London Greek Radio

The Eurovision Semi-Final 1 airs on Tuesday 14th May at 8pm UK time with Cyprus and Greece competing among 17 countries. The aim is clear-cut: a Top 10 finish guarantees qualification to the final on Saturday.

As Eurovision week begins at the Tel Aviv Expo in Israel, Cyprus and Greece are well-fancied ‘favourites’ in the first semi-final to qualify.  Katerine Duska is slightly edging it at 2/1 ‘first favourite’ to win the semi-final for Greece.  Both countries are Top 12 to win the Eurovision outright and seize the 2019 trophy.

Tamta and Katerine Duska have entered the London Greek Radio [LGR] official Air-Play Chart this month.  The tracks, ‘Replay’ and ‘Better Love’ are proving popular with listeners, which reflect their cross-over potential, as hits and radio-friendly songs.

Cyprus is opening the first semi in slot number one, officially launching Eurovision this year.

Tamta performs ‘Replay’, an up-tempo dance track that has a horns-fuelled chorus with a thumping bassline. LGR’s Eurovision guru, Tony Neophytou says, “The brass, or instrumental parts, are the biggest asset to this song, and no doubt gives it a slight edge.”

Georgian-Greek singer, Tamta Goduadze, 38, agreed to do the Eurovision gig last December and fulfilled a long-time ambition to participate in the event.

The Greek star who is very popular in her hometown, could be quite popular in Tel Aviv.

CyBC chiefs felt that the Georgian-born singer was right for this year’s contest as the up-tempo tune compliments Tamta as a singer and performance-artist, comprising that “complete package”.

The song’s composer Alex Papaconstantinou, aka Alex P, was the man behind Eleni Foureira’s ‘Fuego’ – last year’s unlucky runners-up in the competition. He collaborates on the tune with Sweden-based songwriters, Geraldo Sandell, Viktor Svensson, Albin Nedler and Kristoffer “Bonn” Fogelmark.

Sacha Jean-Baptise, the creative woman behind ‘Fuego’, is in charge of the staging and “it looks like it will no doubt be an elevated, good, modern radio-ready song”, according to Mr Neophytou.  Tony has had a sneak-peak of the rehearsal footage and the Cypriot staging “is on-point, very slick, and professional.  It appears that many disciplined hours, weeks and months has clearly gone into this and they hope it will pay-off.”

He added, “It’s a slick black, white and blue presentation with smart camera work and quick shot changes. Tamta is the pop-star oozing confidence, sexiness and a cute smile; front and centre of the stage, with four dancers Lamin, Kenny, Niklas and Benjamin from Sweden.

“It is street-dance, choreographed and rigorous, for three minutes, which are highly entertaining.  Tamta is in a white and black outfit, black pleather boots snaked all the way up to her thighs; with a nice Eurovision “trick” of a costume-change adding a dynamic element to the stage show.

“For the “replay” lyric, we get the repetitive camera tricks as we see in Tamta’s music video, with some smoke pyrotechnics for the final chorus of the performance.”

Canadian-Greek indie-pop artist Katerine Duska co-writes Greece’s entry, ‘Better Love’ with Greek-British musician Leon of Athens and Scottish songwriter David Sneddon.

Tony Neophytou’s view is that “the songstress has a unique and distinctive voice and doesn’t hold back.  ‘Better Love’ features strong vocals and that trademark soulful rasp, with melodic hooks swirling beneath the orchestral drums.

Her soaring vocals and catchy chorus give the tune that feel of a “competitive” package and a possible game-changer, as Greece embarks on a comeback to the Eurovision final, after a shock exit at the semis last year.

Tony continued, “The pop-art staging is colourful, with flowers blooming and romantic overtures that suit the song.”

Katerina said, “I’d like to keep it [the song] open to interpretation”.  Tony added that the song has great-depth lyrically.  “It’s a mid-tempo track, ethereal that in essence, is about purist and unconditional love”, Mr Neophytou concluded.

One interesting theory behind the inspired-staging, suggests a painting of renaissance from “Garden of Earthly Delights” by Hieronymus Bosch.

Reviewing the performance, Tony Neophytou said, “Katerine is in an ‘Edwardian’ frock with her ballerinas and her fencers on stage to tell the story, which is aesthetically pleasing.”

Backing-vocalists Erasma Markides and Eleni Ponzantzidou, along with dancers Dimitra Vlachou and Fania Grigoriou complete the line up for Greece.

The Eurovision first Semi-Final airs on Tuesday 14th May at 8pm on BBC4.

The Eurovision Song Contest Final is broadcast on Saturday 18th May on BBC1.

