London Greek Radio

The first and only 24-hour commercial Greek radio station to hold a FM license in London is celebrating 35 years of success this month. It is a clear example of how Greek music and its broadcasting platform have flourished in Great Britain to cater for its demographic.

LGR 103.3 FM first went on-air on 13th November 1989 from its LGR Studios at Haringey, Vale Road.

London Greek Radio exists to enlighten, amuse and improve the lives of our community both in the UK and abroad. In preserving our Greek and Cypriot heritage and bringing together London’s vibrant Greek community, the LGR brand is thriving by celebrating its Greek and Cypriot identity and roots.

The pirate LGR went on-air on 8th October 1983, with its iconic founders Akis Eracleous and Chris Harmanda. The intuitive Mr Harmanda entered broadcasting to give the London Cypriot community a voice, which he and Mr Eracleous indisputably achieved.

In 2018, we tragically lost both Akis and Chris, but they left with us their incredible legacies. The perseverance and bravery of these men, who scaled the rooftops of sites to ensure that each morning we all awoke to the sound of LGR, can never be forgotten.

The staff and volunteers endured great adversity and went to great lengths during the 1980’s to keep London Greek Radio on the air.

LGR is a station with its timeless traits and nostalgia, a strong connection between “family and community”. You often hear, “I grew up listening to LGR as a child with parents, family!”, it’s that unique space it occupies. This is where LGR plays to its strengths and is the reason why London-born Greeks/Cypriots come back to it. This is the modern legacy of London Greek Radio.

LGR presenter Tony Neophytou mentions that “the Greek speaking community have a penchant for radio because of the strength of their attachment to back home. Whether they come from Cyprus, Greece or the Diaspora, anything that recreates a sense of their roots stirs them emotionally.”

The mid-80’s protest at the Camden Electric Ballroom, fundraisers, a most notably 50,000 signature-petition, press campaigns, a lobby of Parliament, with fervent community support: the radio authorities were convinced that LGR should be granted a license.

The pirate LGR left the air at the end of 1988 having decided to apply for one of the new incremental radio licenses. They decided to work together with Afro-Carribean station WNK to share a frequency, winning the North London license with a 12-hour daily allowance. LGR returned to the air legally as London’s first Greek community radio station in November 1989. Unluckily for WNK, went into liquidation around 1993, which officially left LGR reigning 24/7 to this day!

The book, ‘London’s Pirate Pioneers’ (2015) by Stephen Hebditch tells the story of the capital’s pirate radio stations and the people who helped change the British broadcasting system. He writes about LGR’s undeniable legacy in the eighties and the intense pressures it faced to shut down.

On November 13th, 1989, LGR opened its doors as a fully legal station, with offices and a studio located on Vale Road, Haringey. In 2003, LGR purchased a freehold in Finchley and moved to its current studios at LGR House.

The station is an integrated part of the communities’ social lives, including the organised Greekology events. The launching of LGR Club Nights, which helped to boost the credibility and impact of the station. In 2012, its debut at the Marquee Club with Cypriot Eurovision star Ivi Adamou sold-out very quickly. LGR club fixtures are currently the station’s biggest event, with a few dates in London taking place each year.

How to keep LGR relevant for young people in a multi-platform world is a rhetorical question. LGR’s constantly evolving with the modern context, Digital, Freeview TV, recourse to TikTok, Instagam etc.

LGR has recently increased its English language airtime encouraging more Greek-speaking young people to listen every day. The likeable personalities, energetic, lively or softly-spoken voices, there’s a little something for every palate.

The Cypriot migrants settled from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, were pinned to the rag trade and tuned into pirate LGR every day. The demographics have changed a lot since, so too the dynamics, with the addition in number of Greek Diaspora, London’s lively Hellene community.

‘We’ value our collective identity in a multi-cultural London, our compatriots have integrated into UK culture and desire their heritage, so for LGR to provide access to these roots is of paramount importance.

LGR, with a deeply felt community DNA, celebrity artists and Greek singers have frequented the FM station over the years.

