London Greek Radio

After weeks of teasing the world with only the title ‘Fuego’, the Cyprus Eurovision entry by Eleni Foureira has finally been released.

We were promised an ethnic up-tempo track and Eleni has certainly lived up to that script, releasing her official Eurovision music video for ‘Fuego’ on March 2nd.

The video is filmed at the Piraeus Municipal Theatre and Armeniakos Home, by well-known Greek director Apollon Papatheocharis.

Eleni will be Eurovision “eye-candy” and impresses with her absolutely stunning looks in the many outfit changes we see in the video. The song’s theme undoubtedly demonstrates Eleni’s sense of empowerment, one in which she’s taking full charge of her fate and destiny.

As the video climaxes to its final scenes, Eleni flicks a lighter which sets a car ablaze; providing the video with a somewhat ‘iconic’ moment. Maybe a little ‘trigger-finger’ compliant, we think it may be wise to avoid giving a lighter to Eleni, right?

Her Cypriot entry is penned by composer Alex Papaconstantinou, or Alex P, a Greek-Swedish producer, well-known in Eurovision circles. He collaborates on the tune with Geraldo Sandell, Viktor Svensson, Anderz Wrethov and Didrick.

The song is a well-produced, radio-friendly hit and has entered the London Greek Radio play-list; one that is certain to be heard numerous times in the weeks ahead.

The progressive track starts with atmospheric nuances of clarinet and rather excitingly the track’s speed at 101 beats per minute, includes quiet pre-drops before each chorus. The great pop catchy ‘hooks’ are comprised of useful clarinet riffs, adding the ethnic feel to it.

Cypriot broadcaster CyBC confirmed that Greek star Eleni Foureira would fly the flag at the Eurovision Song Contest in Lisbon earlier this year.  CyBC chiefs felt that the Albanian-born singer was right for this year’s contest as the up-tempo song compliments Eleni as a singer and dancer.

She is charismatic, who’s stage-skills are expected to ”attack” the Cypriot entry effectively which will no doubt, help this upbeat song.  Sacha Jean-Baptise will be responsible for the Cypriot stage concept; She is a Swedish director with Eurovision pedigree under her belt.

Eleni was born in Fier, Albania and is a Greek artist of Albanian origin. She has lived in Greece from a very young age when her family settled in Kallithea, Athens.

In the last few years, Eleni has released four successful studio albums and multiple singles. One of those hits was ‘Sto Theo Me Paei’, a Greek cover of the 2015 Eurovision entry of Israel ‘Golden Boy’ by Nadar Guedj.

More recently she has released singles in both Greek and English and in 2017 scored an international hit with the song ‘Send For Me’, a collaboration with successful producer and rapper A.M. SNiPE.

The Cypriot delegation will be quietly optimistic about their qualifying chances for a fourth year, following the recent successes by Minus One, John Karayiannis and Hovig.

The First Eurovision Semi-Final airs on Tuesday 8th May, at 8pm on BBC 4. Eleni will perform 19th – last in the running order, considered by many as one of the preferred positions in the draw.

It has also been revealed that the UK is voting for the first Eurovision semi-phase competition. The tele-voting accounts for 50% of the vote, with the other 50% from music expert jurors, which will decide the Top 10 qualifying countries.

The Eurovision Final takes place on Saturday 12th May, on BBC One and London Greek Radio wishes Eleni Foureira the very best of luck in the competition.

Watch it here: the Official Cyprus Eurovision music video to ‘Fuego’:

Article written by Tony Neophytou

On Sunday the 25th of March, the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK organised a community-wide celebration to mark the national day celebrations of 25 March 1821 and 1 April 1955 at Ashmole Academy in North London.

The guest speaker was the Deputy Foreign Minister of Greece, responsible for Greeks Abroad, Mr Terens Nikolaos Quick. Speeches were also given by the President of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, Christos Karaolis; the Ambassador of Greece to the UK, Demetrios Caramitsos-Tziras; the High Commissioner for the Republic of Cyprus to the UK, Euripides Evriviades; the President of the Greek Orthodox Communities in the UK, Marios Minaides; and the representative of the Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain, Bishop of Tropaeou Athanasios.