Tamta performs in the running order of 17 at slot number #1.  Meanwhile, Ms Duska is at #16 second to last.

London Greek Radio wishes Cyprus and Greece the very best of luck in the competition.

Article written by Tony Neophytou

Cypriot broadcaster CyBC confirmed in December that Greek star Tamta would fly the flag at the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Georgian-Greek singer, Tamta Goduadze, 38, ticks-off Eurovision on her wish-list; that’s right a song contest she has thought about doing for absolute ages. Tamta came agonisingly close to achieving it – not once, but twice and denied the chance which is lucky for Cyprus as she said ‘Yes!’ to the Cypriot proposal this year.

The pop up-tempo track ‘Replay’ is very current and very radio-friendly.

Her catchy song reigned number one on the London Greek Radio, LGR, Official Air-Play Chart this month.

It’s very upbeat, very infectious horns-fuelled chorus with a thumping bassline. The brass parts are a big asset to the song and no doubt gives it a slight edge.

CyBC chiefs felt that the Georgian-born singer was right for this year’s contest as the up-tempo tune compliments Tamta as a singer and performance-artist comprising that “complete package”.

The song’s composer Alex Papaconstantinou aka Alex P was the man behind Eleni Foureira’s ‘Fuego’ – last year’s fantastic runners-up in the competition. He collaborates on the tune with Sweden-based songwriters Geraldo Sandell, Viktor Svensson, Albin Nedler and Kristoffer “Bonn” Fogelmark.

The music video is portraying Tamta within a very urban and industrial context, that seems to fit accurately the modern song. It’s very slick and well-made, with Greek director Giannis Michelopoulos piercing together a lot of fast-paced shots and costume changes. If you blink, you will miss Tamta alternate a street-wise lass, to “dominatrix”, and casual-girl-next. The pop-idol is playing the role of an enchantress who’s spinning ‘a man into a state of infatuation’. A fun act/entry oozing that “sexiness” x-factor, so on trend with a particular type of pop-genre now.

Sacha Jean-Baptise, the creative woman behind ‘Fuego’ last year is in charge of the Cypriot staging and no doubt will help to elevate Tamta’s staging and song on the left side of the scoreboard.

Tamta starts rehearsal week at the Tel Aviv Expo which hosts Eurovision this month. The singer confirmed four dancers will join her on stage, all-Swedish professional dancers,  Lamin, Kenny, Niklas and Benjamin and no doubt will give it that strong visual element to compliment the track. It’s slick, stylish, with tight and creative camera-work, that helps create that strong visual impact on stage.

Cyprus is opening the First Semi-Final in slot number #1 with a show-stopper routine to officially launch Eurovision this year.

Cyprus has qualified to four-consecutive finals and Tamta is hoping to emulate that success, with a well-deserved fifth-finalist. The Cypriots have a great form and one that is a very proud achievement for the country.

At the time of writing, Cyprus are virtually neck-and-neck with Greece ‘first-favourite’ to win the Semi-Final. It is a Top 10 ‘seventh’ to win Eurovision, and seize the 2019 trophy. The nation is somewhat a “Eurovision power-house” lately so it’s a winner in our books; and it puts to the centre, and forefront, Cypriot and Greek pop music to a huge audience.

LGR’s Tony Neophytou said, “The Top 10 is potentially theirs; a competitive line-up this year. The Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, and Russia’s comeback with Sergey Lazarev. Interestingly their composer is Dimtris Kontopoulos with fellow-Greek Fokas Evangelinos staging Russia’s effort with Eurovision pedigree under their belt.”

Cyprus competes in the Eurovision First Semi-Final which airs on Tuesday 14th May at 8pm GMT.

She performs in the running order of 17 at slot number #1.

The Eurovision Song Contest Final is broadcast on Saturday 18th May at 8pm GMT.

London Greek Radio wish Tamta and the Cypriot delegation the very best of luck in the competition.

Article written by Tony Neophytou

Think Zumba take on a 8.5 mile charity walk from East Finchley to Westminster on Sunday 5th May as part of a North London Hospice Big Fun Walk.

The group will don sashes, charity t-shirts and trainers to take on the ‘annual’ challenge. In the preceding years of 2017 and 2018, Think Zumba in Barnet have collectively raised £11,000, and these funds have been earmarked for the North London Hospice. Every penny that is raised has directly gone to support the work of this fantastic place.

The group have been helping raise money for the North London Hospice as an appropriate charity to raise funds for, to help patients become more comfortable whilst having terminal cancer.

We would be ever so grateful to anyone who would give even the smallest donation to help the group raise the necessary funds.