LGR has supported charities including Nepomak.uk Connecting Young Cypriots, Radiomarathon, Alkionides UK Charity, London Autism Group Charity, UK Thalassaemia Society UKTS with enlightening radio shows about autism and thalassaemia.

The Leukaemia Cancer Society credits LGR for creating the cancer charity in the mid-90s, too. The LCS website writing about it said:

“In 1994 London Greek Radio (LGR) put out a mother’s appeal for her son. Flushed with success the group decided to carry on recruiting new donors, raising awareness of blood cancers, and supporting patients with the disease. Within a year of hearing the appeal on London Greek Radio, the group had formed a committee and registered the charity.”

LGR is a commercial station and survives on the income generated from its loyal and valued customers and whilst this is the case, it offers a free service to local charity and community interests. It also serves advertising for many Greek and Cypriot run businesses in and around North London.

The LGR brand is alive and thriving to this very day. Today, in addition to 103.3 FM as always, LGR can now be heard on DAB+ in London and Birmingham. The station was launched recently on Freeview Channel 277, freely TV also, acquiring a nationwide coverage.

Furthermore, listeners extend worldwide at lgr.co.uk and the station has a free app for mobile devices which listeners can download from the App or Play stores embracing the ‘on-the-move’  audience.

The LGR brand is trusted for working with key players in the arts and creative industries. LGR is at the “heart” of the social pulse, co-ordinating as an official media sponsor. Including the Cy Wine Fest and celebrity and star-studied concerts, community events etc.

Today, LGR is thriving by celebrating Greek/Cypriot identity and culture and heritage. Its music news, Chart-toppers, culture-relevant tit-bits designed to appeal to the young demographic. Hearing news about Greece defeating England, to Helena Paparizou’s Eurovision triumph, Eleni Foureira’s 2nd-placer or Euro 2004, makes the first place you want to go be LGR. To hear what we are saying about how we are feeling there about milestone moments with a culture relevance to LGR.

LGR is playing a key role as a source of new talent, as a link between mainstream and our culture and as a vital platform for Greek and Cypriot culture.

There is no better way to mark ’35’ incredible years of LGR and its help in championing identity, than with celebrating with our listeners, showcasing Greek and Cypriot music and culture. We were the Official Radio Sponsors to Cy Wine Fest in October casting a talent spotlight on artists, also, our Greekology showcases homegrown heritage to the wider public.

The audience base of LGR, which includes listeners from the Italian, Spanish, Arab, Jewish, Armenian, Bulgarian, and Turkish Cypriot communities, is well-established and diverse.

LGR’s Managing Director, Tony Jay, said, “More listeners are discovering the ever-growing London Greek Radio family every day, not only Greek-speaking listeners but English, Jewish, Albanian, Arab, Bulgarian, Turkish, Russian and many more that frequently tune in.

He added, “LGR is undergoing a revamp with fresh ideas to attract an even wider audience. Exciting times ahead ‘onwards and upwards’.”

With LGR’s edgier playlists of the biggest Greek and Cypriot tunes, Modern Laika, Greek Pop, Entechna, Golden-Oldies, Alternative, Folk and Current Chart Hits, we continue to serve the listener. It’s this enigmatic reason that the station remains the preferred choice in most Greek and Cypriot homes, offices, shops, factories, workplaces, vehicles and venues.

Our multilingual programmes–English and Greek–reach a large and diverse audience on a global scale. It broadcasts music, interviews, announcements, community events, local news, Greek and Cypriot news in addition to church services. While catering to the lively lifestyle of one of London’s prosperous communities, the wide range of programmes are made to appeal to all age groups.

Article written by London Greek Radio

Cyprus Returns to Junior Eurovision with ‘Crystal Waters’ by 11-Year-Old Maria Pissarides

Cyprus is thrilled to announce its exciting return to the Junior Eurovision Song Contest after seven years, represented by 11-year-old Maria Pissarides and her dynamic, rhythmic pop song ‘Crystal Waters’. Written and composed by singer-songwriter Sophia Patsalides (Cyprus’ Junior Eurovision 2014 representative), alongside Swedish producer Armin Highmøre Gilani and Maria Pissarides herself.