The Deputy Foreign Minister of Greece stressed that Greece’s position on the Cyprus issue is clear – that occupying troops must withdraw and that Cyprus cannot be subject to an anachronistic system of guarantees. Mr Quick said that these are the two inalienable conditions that Greece has for the Cyprus issue, and among other things he said:
”The 25th of March and 1st of April are historical events that in the end, led to freedom. Amongst many other factors that led to their success, was the international presence of Hellenes who took advantage of the dominant tendencies of the European communities and managed to persuade them to support Hellenism in its pursuit for freedom.

”Almost 200 years since the Greek Revolution, and after 400 years of enslavement – keeping in mind both the ups and downs of this journey, but most importantly our faith in a free Greece which are evident by our participation and role in the two World Wars, the Balkan wars – we are now opening up to new challenges. I would like to emphasise the collaboration of the diaspora of nations and specifically of the youth within the diasporas since they will define our future.”

The President of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK welcomed and thanked the Deputy Foreign Minister of Greece for his presence to celebrate 25 March 1821 and 1 April 1955 and said:

”This year’s national day celebrations find Cyprus and Greece facing tensions. In our small country, the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, instead of supporting the interests of our Turkish Cypriot compatriots, is held hostage by the orders of President Erdogan of Turkey, who continues to threaten Cyprus, Greece and the European Union.

”Our community, coordinated by the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, sent thousands of emails in less than two weeks to the British Foreign Office about Turkey’s actions in Cyprus’ EEZ. The Foreign Office confirmed that it “wanted to see exploration go ahead”. The Labour Party, as well as Conservative and Labour MPs, condemned Turkey’s actions, proving that together, united we can achieve more. I urge you all to show our strength by voting for Cypriot candidates in the local elections on the 3rd of May.”

The Ambassador of Greece, Demetrios Caramitsos-Tziras, in his greeting said that the presence of the Deputy Foreign Minister at the celebrations demonstrates the importance that the Greek Government attaches to the contact with the diaspora and the interest that exists towards the continuation of the dynamic presence of the community in the UK.

The High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus, Euripides Evriviades, said in his speech:
”The heroes of ’21 and ’55-’59 live on in today’s Greek, Cypriot and global world. Not only because the history of their lives and their deaths remain in the memory of the generations that followed and will follow, but above all because they are a beacon of loyalty and devotion to the fundamental ideals and values inherent in the real meaning of Hellenism: self-sacrifice, self-denial, selflessness, heroism.

”I must mention the enormous success of our compatriot, Andria Zafirakou, who was named the best teacher in the world when she won the Global Teacher Prize out of 30,000 nominees from 173 countries.

”Another major success of the community came as 2,200 emails and 600 physical letters… in other words, 2,800 arrows were sent via the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK and reached their target in the heart of British Foreign policy. I’d like to send warm congratulations to the President of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, and his team for this very important achievement which demonstrates the hard work they have been putting in for the past few years.

”The diaspora holds our national banners high, paying homage to our history, which has nurtured and continues to nurture our ideals of European and Global culture. Together, we can. Together, we are stronger. Together, we go forward. Together, we go higher.”

The President of the Greek Orthodox Communities in the UK, Marios Minaides, in his brief greeting, paid tribute to the heroes of the national liberation struggles of Greece and Cyprus and said that in these difficult times we need to learn from the ”bravery, self-sacrifice, unity, and selflessness” of those heroes.

The Bishop of Tropaeou Athanasios, conveyed blessings and heartfelt greetings from the Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain, Gregorios, and urged the diaspora to continue studying and learning from the spirit of the struggles of 1821 and 1955.

The programme was enriched with songs, poems, plays, and dances by children from community Greek schools. The community Greek schools that performed were: Hazelwood Greek School (OESEKA), the Cyprus Educational Mission (KEA), the Independent Greek Schools of Manor Hill and Finchley (AESL), the Greek Nursery & Primary School of London, the theatrical group of KEA, the Greek Secondary School of London, the Independent Greek School of St Mary (AESA), St. Demetrios Greek School. There were also psalms performed by the Archbishopric School of Byzantine Music, conducted by Dimitris Skrekas.

