London Greek Radio

It has been confirmed that singer Demy will represent Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 which will be broadcast from Kyiv, in Ukraine. A song has yet to be publicly released however reports confirm that a song will be selected shortly.

Broadcaster ERT officially confirmed internally selecting Eurovision composer Dimitris Kontopoulos and creative stage director Fokas Evangelinos who were give the job of selecting an artist; they’d chosen Demy to fly the Greek flag.

25 year old Athenian born Demy is a Greek popular artist and Greek fans and local media are already referring to them as the dynamic dream team; suggesting the country has confidence in this years competition entry.

According to an official press release which was released by ERT, Demy aka Demetra Papadea will sing three songs composed by Dimitris live on Greek television on Monday 6th March. Moreover the official music videos to each song will also be revealed on this date.

The public won’t have a chance to listen to any of the songs before that live event, which leaves fans in eager anticipation. Viewers shall be tele-voting for their favourite song through SMS and phone-calls to make sure the best song chosen very wisely.

The information we have been given on the 3 songs is as follows: choice one ‘Angels‘ is a radio-friendly pop-rock ballad with lyrics written by Demy’s siter, Romy Papadea. Choice two ‘When the morning comes around‘ is an ‘American style ballad’ by lyricist John Ballard. The third choice ‘This is love‘ is up-tempo track, jointly written by Romy Papadea and John Ballard. The tunes have already been recorded with ERT’s string Ensemble orchestra whilst the video-clips have taken the song’s creators to the Ukrainian city of Odessa.

With Dimitris and Fokas behind Demy, this year feels for like it could be a strong come-back, for Greece. Not least to try to erase last year’s very early exit.

Fokas was in fact responsible for Elena Paparizou’s ‘My number one’ winning entry in the 2005 Eurovision Song Contest which was held in Kyiv. 12 years later we are back in Kyiv with Fokas (and Dimitris Kontopoulos) heading the team leaving fans with high expectations. Not to mention that Eurovision followers are hoping Kyiv itself is a lucky city for Greece as our only ever win happened there.

Demy is signed to the Panik records family; she won Best New Artist in 2012’s Mad Music Awards. Her hits have included Poses xiliades kalokairia, Tha meineis feugontas, Nothing better, O hlios featuring Alex Leon & Epsilon, Mono mprosta, I zoi, H alitheia moiazei psema, Kratise me and Emeis.

Demy is currently appearing in the musical Mamma Mia! alongside Despina Vandi. She also starred in Fame The Musical, Priscilla, The Sound of Music, and Addams Family.

The Greek entrant will compete in the Eurovision Song Contest’s first semi final, which will air on Tuesday 9th May, televised live on BBC 4, advancing hopefully to the Eurovision Final on Saturday 13th May 2017.

Article written by Tony Neophytou

The famous British Cypriot singer-songwriter George Michael, Georgios Kyriakos Panayiotou, sadly passed away at his Oxfordshire home on Christmas Day aged 53 years-old. His death has been said to be due to a suspected heart failure. The UK Greek Cypriots feel like they‘re saying goodbye to one of their own. People from all over the country have visited his Highgate house to lay flowers, cards and candles; you can see the Greek and Cypriot flag hoisted on the fence gate of his place.

George Michael was born on June 25th 1963, in East Finchley. He leaves behind his father Kyriacos Panayiotou, aka Jack Panos, a Greek restaurateur from Patriki in Karpasia and his two sisters Melanie and Yioda. His mother Lesley Anigold Panayiotou was an English lady and a dancer who passed away in 1997.

George Michael was known to have generously pledged his signed discs for London Greek Radio‘s Radiomarathon appeal, he never liked it publicised as such although the set-up around the charity would often mention it on-air and very understandably.

Cyprus’s Deputy Government Spokesperson, Victoras Papadopoulos, and ex-journalist of London Greek Radio, speaking to Cypriot media’s Sigma Live reflects about his personal encounter with pop star George Michael.

”I met George Michael while working as a journalist for London Greek Radio between 1989 -1995 during my postgraduate studies,” Papadopoulos told Sigma Live English.

”At the time George Michael was at the height of his fame.”

”For at least two consecutive years, from what I remember, he visited the radio station and gifted gold vinyl’s to be auctioned for Cyprus’ Radiomarathonios Foundation, at which LGR participated.”

Our listener Kat Koulle tweeted in: Remember listening to @LGR1033 Radiomarathon when I was younger and George would often donate a signed CD to raise money. #RIPGeorge

London Greek Radio has been supporting Radiomarathon Centre based in Turkey Street in the borough of Enfield, where the listeners fundraising is helping children and young adults with learning disabilities at the centre, for a number of years.

Since George Michael’s death, revelations of his acts of kindness and generosity have seen the light of day, for a person who liked his anonymity to be kept. His philanthropic acts helped Terrence Higgins Trust and Macmillan Cancer Trust, as did the UK Thalassaemia Society (UKTS), of which he was Patron.