‘Crystal Waters’ is an energetic, feel-good song that highlights the beauty of nature and the power of friendship. ‘Crystal Waters’ blends upbeat rhythms with a catchy dance tune. With imagery of the sun, clear blue seas, and a strong sense of unity, the song encourages listeners to cherish both their friendships and the world around them. ‘Crystal Waters’ is a celebration of harmony, joy, and the strength found in togetherness. Its vibrant energy and rhythmic pop sound are certain to resonate with young audiences across Europe.

Maria Pissarides, with her bright and lively vocals, brings this rhythmic song to life, making it an unforgettable track. The song marks Cyprus’ 10th entry in the Junior Eurovision, and it has already surpassed 100,000 views on YouTube, winning the hearts of young and mature across Europe with its irresistible beat.

“We invite you to support Maria Pissarides’ participation and Cyprus’ return to Junior Eurovision.” (CyBC)

The competition will take place on Saturday, 16 November 2024 and the Cyprus entry is song #5. The Live Show starts at 17:00 GMT or 18:00 CET. You can watch the live show on the #JESC YouTube channel.

All viewers in participating and non-participating countries alike can vote using the official Eurovision App or go directly to JESC.tv. Both App and website will provide the correct voting method for all eligible countries automatically.

There will be two rounds of voting for you to take part in:

Vote 1: Online Voting will open at 20:00 GMT on Friday, 15 November 2024 and close on Saturday 16 November 2024 at 16:59 GMT, just before the live show starts. In order to be able to vote, voters need to watch a recap compilation from the rehearsal, and also have the possibility to watch preview videos of the participating songs.

Vote 2: Online Voting will open after the last song has been performed during the live show. Voting will close approximately 15 minutes after. Voters will vote on the basis of the songs as performed during the live show.

London Greek Radio wishes Cyprus and Maria Pissarides the best of luck at the competition.

Article written by London Greek Radio

Cyprus Returns to Junior Eurovision with ‘Crystal Waters’ by 11-Year-Old Maria Pissarides

Cyprus is thrilled to announce its exciting return to the Junior Eurovision Song Contest after seven years, represented by 11-year-old Maria Pissarides and her dynamic, rhythmic pop song ‘Crystal Waters’. Written and composed by singer-songwriter Sophia Patsalides (Cyprus’ Junior Eurovision 2014 representative), alongside Swedish producer Armin Highmøre Gilani and Maria Pissarides herself.

‘Crystal Waters’ is an energetic, feel-good song that highlights the beauty of nature and the power of friendship. ‘Crystal Waters’ blends upbeat rhythms with a catchy dance tune. With imagery of the sun, clear blue seas, and a strong sense of unity, the song encourages listeners to cherish both their friendships and the world around them. ‘Crystal Waters’ is a celebration of harmony, joy, and the strength found in togetherness. Its vibrant energy and rhythmic pop sound are certain to resonate with young audiences across Europe.

Maria Pissarides, with her bright and lively vocals, brings this rhythmic song to life, making it an unforgettable track. The song marks Cyprus’ 10th entry in the Junior Eurovision, and it has already surpassed 100,000 views on YouTube, winning the hearts of young and mature across Europe with its irresistible beat.

“We invite you to support Maria Pissarides’ participation and Cyprus’ return to Junior Eurovision.” (CyBC)

The competition will take place on Saturday, 16 November 2024 and the Cyprus entry is song #5. The Live Show starts at 17:00 GMT or 18:00 CET. You can watch the live show on the #JESC YouTube channel.

All viewers in participating and non-participating countries alike can vote using the official Eurovision App or go directly to JESC.tv. Both App and website will provide the correct voting method for all eligible countries automatically.