The President of the National Federation of Cypriots in the United Kingdom and the Deputy Foreign Minister of Greece handed out awards to children from Greek Schools in London, Birmingham, Nottingham and Manchester, for their participation in the annual art competition ”25 March 1821” or ”1 April 1955” that is hosted by the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK.

The students that received awards were Natalia Tsamili, 7 years old; Ariana Papaxenophontos, 7 years old; Helena Braim, 8 years old; Semeli Makri-Makridou, 8 years old; Nefeli Tsamili, 10 years old; Thekli Violari, 13 years old; Sofia Strati, 13 years old; Gabriella Lykourgou, 13 years old; and Thodora Panagiotou, 14 years old. Their art was exhibited in the programmes that were handed out on the day of the celebrations.

In attendance were representatives from the Greek Embassy and the Cyprus High Commission, the President of POMAK Andreas Papaevripides, the Vice-President of NEPOMAK UK Christos Tuton, presidents of the UK Branches of Cypriot political parties, presidents of associations and organisations, presidents of educational organisations such as KEA, OESEKA, AESA, AESL, Head Teachers and teachers of the Greek Schools of the community as well as many Greeks and Cypriot who live in the United Kingdom.

The programme was presented by Andreas Karaolis, Executive Secretary of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, and Anna Antoniou, a teacher-member of KEA. Susie Constantinides was responsible for the coordination of the programme whilst the Head of KEA, Maria Papalouka was responsible for coordinating the performances.

Technical support and the coordination of music on the day was led brilliantly by Nakis Merkis. He had the support of the Chair of Ashmole Greek School, Antri Andreou; Andrea Louka; Christos Tuton; Adrian Patsalos; Zoe Merki; and Nephytos Merkis in preparing the venue and stage prior and during the show.

Article written by National Federation of Cypriots in the UK

THE PROPERTY SHOW

Experienced London estate agent Karl Knipe, with over 30 years experience in the industry will be hosting LGR’s new series called ‘The Property Show’.

Karl Knipe, partner of Kings Group, which has 15 branches across North London, East London, Hertfordshire and Essex, will discuss a variety of issues each month, ranging from house prices and Brexit, to stamp duty and the buy-to-let market.

The six-show series will air on LGR on the first Wednesday of every month, starting in April.

The host will be joined by regular guests. Joining him for the first show are Vishal Gulranjani from Thomas Oliver Financial Advisers, Chris Bramham from Metropolis Surveying Services and Roydon Weekes, also from Kings Group.

The first 45-minute episode of ‘The Property Show’ will see Karl and his guests give an expert overview of the current property market.

“I’m delighted to be hosting ‘The Property Show’ on London Greek Radio,” says Karl Knipe.”It’s a fantastic station with an engaged audience and I can’t wait to discuss the property issues of the day with my guests over the next few months.”

“The property market can be complex and is always changing, so it’s important that buyers, sellers, tenants and landlords are armed with the information they need to make smart and informed decisions,” he adds.

The Show will be produced by Iro Livanou. ”As a radio producer, I’m excited to work with Karl Knipe on The Property Show,” says Iro Livanou. “Not only does he have over 30 years’ experience in the property industry, he is also a charismatic radio presenter. I’m confident that the show will be a success and Karl will be well-received by the Greek community in the UK. Karl has been already embraced by the LGR team.”

Wednesday 4th April 2018 at 7:15 pm
DON’T MISS IT!

Article written by

A UK Cypriot teacher based at a school from one of the country’s most deprived areas has won a million dollars in the annual Global Teacher Prize.

Andria Zafirakou beat 30,000 others from 170 countries to be crowned winner at the ceremony in Dubai.

The art and textiles teacher, who had been shortlisted to the final 10, works at Alperton Community School in Brent, London. It’s one of the UK’s most ethnically diverse and disadvantaged places.

Andria Zafirakou was born in London. Her mother, Anna, is Cypriot and her father is Greek who is well known in the community as he is the Reverend Georgios Zafirakou, the priest of the Greek Orthodox Church of All Saints in Camden, London.

Ms Zafirakou learned how to say basic greetings in many of the 35 languages spoken at the school, including Gujarati, Hindi, Tamil and Portuguese, to help parents feel welcome and included.