Here is a link to their MoneyGiving Page: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/THINKZUMBA

Here is a link to their MoneyGiving Page: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/THINKZUMBA

Article written by London Greek Radio

Canadian-Greek indie-pop artist Katerine Duska co-writes Greece’s entry, ‘Better Love’ with Greek-British musician Leon of Athens and Scottish songwriter David Sneddon.

Greek broadcaster ERT confirmed earlier this year that Ms Duska would fly the Greek flag at the Tel Aviv Expo for the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest in Israel.

Montreal-born singer-songwriter, Katerine, 29, has recorded the song in London with producer and friend Phil Cook.

Greek ERT TV bosses formed a working committee to choose the act for this year. Chairman Dimitris Papadimitriou labelled Katerine (translated), “A Greek artist and talent with immense quality and one that is strongly indicative of indie-pop music.”

‘Better Love’ features strong vocals and that trademark soulful rasp, with melodic hooks swirling beneath the orchestral drums.  This is a very original choice in terms of a Greek Eurovision entry and it’s a song that is uplifting and anthemic.

The well-constructed tune is a very strong competitor this year with a catchy chorus and hooks, which excitingly build-up as the three-minute song captivates.

The songstress has a unique and distinctive voice and she doesn’t hold back in this year’s Eurovision line-up.  Katerine provides a strong vocal hook on top of an anthemic chorus to ‘Better Love’ and the vocally-impressive singer excels in her performance.

The mid-tempo track is current indie-pop and radio-friendly; one that has already entered the London Greek Radio, (LGR), playlist.

The ‘Better Love’ which the song refers to is the eternal quest for a higher love, one which is deep, unconditional and unapologetic. The lyrics about love and empowerment most people and no doubt the listener can relate to it on some level.

Her soaring high-notes combined with strong melodic hooks give the tune that feel of a “competitive” package and a possible game-changer, as Greece embarks on a comeback to the Eurovision final, after a shock exit at the semi-finals last year.

LGR’s Tony Neophytou said, “I think that this is a great Eurovision competition song, one that is a sure-fire qualifier and potentially a Top 10 in the final.”

The music video relies on strong pop-art visuals with pink, light-colours. The creative woman behind this video is Efi Gousi and she manages the staging in Tel Aviv.  Katerine Douska wears pink reinforcing the theme of purist romanticism and a “better love”.  The video is a females-only cast looking very disciplined and artistic.

Katerine said that the staging is planned to compliment the “pop-art” atmospheric concept and she will be joined on stage by backing-vocalists Erasma Markides and Eleni Ponzantzidou along with dancers Dimitra Vlachou and Fania Grigoriou.

Ms Duska was raised in a Greek home listening to esteemed composers Mikis Theodorakis, Manos Hatzidakis and Mimis Plessas, spending countless hours as a young teen tuned into soul, pop and R&B.  She has a background in classical music where she studied classical guitar and interpreting Arias and Lieder, venturing into ‘experimental song-writing’ influenced greatly by the indie-pop and Neo-soul genre.

Katerine studied law at the Kapodistrian University of Athens, only to realise that music was what she actually wanted to pursue professionally.

Katerine rose to indie stardom in 2014 with the hit, ‘One in a Million’ and her cover of the Arctic Monkeys, “Do I Wanna Know”, which has reached over a million views on YouTube.

Her 2015 debut album ‘Embodiment’ won critics over with the lead track “Fire Away”, featuring prominently in a Nescafe Canada advertising campaign.

Greece competes in the Eurovision first Semi-Final which airs on Tuesday 14th May at 8pm GMT.

She performs in the running order of 17 at slot number 16.

The Eurovision Song Contest Final is broadcast on Saturday 18th May at 8pm GMT.

For all of your Eurovision news on Greece, make sure you regularly check back to lgr.co.uk and tune into LGR to hear ‘Better Love’ this Eurovision season.

London Greek Radio wish Katerine and the Greek delegation the very best of luck in the competition.

Article written by Tony Neophytou

Cypriot girl urgently seeks Bone Marrow Donor

A Greek-Cypriot girl from Edmonton, Stella Charalambous, is in desperate need of a bone marrow donation. The Cypriot community, are asked to support and participate in a planned sampling to find a compatible bone marrow donor for Stella Charalambous, a Cypriot from North London, with roots in the Cypriot village of Argaka, who is facing a serious battle against leukaemia.

Sampling to find a compatible donor is being scheduled on Sunday 31st March 2019 at Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church Hall, 2 Logan Road, Edmonton, London, N9 0LP from 11am to 3pm. Sampling will be carried out by means of ‘coating’ (taking a sample of your saliva).