There will be two rounds of voting for you to take part in:

Vote 1: Online Voting will open at 20:00 GMT on Friday, 15 November 2024 and close on Saturday 16 November 2024 at 16:59 GMT, just before the live show starts. In order to be able to vote, voters need to watch a recap compilation from the rehearsal, and also have the possibility to watch preview videos of the participating songs.

Vote 2: Online Voting will open after the last song has been performed during the live show. Voting will close approximately 15 minutes after. Voters will vote on the basis of the songs as performed during the live show.

London Greek Radio wishes Cyprus and Maria Pissarides the best of luck at the competition.

Article written by London Greek Radio

London Greek Radio is pleased to announce that will be joining thousands at this year’s Cypriot Wine Festival and Business Expo 2024 on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th October. The venue is at The Decorium, 22 Western Road, London N22 6UH.

Billed as “CyWineFest 2024 – The Legacy Continues… Don’t miss the biggest Cypriot Festival outside of Cyprus!

“Become part of the legacy and immerse yourself in traditional Cypriot culture with a modern twist. This year, CyWineFest offers visitors of all ages the fantastic opportunity to experience and explore the vibrant, warm, and welcoming spirit of Cypriots in the UK through food, drink, culture, dance, and live music.”

CWF, in association with Showtime promotions, presents the grand opening of CyWineFest 2024 with Nikos Makropoulos at The Decorium. The bouzoukia night with the Greek music star is live in London for the first time on Friday 4th October.

The event also includes a fantastic entertainment programme of both traditional Cypriot dances and musicians, and in true CyWineFest style, they are “topping the bill” with Panos Kalidis who will be attending from Athens. The Greek singer is headlining and will be live in London exclusively at #CyWineFest 2024 alongside a special guest appearance from Eleftheria Eleftheriou.

The Two-Day extravaganza will be celebrating our Cypriot homegrown talents. Andre Junior, at just 19, has already made waves with his hit singles ‘Slide’ and ‘Only One’ and has been working hard in the studio, gearing up for his next big move. But that’s not all—h​e’s also stepped into the world of acting, making his debut in ‘Snapcatch’ and starring in the upcoming film ‘Just Two Drops’.

Bouzoukia Fever aka Mario Constantinou, his talented students and Dora Georgouli, Rap Artist Teknik, of Greek Cypriot heritage, Theo Lucas, Harry Georgiou, Eric Eracleous, Eleni Asterakia, Andreas Liberos, Eleftheria Georgiou, Christina Katsi from snow Princess parties, Elizabeth Chapman and Katerina Neocleous amongst the line-ups.

The thousands who attend can enjoy unlimited wine tasting with some of Cyprus’ award-winning wines, they can also visit the CyWineFest stall holders, as well as souvlakia, traditional toasted sandwiches, kalamari, kleftiko, koubes, loukmades, ice cream and a whole range of sweet and savoury treats to try and buy.

Master of Ceremonies DJ Chris Theoharous will be LIVE on the decks so don’t miss the music, the atmosphere and the party!!

Come and Say Hello! We are looking forward to seeing you there.

Ticket & Information:
VIP Concert Seated Tickets £25.00 + Booking Fee and include any time entry into the event!

Get your tickets NOW at http://www.cwfexpo.co.uk/

Main Sponsor Stef & Philips, Boulter & Co, Alpha Bank, C. Michael & Co, N.N Accountancy Services Ltd Southern Territory, Sewardstone Park and Argo Management.

Official Media Sponsor LGR 103.3 FM 

Remember tickets must be pre-purchased to guarantee entry into the event.

October 2024

Article written by London Greek Radio

Beta thalassaemia predominantly affects individuals of Cypriot, Greek, Italian, South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Middle Eastern descent.

Hundreds of patients in England with a life-limiting blood disorder are to benefit from a world-first gene-editing therapy. People with transfusion-dependent beta thalassaemia, or TDT, rely on regular lifelong blood transfusions to survive. But the new treatment offers them a life free from that and has been recommended for use on England’s NHS.