The winner of the Global Teacher Prize 2018 faced a daunting task when she joined the school. The challenges of poverty, gang violence and engaging young people from such a diverse range of backgrounds were all too clear.

However, throughout the school and on the streets – she is driving change.

Her own classroom is just the beginning though. After school, with a walkie-talkie in hand, she’s outside the school gates, getting pupils safely onto local buses and heading off ‘recruiters’ for the local gangs.

Gang violence is a major problem in the local area. She works closely with the police to identify potential issues and ‘recruiters’.

”You can’t let that come through the school gates,” she says. ”We have to protect our pupils – at all costs.”

The fourth annual Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize is worth one million dollars (£717,000).

Watch it here: Andria Zafirakou’s winning speech from the Global Teacher Prize 2018

Article written by London Greek Radio

An estimated thousand plus London Cypriots paid their final respects to Takis Harmanda, former Sales and Marketing Director, and co-founder of London Greek Radio, on Saturday 17th March 2018.

The funeral service was held at St Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church, Trinity Road, Wood Green and officiated by His Eminence Archbishop Gregorios. Takis was later laid to rest at New Southgate Cemetery.

The service was attended by Member of Parliament for Chipping Barnet Theresa Villiers, Mayor of Barnet Council Councillor Brian Salinger, President of EDEK Marinos Sizopoulos and Consul General of the Cyprus High Commission Ioannis Koukoularides.

Speeches were given by Michael Ellinas, George Michaelides, Kyriacos Theodosiou (Brother-in-Law of Takis Harmanda) and Takis’ daughters Loukia and Eleni.

Wreaths were laid by Marinos Sizopoulos (EDEK), Andreas Papaevripides (President of the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots and DISY UK), Christos Karaolis (President of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK), Mayor of Kerkyras (Kerkyra Council), George Michaelides (AKEL), Andreas Christoforou (DIKO), Ninos Koumettou (Greek Cypriot Brotherhood), Vasilis Panayi (London Greek Radio), Michael Yiakoumi (Parikiaki Newspaper), Nikos Papadopoulos (Eleftheria Newspaper), Vasilis Mavrou (Famagusta Association), Maria Paschali (Manor Hill and Finchley Greek Schools) and Koumis Michael (Ayios Andronicou Association).

LGR’s Vasili Panayi fought back tears as he laid the wreath from the station and reached out to touch Takis’ coffin as a farewell gesture, as did many others in attendance.

With his wife Katia, Chris was involved in many charities helping and assisting those in need for many years. To continue this legacy, Chris’ family and close friends have founded, ”The Chris Harmanda Foundation” for his memory and his charitable work to continue. The foundation’s only goal will be to ”help less fortunate families during illness.”

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Chris-Harmanda

Thank you Taki from everyone at LGR; past, present… and future. May you rest in peace.

http://www.lgr.co.uk/takis-harmanda-co-founder-of-lgr-sadly-passes-away-at-59/

Article written by London Greek Radio

Greek Direction (UK) in Association with Mikel Coffee UK Presents Antonis Remos

Antonis Remos is one of the finest singing stars in Greece and undoubtedly one of the favourite voices of his generation over of the last 20 years.

His popularity continues to grow whilst sales and personal appearances are constantly in demand.

His performance on stage is strong and gripping and without doubt, ascends him to the higher echelons of all Greek singing stars.

Antonis Remos concerts sell out in the shortest of times and new releases are always placed high in the charts. The videos of this gifted and charismatic showman are shown world-wide with great anticipation.

Once more we will experience a magical evening with Antonis Remos at his absolute best, whilst dancing to his liveliest successes and be singing along with his most poignant ballads.

Sunday 13th May 2018

Doors Open 7:00 PM | Starts 8:00 PM

KOKO 1A Camden High Street NW1 7JE

Ages 16+

For info & tickets call on 078 509 44 368

Tickets Sales Points:
Demos Continental (Palmers Green)
Bambos Restaurant (Palmers Green)
Wilton Patisserie (Southgate)
Angus Butchers (Cheshunt)

Available online: ticketweb.co.uk

The event is sponsored by Mikel Coffee, Build It Builders Merchants, A& P Skips Ltd, ‘Yamas Greek Cuisine, Network Agencies Estate Agents, OAK Insurance Services, Excel Plumbing & Heating Supplies, Vivid Lighting, Dodoni, Costis Greek Premium Honey, GRECYP Greek Cypriot Market

Article written by London Greek Radio

It is with the deepest regret and tremendous sadness that we have learnt of the death of Chris (Takis) Harmanda, former Sales and Marketing Director and co-founder of London Greek Radio, (LGR).