He gave a student nurse £5,000.00 to cover her debt and £15,000.00 for IVF treatment all anonymously. He also issued free tickets to nurses to watch his concert in Wembley. All the royalties to his 1996 single ‘Jesus to a Child’ went to Childline, reveals its founder and president Dame Esther, very determined it wasn’t out in the public knowledge.

High-level Cypriot figures and individuals have added tributes including the President of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK Christos Karaolis speaking to London Greek Radio, stated: ”George Michael is one of the most well-known U.K. Cypriots, selling over 100 million records worldwide and winning multiple music awards including 3 Brit Awards. Through his outstanding contribution to the music industry and charity over the years, he highlighted the proud and exceptional contribution of Cypriots to the UK. He will be greatly missed but his legacy will live on. Our hearts go out to his family”.

WE have since learnt that Michael almost represented Cyprus at 1984’s Eurovision Song Contest with song ‘Anna Maria Lena’…?? Andy Paul that year was our Cypriot entry obviously…

He revealed the original idea was to have Michael perform it and they discussed it at great lengths, with the powers that be. Michael’s father Jack pushed the idea to have Michael sing it, only to be refused because he couldn’t sing Greek. As it turned out to be, Eurovision rules only permitted countries to sing in their language that time. Andy on his Facebook page noting: ”We stayed in contact and we met up a few times in the 80’s. He was a great artist and a warm human being. He will be missed, RIP George.”

The singer Andy Kyriacou writing on his Facebook page tells of his knowing Michael. ”We all know how talented he was, but he was also one of the loveliest and most genuine guys that I met on the music scene. I came across him regularly in the 80’s and he was so polite and gentle, always making the effort to come and say Hi. I’m proud to have made his acquaintance and equally proud that he was a fellow Greek Cypriot. Another great person taken from us with still, so much to offer. RIP George”.

One of our listeners actor Jimmy Andreas speaking on London Greek Radio recollected a personal story at Michael’s dad’s restaurant, during the heyday of his fame in the 1980’s Wham! He said a young Cypriot girl, a huge fan, she was absolutely delighted to see George Michael in the restaurant, ‘This is my son!’ his dad Jack proudly asserted.

Known as Yogo to his friends was inspiring others particularly Cypriots in the creativity industry, such as actress Eve Polycarpou. She was one-half of comedy duo Donna and Kebab alongside Martha Lewis in the 80’s, she felt empowered and inspired in ‘so many ways’ by his successes, in the 1980’s. Seeing British Cypriots excelling in the performing arts, breaking through was a totally big thing she pointed out on her Facebook page.

Pop star Peter Andre said that George Michael was ‘an incredible talent’ and that his is ‘an incredible loss’; while the distinguished maternal fetal medicine specialist Professor Kypros Nicolaides said he was shocked by news of the singer’s death and that he felt proud to share Cyprus with him as their fatherland.

The well-known psychologist and author Dr Linda Papadopoulos said that a George Michael poster used to be the biggest one in her teenage room wall. ”I was a fan of George, in every way, throughout my life and I’m truly devastated that he left this world so early – he brought so much happiness to so many. My thoughts go out to his family at this very difficult time. Rest in Peace, amazing George; not sure how this world is ever going to dance again without you here,” Dr Papadopoulos.

UK Cypriot entrepreneur Theo Paphitis tweeted that George Michael was an ‘unbelievable legend’ and singer-songwriter Yusuf Islam/Cat Stevens (born Steven Demetre Georgiou) tweeted that he was very sad to hear of his ‘Cypriot brother’ passing away.

The late pop icon will reportedly be laid to rest at Highgate Cemetery, next to his beloved mum in the family’s private plot.

Full details of the funeral are yet to be announced but it’s believed there may be two ceremonies – one for the family and another for fans.

R.I.P George, rest with the angels. Legend… You will live on forever.

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

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

13 year-old George Michaelides will represent the Cypriot flag at the 14th annual  Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2016, which airs on 20th November 3 p.m. London  time. One can see it on a computer or iPad on RIK1 or 2 live. This year the little sibling of the Eurovision competition we all know, will be organised at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, in Valletta, Malta.

George Michaelides was born in Paphos on 26th August 2003 and will represent Cyprus with the up-tempo song ‘Dance Floor‘ to be sung in Greek and English. He penned the lyrics to his tune meanwhile, Andreas Anastasiou composed it. Andreas Anastasiou is a music producer with quite a few Eurovision credentials he wrote Cyprus’ entry in the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 with the song ‘San Angelos S’apapisa’ and in 2013 he was a member of the Belgian delegation for their Eurovision entry ‘Love Kills’ with Roberto Bellarosa.

George Michaelides is such a talented vocalist and dancer and will be accompanied on the stage for the performance of his song by his younger sister Mia Michaelides, also fellow dancers Georgina Moakler, Nikoletta Antoniou and Emily Christodoulou. We believe this makes best use of the ‘dance floor’ theme to the song.

