards were held at the Royal Festival Hall on Sunday evening of May 8th.
Jamie Demetriou: “London Greek Radio has been playing in my house since I was a foetus.” Same Jamie, same here…
Article written by Tony Neophytou
Eurovision excitement continues as Greece releases this year’s act with Greek TV bosses confirming that Amanda Georgiadi Tenfjord will be their representing artist.
This year, the Eurovision Song Contest takes place in Turin, at PalaOlimpico and the 25-year-old, who is studying to be a doctor, is a half Greek and half Norwegian singer-songwriter, born in Ioannina, Greece and raised in Norway.
The song, “Die Together” has the sounds of a strong, melodic electro-pop ballad with emotional overtones which seem to cut deep. It’s a break-up song about a genuine relationship that’s expected to tear at the heart-strings.
Amanda has co-written the track with fellow Norwegian producer and songwriter, Bjørn Helge Gammelsæterx and Amanda mixes modern pop, folk, electronic, alternative and ambient sounds.
LGR’s Eurovision fanatic, Tony Neophytou’s view is that “the song starts with an acapella section through a vocoder, which steadily builds up into a full-orchestral electro-pop ballad. The progression has its peaks and dynamic twists, causing intrigue and curiosity for the listener. The slow song then explodes to a grand orchestral feel as it progresses to its climatic finish. It is instantaneous with its catchy chorus, which a competition song requires.”
He added, “The singer and songwriter ballad feels honest and sincere. Amanda is a likeable soloist and incredibly authentic, with a well-made, intimate tune. The minimalist stripped-back acapella builds patiently into the explosive, orchestration. This is a potential jury bait song with on-point vocals. Amanda is emoting a stirring intense ballad that has won lots of admirers in recent weeks.”
Tony Neophytou believes in Greece’s chances at a qualification spot: “Her soaring melodies combined with vocal hooks gives the tune that feel of a competitive package and a game-changer as Greece embarks on a Top 10 placement.“
He continued, “It is a sad, melancholic song with deep lyrics.”
Since it was released, many avid fans have interpreted its poignant lyrics to mean human bonds, the raging frontline, and conflict situations in the world now. The public reaction seems to give the track extra potency and powerful mileage.
Her immediate and direct lyrics is a sure asset in resonating intimately with the listener like, for example, when Amanda sings: “It’s been a hell of year, and we’ve been living in fear, close to giving up…”
Tony Neophytou also feels that the bridge section, with guitar, is almost uniquely dark and dramatic, with the verse, “Take my heart and rip it out, bring it to the other side”; a verse, she repeats four times, emphasising its blatant edgier undertones.
Tony says, “Amanda with a hauntingly beautiful, well-sung radio hit for the stage performance.”
The singer’s creative staging director is Fokas Evangelinos, a well-known figure in Eurovision circles, tasked with the elevation of her song. Her team says the “thoughtfully staged routine and emotional act” angles every single shot and frame as a captivating performance.
The official music video is filmed on the Greek island of Symi, as the backdrop to narrating Amanda’s song, which will be performed in slot number 15 of a running order of 17.
Greece competes in the Eurovision First Semi-Final which airs on 10th May on BBC Three. The Top 10 qualifying countries will advance to the Final on Saturday 14th May on BBC One.
London Greek Radio wishes Amanda and Greece the best of luck in the competition.
Article written by Tony Neophytou
London Greek Radio Top 40 Songs.
The definitive Chart rundown this month April 2022.
This month’s biggest, most in demand hit songs.
1 Helena Paparizou x Antique – Ti Ti
2 Andromache – Ela
3 Giorgos Lianos – Kathe Mas Stigmi Mia Giorti
4 Anastasia – Amarties
5 Amanda Georgiadi Tenjford – Die Together
6 Haris Varthakouris – Me Poio Dikaioma
7 Panos Kiamos – Na Tragoudo Pos S’ Agapao
8 Nikos Vertis – Pou Na Gyrnas
9 Giorgos Papadopoulos & Elkana Marziano – Katalaveno (Katn Alenu)
10 Eirini Papadopoulou Feat. Nikos Koklonis – Leei Leei Leei
11 Nikos Oikonomopoulos – Pali Gyrisa
12 Giorgos Sabanis – Ase Me Na Se Proseho
13 Ivi Adamou – Agoraki Mou [NEW]
14 Josephine – Tilefono [NEW]
15 Loukas Yiorkas – An M’ Agapas
16 Konstantinos Argiros – Molis Htes
17 Natasa Theodoridou – Yparho Gia Sena
18 Giorgos Giannias & Giorgos Papadopoulos – Vale Fotia
19 Konstantinos Argiros, Rack – Telika
20 Anastasios Rammos – Aliteia
21 Michalis Hatzigiannis & Tamta – Ekdromi
22 Konstantinos Christoforou – S’ Ena Tetarto [LGR ident]
23 Ageliki Darra – Berdemenoi Aggeloi [NEW]
24 Giorgos Mazonakis – Par’ Ta Ola Dika Sou [NEW]
26 Konstantinos Argiros – Tipota Esi
27 Giorgos Kakosaios – Ego S’ Agapisa
28 Giorgos Sabanis – Kati San Asteri
29 Giannis Arvanitidis – Trelos Gia Sena
30 Christos Santikai – Ena Tilefono
31 Kaiti Garbi – Ama Fygo
32 Giorgos Livanis – Meta Tis 12 [NEW]
33 Christos Dantis – As Pan Stin Eyhi Ta Palia
34 Giota Negka – Thalassa
35 Kaiti Garbi, Dionysis Schoinas – Atofio Chrysafi
36 Petros Iakovidis – Asto [Radio, Edit]
37 Giannis Ploutarhos – Tha Se Nikiso
38 Stelios Legakis – Poios
39 Christos Menidiatis – Erotevmenos Mazi Sou
40 Ilias Vrettos – Kala Pige Auto
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Article written by London Greek Radio
Greek singer Andromache will represent Cyprus in the up-coming Eurovision Song Contest, which takes place at PalaOlimpico in Turin.