Mr Harmanda sadly passed away on Friday 2nd March 2018. He was 59.

Chris (Takis) Harmanda was born in Acheritou, Cyprus on 12th January 1959 and was the original founder of LGR during its conception as a pirate radio station in 1983. The date was Saturday, 8th October 1983.

Chris was born the second eldest to parents George and Loukia Harmanda from Acheritou and Styllous respectively. The first few years of his life in Cyprus were with his two sisters, Maroulla and Eva, and his brother Tony.

In 1967, at the age of eight, Takis came to the UK and grew up in Finsbury Park where he went to Montem Primary School, followed by Holloway Secondary School.

During his schooling, he was regularly available to assist at the family fish and chip shop in Finsbury Park, called “Quality Fish Bar” which is still owned by the family after more than 40 years.

Takis later attended Dean College, obtaining a BSc in Marketing.

In 1983, Chris approached one of his customers George “Akis” Eracleous who was involved in other radio stations and suggested to start a Greek Radio Station for the Greek and Cypriot communities of London to have a voice.

Chris persevered until some Greek records started to spin on the airwaves of an FM pirate radio station in London.

The public response from the community was phenomenal and with this instant success, Mr Harmanda named the station, “London Greek Radio”. The pioneers from those golden years, Chris Harmanda, George Eracleous and George Gregoriou worked relentlessly to keep LGR on the air.

During late-night raids of the-then pirate radio station, enforcement agencies would confiscate broadcasting equipment. However, Mr Harmanda, together with George Eracleous and George Gregoriou spent endless nights, dangerously on roofs of high-rise buildings, relocating transmitters to ensure that the Greek and Cypriot communities woke every morning to the sounds of LGR.

With his fellow colleagues, Chris spent over five years convincing British broadcasting authorities for a need to have a licensed station to broadcast to the Greek and Cypriot communities of London.

After six years and a great deal of work, London Greek Radio was finally awarded an FM licence and officially joined the airwaves in November 1989.

A victory that meant a lot, because this was Britain’s first-ever licensed ethnic station.

His roles continued at the station as ‘Sales and Marketing Director’ of London Greek Radio from 1989 to 2007.

Chris was a very successful businessman, owning and partnering within a wide range of companies in the Greek and Cypriot communities, mainly ‘Home and Away Estates’ in Finchley Central and Cockfosters.

With his wife Katia, Chris was involved in many charities helping and assisting those in need for many years. To continue this legacy, Chris’ family and close friends have founded, “The Chris Harmanda Foundation” for his memory and his charitable work to continue.

The foundation’s only goal will be to “help less fortunate families during illness.”

Whilst the foundation is being finalised, a temporary page has been set up, https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Chris-Harmanda                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Chris (Takis) Harmanda passed away peacefully on the afternoon of Friday 2nd March 2018. He was 59 years old.

Mr Harmanda is survived by his wife Katia David Harmanda MBE; his two daughters Loukia and Eleni; his son in law, Mario; his father Giorgos; and his sisters Maroulla and Eva; and his brother Tony.

The funeral will take place on Saturday 17th March at 11.00am at St Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church, 21 Trinity Road, Wood Green, London, N22 8LB followed by a burial at New Southgate Cemetery, Brunswick Park Road, London N11 1JJ.

The management and staff of London Greek Radio are all deeply saddened to hear of Chris’ (Takis’) passing and sincerely express their deepest and sincere condolences to the Harmanda family.

May he rest in peace.

Article written by London Greek Radio

Greece has confirmed that Yianna Terzi will be their representative at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest taken place in Portugal in May.

The Greek broadcaster ERT confirmed the details in an official statement on 16th February, putting an end to weeks of ‘drama and suspense’ about this year’s entrant.

The mid-tempo modern Laiko ballad called, ‘Oneiro Mou’ (My Dream), is sung in Greek, with strong ethnic elements and a polyphonic chorus.