George is already gaining much invaluable experience in the performing arts and more recently performed at the Spotlight Theatre Festival in London, and as a soloist artist at the Leicester Square Theatre. In Cyprus he played the role of Charis in Amanda The Musical at the Strovolos Theatre, Nicosia as well as the Larnaca Dimotiko Theatre. Last year George performed with the Musical Kids TV show at The Pavillion in Nicosia as well as at the city’s Royal Hall.

In 2014 George travelled to Germany for the UDO European Street dance Championships and ranked 3rd place in the Under 12’s Advance Solo Category.

George has trained with some of the industry’s most distinguished performers, choreographers and creative directors such as Lukas Mc Farlane, Gareth Walker and Ryan Jenkins.

Aside from his performances with his theatre school, George is also active in martial arts and currently holds a blue belt in judo. Over the past couple of years George has supported local charities by performing at their fundraising events. Charities that he has supported include PASYKAF (Cyprus Association. of Cancer Patients and Friends), St Michaels Hospice, Animal Welfare and Solidarity Paphos. Last year he was nominated for a Paphos Hearts of Gold Award for his work.

We at London Greek Radio wish George the very best of luck and we are sure he will make the Cypriot nation very proud, with his lively song and performance showing all of our fellow Eurovision nations how abundantly talented Cypriots are.

Article written by Tony Neophytou

On Saturday 29th October, we had the pleasure of welcoming Giorgos Papadopoulos to the LGR airwaves for an interview with radio presenter, Paris Tsoulfas.

Giorgos Papadopoulos is a singer of Greek Cypriot origin.  After three successful EPs he released his first album and has since gained huge popularity and following in Cyprus, Greece & the UK. Whilst we all know Papadopoulos as a talented singer, he is also a songwriter and has written songs for many popular Greek artists, including Helena Paparizou, Giorgos Mazonakis, Tamta, Kostas Martakis, Panos Kiamos, Kaiti Garbi, Melina Aslanidou and Notis Sfakianakis to name a few.

To listen to the interview, which includes chat about Papadopoulos latest song, “Oloi Mou Lene” and talk of recent collaborations with Natasa Theodoridou and Melina Aslanidou, listen below:

Article written by London Greek Radio

On Friday 28th October, London Greek Radio had the pleasure of welcoming Peggy Zina to the airwaves for an exclusive interview with our radio presenter Panagiotis Balalas.

Peggy made her recording debut in 1995 with her self-titled album. She has since released twelve studio albums and is a high-profile artist in the Greek music industry. On 14 March 2010, Alpha TV ranked Zina the 24th top-certified female artist in the nation’s phonographic era (since 1960), totalling nine (five at the time) platinum and two gold records.

For those who missed the interview, you can listen to it below:

Article written by London Greek Radio

Pantelis Pantelidis passed away tragically on 18th February 2016 and since his death his fans have not stopped requesting his back-catalogue of tunes on the LGR air-waves. The listeners are making his musical legacy stay alive forever.

Since the 28th June, a wonderful and very emotional tribute song composed and released by Stavros Konstantinou who is a Cypriot singer/song writer -; the zeimbekiko song, and the lyrics are written by Rafail Efstathiou. The track ‘Sta Asteria Ekane Premiere Afieroma Ston Pantelo‘, since the time of writing has bought over 883,888 YouTube hits.

Stavros Konstantinou is not only singing the song, but telling an emotional story, envisioning a scene of Pantelis Pantelidis singing to the angels in Heaven. The lyrics of this song paint a picture of enormous depth and one can almost see and hear him performing his immutable bouzoukia amongst the stars… ‘ekei psila gia panta’ the verses are saying in Heaven… surely the angels have gained a very soulful Laiko singer who will be entertaining and captivating in eternity, and his fans are playing his songs continuously.

The reaction to his songs from our loyal listeners has been extremely positive making this song an instant hit according to the amount of emails posted to the London Greek Radio’s in-box, non-stop phone-calls, tweets and Facebook all obviously agreeing with us about the song being an exceptional, honest and genuine tribute.

I’m sure you have heard it many times before and like myself, cannot hear it enough, and so here I have written the lyrics for you to read. The melody will play in the depth of your heart.

Kleisan apopse oi Aggelou, prwto trapezi pista,
Na akousoun ithelan ki autoi, auton ton neo artista

Gia agapes pou exoune xathei, ergrafe sto xarti tou,
ta logia pou tragoudiaei vgainan ap’ tin psixi tou…

Ena vari Zeimbekiko, ston Xaronta xoreuei
kai me ta xeria anoixta, apo psila mas vlepei…
Giato ki apopse o ‘Arxontas den tha ‘nai sto sanidi,
ton zilepsan oi Aggeloi kai thelan Pantelidi…

H mana tou, tou fonaze: ”Gyrna paidi mou piso”
Tis eipa: Mana den mporw angelous na lipisw

Xwris esena perasan oi mines me akoma,
pote mou den katalava, pws vrethikes sto xoma.

Article written by Tony Neophytou