If you are free on this day, aged between 17-55 and in good health please pop down and spare 5 minutes of your time.

Supported by The Leukaemia Society.

Article written by London Greek Radio

The former Love Island and Celebs Go Dating contestant Michael Thalassitis has been found dead aged just 26.

The reality TV favourite, affectionately nicknamed Muggy Mike, was found in a park near his childhood home in North London.

Scotland Yard officers said they found the body of a man in his 20s hanged in a park in Edmonton on Saturday. A spokesperson said: “Police were called to a park near Latymer Way, N9 at 0928hrs on Saturday, 16 March to reports of a man found hanged.

“Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended and found a man, aged in his 20s, deceased.

“At this early stage, the death is not being treated as suspicious.

“Police are in the process of informing the man’s next of kin. A file will be prepared for the coroner.”

The news of his death comes just months after his best friend Danny Cutts passed away, with further reports suggesting he had been grieving his late grandmother. The reality TV star had moved in with the 94-year-old after her deteriorating health meant she needed a full time carer.

He achieved fame on the 2017 series of Love Island and was also a semi-pro footballer.

Born in Edmonton, the British Cypriot played for a range of teams including Ebbsfleet United, St Albans, Chelmsford, Welling United, Stevenage and Margate.

His most successful spell during his sporting career when he played for Stevenage and represented the Cyprus national team and during the 2012/13 season, he scored seven goals in 19 appearances for Boreham Wood.

The reality star was due to open his own restaurant, with reports suggesting the unveiling would be next week.

He also appeared on the reality show Celebs Go Dating in 2018. He split from The Only Way Is Essex star Megan McKenna late last year.

After the island Mike signed up to appear in the fourth series of Celebs Go Dating alongside Gemma Collins, London Hughes and Sam Thompson.

His last Twitter post on March 8 was a fundraising plea to help former football pal Spencer McCall battle cancer.

He posted a shirtless picture on Instagram earlier this month, advertising a prize for followers.

We at London Greek Radio would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends at this difficult time.

Article written by London Greek Radio

Katerine Duska will be flying the Greek flag for the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv this May. Greece compete in the Eurovision First Semi-Final…

Greek broadcaster ERT have confirmed that the Greek-Canadian singer/songwriter, born in Montreal and currently residing in Athens, will sing the song ‘Better Love‘. The self-penned tune is co-written with Leon of Athens and David Sneddon.

Katerine describes her music as alternative producing indie pop, indie folk, and neo-soul.

Greek ERT TV bosses set-up a working committee to choose the act for this year. The  song was recorded in London with producer Phil Cook, who’s credited with working with, Little Mix, Ellie Goulding, Olly Murs, Callum Scott and Dua Lipa.

The panellists felt that Katerine’s “unique”, impressive metallic vocal, coupled with the “modern” song choice were right for this year’s entry.

The working committee comprised of chairman Dimitris Papadimitriou, Artistic Director of the Greek entrant in Tel Aviv, Adam Petros (Music Producer), Fotis Apergi (Journalist), Gianni Petridi (Music Producer), Maria Koufpoulou (Director of International Relations ERT) and Sofia Dranidou (Head of European & International Affairs – International Relations ERT).

“Officially representing Greece at the Eurovision Song Contest this year! Honoured, humbled and insanely psyched! Let’s do this!”

She told Greek TV, (translated) “It is a competition which embraces various musical genres and trends; it’s unpredictable results-wise. Being asked to do so this with a song I wrote myself is a crucial thing.”

Katerine studied law at the Kapodistrian University of Athens only to realise that music was what she actually wanted to pursue professionally.

Katerine studied classical guitar at the Music Academy, as well as singing under the guidance of eminent vocal coach Eleni Melissidi.  A background in classical music with studying and interpreting Arias and Lieder by Verdi, Mozart and Schubert, to modern jazz, has a strong allegiance to music, whatever form it takes.

Katerine rose to indie star status in 2014 with the hit, ‘One in a Million’ and her cover of the Arctic Monkeys’ “Do I Wanna Know”, reaching over one million views on YouTube.

Her 2015 debut album ‘Embodiment’ won critics over with the lead track “Fire Away” featuring prominently in a Nescafe Canada advertising campaign.

Her “trademark soulful rasp” has earnt comparisons to the late Amy Winehouse and it’s believed that she’s probably the first-ever Greek soulful artist, to hit the Eurovision stage.

Greece competes in the Eurovision first semi-final which airs on Tuesday 14th May at 8 pm GMT.

Hopefully, we will see Katerine’s progression to the grand final which is broadcast on Saturday 18th May.