It successfully combines both a traditional orchestral sound with modern production and is a catchy atmospheric song. The melody adds a mysterious feel and it’s authentically incredible Greek bridge part has a lot of punch, with toumperleki and clarinet riffs, adding to the song’s atmosphere.

Yianna co-wrote the lyrics and music with Aris Kalimeris, Mixalis Papathanasiou, and Dimitris Stamatiou. The tune is not without original concept, as it’s fervently patriotic involving a feeling of ethnic-identity.

The verses and chorus also intriguingly are said to be an intimate conversation between ‘the people and the country’. It’s a touching song which, through its deep lyrics, pronounces steadfast loyalty and strength of character.

One of the song’s lyrics includes the line, “No matter how much I ache… I wouldn’t strike you off the map”, as Yianna puts it.

Yianna was born in Thessaloniki and is the daughter of acclaimed Greek singer Paschalis Terzis. When asked what her dad thought of the tune, Yianna said, “Well, he was absolutely thrilled when he heard it because it’s a good song.”

Yianna, who will be 38 by the time of the contest in May, began her music career in 2005 and has released two albums ‘Gyrna To Klidi’ in 2006 and ‘Ase Ne Na Taxidepso’ in 2008.

She is best known for her singles ‘Tetoia Gynaika’, ‘Pou Kai Pou’, ‘O Aggelos Mou’, Gianna ft. Nevma with ‘Exw Ponesei Gi’auti’.

Yianna relocated from Greece to the United States five years ago in order to develop her music career.

She released her first English-language single ‘Love Is Your Name’ under the name Yianna in 2012, which started bubbling in the underground clubs of New York City.

Greece will compete in the First Eurovision Semi-Final which airs on Tuesday 8th May on BBC Four. The Final takes place on Saturday 10th May on BBC One.

And Greece’s chances of qualifying for the final were given a boost on January 29^th as it was revealed the UK and Cyprus would vote in our semi-final.

Their juries have a history of giving Greeks generous marks.

London Greek Radio wish Yianna Terzi the very best of luck in the competition.

Check out the official lyrics video to Yianna Terzis with ‘Oneiro Mou’ track here:

Article written by Tony Neophytou

Cyprus has confirmed that Greek star Eleni Foureira will be the Cypriot representative for this year’s Eurovision Song Contest held in Portugal.

Cypriot broadcaster CyBC made the official announcement and the title of her entry ‘Fuego’ (Spanish for “It’s Fire”), is written by Alex Papaconstantinou, or Alex P, a Greek-Swedish producer, well-known in Eurovision circles.

The up-tempo Eurovision track has a distinctive, maybe even innovative, ethnic feel with it sometimes being referred to as “ethno upbeat”.

It is a modern pop song that embellishes the instrument of the clarinet or ‘klarino’ as a familiar ethnicity trait in Greek, as well as Mediterranean music.

CyBC chiefs felt that the Albanian-born singer was right for this year’s contest as the upbeat song compliments Eleni as a singer and dancer.

Eleni, who will be 31 by the time of the contest in May, began her music career in 2007 as a member of the Greek girl group Mystique, before pursuing a solo career after the group disbanded in 2009. She is charismatic, who’s stage-skills are expected to “attack” the Cypriot entry effectively which will no doubt, help this upbeat song.

The staging of the entry has been assigned to the internationally acclaimed artistic director and choreographer Sacha Jean-Baptiste, who has extensive experience at the Eurovision Song Contest.

Cypriot bosses had ditched ideas of a Cypriot sing-off to find their entry’s hopeful and instead made the offer to Eleni’s Panik Records, therefore, internally selecting her for it.

In a statement, the singer said she felt incredibly honoured to sing for Cyprus and is hoping to set the leader board on fire, with her catchy track.

”I would like to say a big thank you to CyBC and all the Cypriot people, for giving me this opportunity. It is a great honour for me to represent this wonderful country which has supported me that much for all of these years.

She added, “My Eurovision song is called Fuego. It is written in English; only its title is Spanish. I am very glad that Alex has composed such a great song. This has actually been the reason for my positive answer to this Eurovision invitation. My promise is that I will do my best.”