The 27-year-old newcomer’s full name is Andromachi Dimitropoulou and she was born in Germany and raised in Ilia, Greece.
CyBc made the official announcement along with the title of her entry ‘Ela’. The song is written by Alex Papaconstantinou, or Alex P, a Greek-Swedish producer, well-known in Eurovision circles.
He collaborates on the tune with Cypriot singer-songwriter Giorgos Papadopoulos, Arash, Eyelar Mirzazadeh, Fatjon Miftaraj, Filloreta Raci Fifi, Geraldo Sandell, Robert Uhlmann, Viktor Svensson and Yll Limani.
Cypriot TV bosses had been extremely tight-lipped about the entrant for weeks, choosing to announce the details and releasing its official music video on 9th March.
Cypriot chiefs have stuck to the successful formulae, of internally picking a singer and song-package with Andromache mixing traditional Greek folk and Byzantine, with modern music.
It’s is a mid-tempo song fusing Greek/Cypriot ethnic elements with modern production values. It is a solid, well-made ‘slow-tsifteteli’, with its English verse, and Greek choruses.
LGR’s Tony Neophytou said, “On first listening I felt really hypnotised, mainly because of its melodic riffs and Andromaches’ sultry presence and it’s good traits as a Eurovision song.
He added, “It is evoking Cypriot folklore music which has a veneer of authenticity to today’s music market.”
The track is an ethno song that embellishes the instrument of bouzouki and the flute which blends into the ensemble, giving this track a more modernised touch, mixing old and new.
With its catchy choruses and useful ‘Ela’ hook, the song is almost uniquely seductive and sung very well.
The percussions and the bouzouki add some magical reverie to the song.
Andromache’s music video to “Na Soun Psema” has accumulated millions of views on YouTube. Her current hit is “Vasano Mou” and other hits include “S’agapo”, “To Feggari” and “De Mporo”.
The whole Eurovision package from Cyprus, with the ethno-beat, helps to stand-out in a competitive field of some 18 songs in the semi-finals.
Andromache’s stage routine will ultimately drive the song’s fortunes at the contest.
Marvin Dietmann and Dan Shipton are responsible for the creative and artistic aesthetics that we will see. There are two female dancers – Despina Lagoudaki and Nefeli Theodotou assisting Andromache’s stage performance.
Tony Neophytou at LGR believes in Cyprus’s chances of qualifying, saying, “Ethnic songs do really well at this contest, especially ones with well-crafted melodies.
He continues, “The mid-tempo song is lively enough, which packs a fair bit of oomph. The sweet ornamented melody is driving the catchy hook-line. A pretty song, which is causual and laidback, which produces a nice result. Her ethereal vocal suits the floaty, airy light template, with its verse and chorus. Her “Aman” utterances, are, so sultry and pleasing… The potential exists of a real great stage act, which will help to elevate it as a radio song probably qualify it as a result.”
The official music video looks like a period set-piece with its old-century aesthetics.
Andromache is signed to Panik Records, whose roster includes former Eurovision predecessors such as Ivi Adamou, Demy, Eleni Foureira and Anna Vissi and Elena Tsagrinou.
Cyprus has a streak of six qualification songs to the finals, from 2015 to 2021 and the Cypriot delegation will be quietly optimistic about their chances at a seventh finalist.
Andromache performs in slot number 9 in the running order of 18.
Cyprus competes in the Eurovision Second Semi-Final which airs on Thursday 12th May on BBC Three. The Top 10 qualifying countries will advance to the Final on Saturday 14th May, on BBC One.
London Greek Radio wishes Andromache and Cyprus the best of luck in the Eurovision.
Article written by Tony Neophytou