Roanna Maharaj was just a baby when she was diagnosed with thalassaemia, a life-limiting inherited condition that prevents the body carrying oxygen in red blood cells. For 35 years, she’s been having life-saving blood transfusions every few weeks. But the approval of new gene-editing therapy, CASgevy, for use by NHS England could change everything.

“Right now, the quality of life and the life expectancy in the UK for patients like myself are not that great compared to the general population, so you’re looking at 30s, 40s. And now to see the younger generation probably won’t have to go through the burden that I did and the battles I had and might have a normal life early on is the best news we could ever get in the world.”

Roanna is one of 460 people in England who could benefit from the treatment.

Stem cells are extracted from the patient’s bone marrow, the faulty gene is then modified using CRISPR-Cas9 technology in the lab, and the edited genres are infused back into the patient. The new gene-edited cells are then able to instruct the body to make hemoglobin, enabling the red blood cells to do their essential work, delivering oxygen around the body. The therapy usually costs £1.6 million pounds, but the NHS has negotiated a discount.

Romaine Maharaj, the executive director of the UK Thalassaemia Society, said: “With Nice’s approval of gene therapy for transfusion-dependent thalassaemia under the NHS managed access scheme, we stand on the brink of a revolutionary breakthrough.

“This transformative treatment offers patients a life-changing opportunity, enabling them to repair their own cells and embrace a future free from the challenges of their condition.

“It is a beacon of hope that underscores the power of innovation in medicine, paving the way for curative options that can truly enhance the quality of life for everyone affected.”

Amanda Pritchard, the chief executive of the NHS, said: “This is a historic moment for people living with beta thalassaemia, with a potential cure for those facing this debilitating disorder now available on the NHS. Ordinarily, patients experience painful side effects and undergo regular transfusions, which severely impact their quality of life, but this therapy offers people a life free from that, as well as the hope of living longer, which is truly amazing news.”

Tune into talking All Things Thalassaemia every third Thursday of the month, on LGR at 7pm. The talk show to raise awareness about thalassaemia, our wholly engaging format, with top tips and advice, for our listeners.

LGR 103.3 FM
DAB+ Digital in London & Birmingham
On-line at lgr.co.uk
Smart Speaker “Play London Greek Radio”

Article written by London Greek Radio

TODAY Cypriots from the London community will mark the tragic day with a pro-reunification rally at 43 Belgrave Square at 6.30pm in the evening. This event is organised by the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK who represent a number of associations within the wider Cypriot community in this country.

Nepomak UK a group connecting young Cypriots on a talk show on LGR this week told listeners, “There’s a sense of community and Cypriot unity within Cypriot Greeks, Turkish, Armenian ethnicities in London.” This sense of reality is the thing to “inspire Cypriots” to resolve the long-protracted Cyprus problem the team added.

The “Cypriot youth” could well serve as the catalyst that eventually arrives at a “solution” said Constantine Alexandrou, honorary Vice-President at Nepomak UK. The Republic of Cyprus points to existing U.N. resolutions that the island reunifies under a federal umbrella with a central government in Nicosia.

On July 20, 1974 at 5:30am, Turkish troops landed on the Republic of Cyprus’ coast five miles off Kyrenia. Since that day, nothing on the island has ever been the same.

Every year since, on the anniversary of the invasion, sirens have blared out over the Republic, recalling the moment Turkish troops invaded.

In 1974, approximately 40,000 Turkish troops under the command of Lieutenant Nurettin Ersin implemented their invasion plan, code-named ‘Attila’, illegally invading the island in violation of the UN Security Council Charter.

Turkey still illegally occupies 37 per cent of Cyprus’ territory.

Turkish troops invaded Cyprus on July 20, 1974, five days after the legal government of the late Archbishop Makarios III was toppled by a military coup, engineered by the military junta then ruling Greece. Two unproductive conferences in Geneva followed; the first between Britain, Greece and Turkey and the second with the additional attendance of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot representatives. Three weeks after the ceasefire of July 22, and despite the fact that talks were still being held and just as an agreement seemed about to be reached, the Turkish army mounted a second full-scale offensive. As a result, Turkey increased its hold to include the booming tourist resort of Famagusta in the east and the rich citrus-growing area of Morphou in the west.