Eleni was born in Fier, Albania and is a Greek artist of Albanian origin. She has lived in Greece from a very young age when her family settled in Kallithea, Athens.

Her back-catalogue of successful London Greek Radio hits have included her current hit ‘Vasilissa’, along with ‘To Kati’, ‘Ase Me’, ‘Chica Bomb’, ‘Reggaeton’, ‘To Party De Stamata’, ‘Ston Erota Tin Trela’, ‘Fotia ft. Nevma’, ‘Pio Erota Pethaineis’, ‘Rantevou Stin Paralia’, ‘Anemos Agapis’, ‘Pio Dinata’, ‘Ti Koitas’, and ‘2018 S’agapo’.

Eleni has always desired to be at Eurovision, revealing that it has always been a childhood dream of hers.

In 2016 she proposed ‘Ti Koitas (Come Tiki Tam)’ to the Greek national broadcaster ERT, but they refused it. Greece failed to qualify for the final for the first time that year with Argo.

Eleni almost made it to Eurovision in 2010, when she competed in the 2010 ‘Ethniko Teliko’ with ‘Kivotos Tou Noe’. While she missed out by coming second place, it did not diminish her Eurovision goal, which is lucky for Cyprus as she’s tipped to have a “killer track.”

In the last few years, Eleni has released four successful studio albums and multiple singles. One of those hits was ‘Sto Theo Me Paei’, a Greek cover of the 2015 Eurovision entry of Israel ‘Golden Boy’ by Nadar Guedj.

More recently she has released singles in both Greek and English and in 2017 scored a new international hit with the song ‘Send For Me’, a collaboration with successful producer and rapper A.M. SNiPE.

‘Fuego’ will be released in the coming weeks, with no official date set yet.

The LGR website will have the song on its release date in the weeks leading up to the competition.

The Cypriot delegation will be quietly optimistic about their qualifying chances for a fourth year, following the recent successes by Minus One, John Karayiannis and Hovig.

Cyprus competes in the First Eurovision Semi-Final which airs on Tuesday 8th May, on BBC Four. The Top 10 countries to qualify are assured a place in the final on Saturday 12th May, on BBC One.

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

Article written by Tony Neophytou

Mr Nicos Anastasiades was re-elected President of the Republic of Cyprus, this evening, following the second round of the Presidential Election. Mr Anastasiades won with 56% of the votes against independent candidate Mr Stavros Malas who won 44% of the votes.

Speaking after the result was announced, the President of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, Mr Christos Karaolis, said on behalf of the Federation that, ”the people of Cyprus have voted in a free and fair election and have chosen Mr Anastasiades to serve as President for the next 5 years. The Federation will unite behind Mr Anastasiades and work very closely with him to achieve our common aims of a free, united Cyprus; the end of Turkish occupation; the right of return of refugees; the determination of the fate of the missing person; and to improve the lives of all Cypriots. We also look forward to welcoming him to London in the coming months to, once again, visit the UK Cypriot community.”

Mr Anastasiades has made it his priority to return to negotiations as soon as possible in order to reunify the island of Cyprus with a just and viable solution that is based on the United Nations Secretary General’s framework, and that is in line with relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions and High-Level Agreements. The reunification of Cyprus will bring peace and prosperity to Greek, Turkish, Maronite, Armenian and Latin Cypriots and have major benefits for the entire island.

In his acceptance speech, President Anastasiades thanked all Cypriots who participated in the election, whether they voted for him or not, saying that ”tonight there no winners and losers. From tomorrow, we must all unite to address the economic and social problems faced by Cypriots, young and old”. He went on to say that ”above all, we must continue, united, to address the problem of occupation that our country faces. We need a solution that does not disregard the concerns of the Greek Cypriots or the sensitivities of Turkish Cypriots.

The new Government of the Republic of Cyprus, led by Mr Anastasiades, will take office on 1 March 2018.

Profile: Nicos Anastasiades

• Born in Limassol in 1946.

• Studied Law at the University of Athens and completed postgraduate studies in Shipping Law at University College London.

• Was first elected as a Member of Parliament for Limassol in 1981 and leader of political party DISY from 1997 until 2013.

• He was first elected President of the Republic of Cyprus in 2013.

Article written by National Federation of Cypriots in the UK