For all of your Eurovision news on Greece, make sure you regularly check back to lgr.co.uk and tune in LGR to hear ‘Better love‘ in the coming weeks.

London Greek Radio wish Katerine and the Greek delegation the very best of luck in the competition.

Article written by Tony Neophytou

LGR Events Presents A Night with Rempetika and Laika, on Friday 15th March 2019, at the Cypriot Community Centre. The line-up is George Gregoriou aka LGR’s Kokis, Nikos Savvides, Giorgos Yerasimos, and Anna Sopiadou who is coming all the way from Greece will be entertaining us on the night.

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Join us at the Cypriot Community Centre, Earlham Grove, Wood Green, London, N22 5HJ.

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Admission £20, with souvlakia included.

For more information and tickets please call London Greek Radio on 0208 349 6950!

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In 2019, our time has also been spent putting together events, such as this one, where all members of our community could come and celebrate our culture together.

We look forward to seeing you all there.

This event is sponsored by Aspris & Son, wine, beer and spirits merchants; Hellenic Bakery and Hellenic Gourmet; Sarrani, experts in property insurance repairs; Varosi Lettings and Estates, with guaranteed rental scheme.

Article written by London Greek Radio

The Cypriot Community Centre presents a fundraising evening – A tribute to Elvis performed by George Elias – on Saturday 30th March 2019 at its premises at Earlham Grove, Wood Green, London N22 5HL.

Tickets £25 – includes a 3 course meal. Get yours now by calling 020 8881 2329 or email: cycc6363@gmail.com.

George Elias is a full-time professional ETA (Elvis Tribute Artist). His respect for Elvis and his vocal authenticity and repertoire are phenomenal.

Don’t miss the opportunity to see George perform Elvis’ songs with great passion!

And of course fundraising proceeds will go to the Cypriot Community Centre to help them continue their wonderful work, within the wider community.

Article written by London Greek Radio

Cypriot scientist Dr Antonis Antoniou has led a team of researchers who have developed a potentially “game-changing” test to predict a woman’s risk of breast cancer.

The new study combines information on family history and hundreds of genetic markers with other factors, such as weight, to give the most comprehensive assessment possible, notes Cancer Research UK.

Some GPs and specialists are trialling the prediction tool as part of a plan to spot cancers earlier through tailored screening.

Women at high risk could be given preventative treatments or offered more checks, note the researchers.

A potentially ‘game-changing’ innovation for predicting a woman’s risk of breast cancer has been unveiled.

Scientists have analysed hundreds of genetic markers and lifestyle factors together to come with a method said to be the most comprehensive yet.

The research aims to help doctors identify patients at the highest risk and lowest risk of developing the disease.

Those who are considered to be more likely to develop breast cancer can then be given preventative treatments or offered more screening.

Breast cancer is the most common form of the disease in the UK, with nearly 55,000 women diagnosed every year.

Cancer Research UK says a large proportion of those cases occur in people who are at an increased risk.

Led by researchers at the University of Cambridge, the risk factor study has produced an online calculator for GPs to use in their surgeries that is currently undergoing testing.

Professor Antonis Antoniou from Limassol, lead author at the university’s Department of Public Health and Primary Care, said: “This is the first time that anyone has combined so many elements into one breast cancer prediction tool. It could be a game changer for breast cancer because now we can identify large numbers of women with different levels of risk – not just women who are at high risk.”

The system combines information on family history and genetics with other factors such as weight, age at menopause, alcohol consumption and use of hormone replacement therapy.

More than 300 genetic indicators for breast cancer are taken into account, making risk calculation much more precise than ever before.

Prof Antoniou said: “This should help doctors to tailor the care they provide depending on their patients’ level of risk. For example, some women may need additional appointments with their doctor to discuss screening or prevention options and others may just need advice on their lifestyle and diet.

“We hope this means more people can be diagnosed early and survive their disease for longer, but more research and trials are needed before we will fully understand how this could be used.”

This innovative testing is shining new hope on the disease. Over 2 million new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in the year 2018, according to the World Cancer Research Fund. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in both women and men worldwide.

Dr Antoniou is an accomplished scientist who studied at the London School of Economics and Political Science as well as the University of Cambridge before earning his PhD in Genetic Epidemiology at Cambridge in 2001.

He has taught in the field of cancer risk prediction since 2013. The main focus of his research involves the development and trial of statistical modelling techniques for addressing clinical questions and the development of risk prediction tools.

His latest breast cancer tool, made possible by the recent advances in genetics, will soon be used in clinical practice by doctors all over the world.

Article written by London Greek Radio