All in all, almost 37% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus came under Turkish military occupation. Nearly one-third of the population, some 200,000 Greek Cypriots, were forcibly uprooted from their homes and properties, thousands were killed during the hostilities, over 1,000 persons were listed as missing while thousands of Greek Cypriots and Maronites remained enclaved.

Numerous UN resolutions have demanded respect to the independence, unity and territorial integrity of Cyprus, the return of the displaced to their homes, and the withdrawal of foreign troops from the island, but all resolutions have been ignored by Turkey.

For five decades, Cyprus has been one of the most troublesome problems faced by the United Nations. There have been countless attempts to reunite this island. However, efforts have been at a dead end since the last round of United Nations sponsored talks failed in 2017.

Attempting to break the impasse, an envoy for U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres began exploring contacts on Cyprus earlier this year.

Maria Angela Holguin’s mandate to explore the recommencement of negotiations, saw her embark on intensive shuttle tours of Cyprus, Europe and the region to gauge opinion. Nevertheless, her efforts failed to gain momentum.

‘It’s important to steer away from solutions that have created unfulfilled expectations in the past and actually led to more disagreement and disappointments’, Holguin said in an open letter last week. She urged people to think differently, saying a common future would bring about great opportunities for all Cypriots.

In a long and often emotional letter, she urged Cypriots to ‘overcome the history of pain’.

The Cyprus problem is complicated and covers a range of critical issues including security, property, refugees, settlers, the economy and the constitution.

50 years on from the most tragic page in the Republic of Cyprus’ history, at 5:30am the war sirens rang around the island once more.

Article written by London Greek Radio

Kyriacos Georgiou a London-born Greek artist with Cypriot roots, has just released his new single “Tak-Tak”.

His latest single came out on 16th May and is set to shake things up on the Greek music scene. It’s dynamic ethnic song with swirling moods that feel uniquely Balkan and Greek. The catchy hook, with the “Tak-Tak” choruses, are certain to be sung with the volume turned up on the radio this summer.

The up-tempo hit has fast become a favourite on our LGR playlists this month.

He has worked with popular artists such as Konstantinos Argiros and Despina Vandi. Last year, in collaboration with Torino and Pashata, topped the charts with the hit “Gucci Forema”. He also recorded a couple of duets with Bulgarian stars Anelia and Emanuela.

“Together with Kyriacos Georgiou we say “Ela, ela” to summer and we invite you to immerse yourself in the rhythms of the sun with us! TAK-TAK,”, writes the press release and we agree it’s going to be a summer banger!

“Tak-Tak” is an addictive dance track that will be igniting the dance floor and we all will be toe-tapping to it around the kitchen and workspace.

The song serves as a perfect slice of Saturday night feels, with a wink and nod to our LGR House party set on the night.

The music and lyrics are by Greek songwriter Giannis Iermias, with a Bulgarian note added and produced by Iskren Tonchev – Iskrata. In addition, Iskrata also features on backing vocals on the rhythmic single alongside Sofia Pechlivani.

The trending new music video for the song was created by Stavros Ntais with the assistance of creative director Kelly Jo Brougham – owner of Farfalle Creative.

Project management is by Vada Productions. Published by MUZE Music.

You can watch the official music on Kyriacos Georgiou’s official YouTube channel. To receive updates about his music, follow @kyriacosgeorgiou on Instagram.

LGR 103.3 FM London,
online at lgr.co.uk,
DAB+ in Birmingham & London,
London Greek Radio App
Smart Speaker, ”Play London Greek Radio”

May 2024

Article written by London Greek Radio

8-month-old baby British Cypriot Saylor needs your help.

This is an urgent appeal to save Saylor an 8-month-old baby girl, with a Greek Cypriot grandfather. Saylor has been diagnosed with a very rare type of leukaemia called JMMl affecting only 1 in a million children. Her only hope is a stem cell transplant, we are desperately appealing to people aged 17 to 55 from the Greek Cypriot community and beyond to become a donor.

All it takes is a cheek swab which is simple and painless. Please register on-line today and order your swab kit at dkms.org.uk, you could be the match to save Saylor.

Every 20 minutes, someone in the UK is diagnosed with blood cancer – those that affect the body’s bone marrow, blood or lymphatic system – such as leukaemia, myelome or lymphona. Yet, just 2% of the UK population is registered as potential blood stem cell donors. People from Cypriot, Greek and mixed ethnicity backgrounds are under-represented as donors.

Diversifying the register is extremely important to people from our community.

dkms.org.uk or scan the QR Code to register today.

Article written by London Greek Radio

Helena Paparizou will announce Greece’s 12 points! 

Greece’s Eurovision winner Helena Paparizou will be the spokesperson announcing the Greek jury’s 12 points on Saturday night at the Eurovision Song Contest Finale live at Malmö Arena.

Helena appeared on Thursday nights second semi-final and wowed the arena with a live rendition of “My Number One” during the sing-along medley. We admit to feeling teary eyed with the victorious Eurovision song still sounding as fresh and exciting as ever.

Born and raised in Sweden, Paparizou commanded the stage with her solo act, busting a few Greek dance steps and yelling “Opa!” to the crowd’s delight.

The interval act also featured former Eurovision winners Sertab Erener (Turkey 2004) and Charlotte Perrelli (Sweden 1999).

Greece’s Eurovision entrant Marina Satti with the ethno-banger “ZARI” (Greek word for = dice) went through on the night. Both Helena and Marina at the semis, lady luck, rolling out a couple 6’s at the Greek’s bequest.

Fun fact also, the “My Number One” co-writer is the iconic Christos Dantis, who’ll be headlining our Greekology event in July alongside former Cypriot Eurovision star Konstantinos Christoforou.

Helena has an inextricably close bond to Eurovision: in 2001 she was one-half of Antique with “Die For You”, finishing third in Copenhagen.  In 2005, she won the contest in Kyiv and welcomed the world to Athens in 2006. In 2021, Paparizou participated at the “Rock The Roof” party in Rotterdam, in The Netherlands.

Helena who celebrates a 25-year milestone in the music industry, recently released the ultimate “club banger of 2024”. The single “Mavra Gialia” is now on the LGR playlist and fast-tracked to become a mega hit this summer.

She is also soon set to release her eleventh-studio album later this year, mixing pop, dance-floor-rhythms, R&B and the ethnic motif.

Pic (credit): Tryfonas Nakis

Marina Satti unleashes infectious vibes with “ZARI”, Greece’s 2024 Eurovision Entry

Article written by Tony Neophytou

“The Greek instrument of the zournas standing out in the mix. It makes “ZARI” powerful and exciting”.

As Eurovision excitement heats up, Marina Satti’s “ZARI” (Greek word for = dice) is set to take the stage at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Sweden at the Malmö Arena.

Satti will perform in the second semi-final tonight batting for a place at the final on Saturday.

The Eurovision hit song “ZARI” mixes traditional Greek melodies with a modern template. The up-tempo Greek banger feels current and on-trend with Greek music and local charts. It is a unique and original song with a mix of avant-garde and mainstream sounds. It blends ethno-pop with pop-laika, tsifeteli and hip-hop which is very modern and current.

The Greek delegation at Eurovision is setting out to rejuvenate the nation’s fortunes with this entry with a hopeful top 10 finish like classic 00s and 10s’ entries: Songs that were always catchy, super-fun and felt like genuine Greek songs.

Instantly triggering recognition as a Greek song, with the tabla percussion and the zournas standing out in the mix, “ZARI” is both powerful and exciting. It is catchy, contagious and addictive, claims our Eurovision man. It is a production with a strong bassline that reverberates when the volume is turned up full notch with the Ta-Ta-Ta vibrating through the floor at the LGR studio.

Tony Neophytou LGR’s ‘Eurovision fanatic’ says, “Satti is the experimental singer-songwriter and ZARI is a weird and wonderful song. It is brimming with Satti’s personality a little on the ‘brave, bold and brilliant’ side, is the eclectic Eurovision song and not too unlike her hit song “Tucutum” from last year.”

“ZARI” has an elevated ethno female bop with the eclectic Satti style we know, distinctive as a Greek-language song with a true cultural identity, Mr Neophytou views.

“The multiple hooks and a super lush, sumptuous bass are driving a strong song, with the syncopated rhythm demanding your attention. The woah moments and the most unexpected twists and turns have a captivating feel and it’s like a smack or a hit in the gut.” Tony adds. The hook is the useful asset a Eurovision song requires to create a strong impression.

Her closest allies whittled down through 150 songs before landing on this “competitive song” that stands on its feet, as a stage and TV-alluring package. “ZARI” is a hot-take of a Eurovision-engineered song, Satti says.

It is gutsy like lady luck with a dice roll and a fresh track shaking things up. A risky song, it’s like different sides of a zari, or dice, with layers and parts each congruent to each other. This sounds much better on repeat noticing the intricate details in the song. It’s the sort of song “to marinate on all the aspects it stitches together as a studio cut, it’s like a Greek spice with seasoning and feeds our appetite” our LGR ‘man’ says.

“ZARI” mixes up-beat and melancholic vibes – the quieter parts feel introspective. A creeping bass line and subtle drums provide a backdrop for Satti’s head-voice intro that quickly builds up to a fast tumba beat with a climax that feels exhilarating.

Satti blends groovy feels and airy vocals with its crowd-pleasing song. It is mostly sung in Greek, with the “put your hands up” verse switching up with a sweet urban spot.

The studio song is a club and radio-friendly hit for sure. The staging of the performance will be elevated with unique urban visuals and aesthetics with on-point vocals.

A 30-second teaser of the Greek staging is presenting a cohesive stage concept. The long, continuous shot focusses on Satti and the dancers whilst she looks into the camera to connect with the audience. The staging is bright, well-lit with neon colour palette, graffiti graphics and the floor alternates to blue with a nod to the Greek flag. They then pull-out handkerchiefs for a routine to the syrto and kalamatianos, which feels very Greek.

The official music to “Zari” had the quick cuts through the streets of Athens to add to the up-beat vibe to this song. “I am curious at the staging for this and how it channels the infectious vibe to the stage.” Mr Neophytou adds.

Satti’s team is made up of Creative Director Fokas Evangelinos, Mecnun Giasar (Majnoon) is the choreographer, and art direction by NMR.

Satti will perform with four dancers – Huso Cetintas, Vassilis Karagiannis, Yasin AO and Eirini Damianidou. Her backing-vocalist is Erasmia Markidi.

“Zari” was composed by Satti, OGΕ, Nick Kodonas, Kay Be, Jay Stolar, Gino The Ghost, and Jordan Palmer, with lyrics penned by VLOSPA, OGΕ, Satti, and Solmeister.

The official music video had taken a rather quirky slant poking fun at the perceived stereotypes of Greek people and its aesthetics are TikTok-inspired.

“Zari” since its release has smashed stream numbers and gone super-viral. Marina is only the with second female artist ever since Eleni Foureira to top the Greek Spotify chart.

The track released on digital and streaming services hit 10.000.000 streams on Spotify, gaining double platinum one month after its release. The music video surpassed 11 million views, a record-breaking statistic for a Greek Eurovision entry.

Fun trivia also, Greece have a lucky streak at Eurovision in Malmo, with Top 5th and Top 6th finishes, i.e. Koza Mostra featuring Agathonas “Alcohol is Free” (2013), and Cleopatra “Olou Tou Kosmou I Elpida” (1995), to be exact.

Luck, be a lady at the Eurovision semi-final tonight. Satti is rolling a couple of 6’s smashes the tele-vote and qualifies. Satti performs #3 in the running order of 16.

London Greek Radio wishes Greece and Marina Satti the best of luck at the competition.

Article written by Tony Neophytou