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

Melina Aslanidou ”Greek Spirit 2018” will be live and exclusive for one night only at KOKO London, 1A Camden High Street, Kings Cross, NW1 7JE

On Wednesday 14th March 2018
Doors open at 7 pm | Starts at 8 pm

For tickets visit www.koko.uk.com

Melina Aslanidou was born in Stuttgart and grew up in Greece. The young Greek began to be interested in music very early on; Already at the elementary school, she joined the Choir of Paralimni (Greece) and became acquainted with the music of Pontus and Byzantium as well as the traditional music of Thrace.

Meanwhile, Melina Aslanidou is one of the most famous singers in Greece. “Greek Spirit 2018” is a passionate show with Melina’s greatest hits and a selection of songs from her home country and the Mediterranean – a synthesis of Greek culture – with her brilliant musicians and the Bouzouki virtuoso Andreas Karantinis.

Enjoy the “Greek Spirit” with Melina Aslanidou!

Article written by London Greek Radio

Yannis Kotsiras European Tour 2018

SEE the Greek singer at the Union Chapel Islington, Compton Terrace, London N1 2UN, on Friday 2nd March 2018, 7 pm-10:30 pm.

Tickets £30 (plus £1 bf) from Greek City UK 020 8889 0186

or email: greekcityeventsuk@gmail.com,
store.unionchapel.org.uk

Two years ago, the ”Yannis Kotsiras European Tour”, left us with the best impressions and a rare sense of fulfilment.

So, once again this special Greek Artist is coming back to sing for us all those songs that we have loved throughout the years, since his very first album. This time, he will present even more new songs to love from his latest record Ψεύτης Καιρός/ Pseftis Kairos (Lying Times) that was released in 2016. And of course, a selection of all time favourite songs by the greatest Greek composers and songwriters.

We are all invited to share his passion, his energy and his memorable voice and music.

On stage with him, as always, exceptional musicians accompany him.

Machairas Vangelis – string instruments
Kitsos Paraskevas – bass
Livisantos Alexandros – piano/arrangements
Michalos Kostas – guitars
Angelopoulos Yiannis – drums
Karadimitrakis Stratis – sound engineer (stage)
Bounas Lampros – sound engineer (F.O.H.)

Article written by London Greek Radio

BASILELICIOUS LIVE & HILARIOUS TOUR Basile The Comedian is heading for London this month. He is supported by Chris Marco K.

Tickets for the matinee at 4 pm and evening at 7 pm.

On Sunday 25th February 2018 can be obtained by phone: 020 8889 0186, by coming to Greek City UK 116 Myddleton Road N22 8NQ or email: greekcityeventsuk@gmail.com

Article written by London Greek Radio

The LGR Official Chart with Top 60 Favourite Tunes of 2017

12 months… x Top 5 tracks each month… brings us The LGR 60!

We have been busy short-listing your favourite tunes of 2017, we can now reveal our definitive LGR list…!! Over the year hundreds of tracks… and excellent songs… so you’d imagine it was pretty tough to reduce the numbers and it was…

12 months, for each month, reveals our Top 5 picks…

Check out the tracks to see if your favourite (s) have made it to the London Greek Radio official chart here.

JANUARY 2017

01 Vasilis Dimas – Ragizei h Kardia Mou
02 Loucas Yiorkas – Den Pao Sti Douleia
03 Knock Out – Mia Fotia
04 Kostas Doxas – Thasaria
05 Onirama – Pote Den Kseres

FEBRUARY 2017

01 Christos Dantis – Edo Pou Vrexei
02 Andreas Leontas – Ego Tha Se Prosexo
03 Valentinos Valeas – Ola Dika Sou
04 Pantelis Pantelidis – Karavia Sto Vitho
05 Paris – Anigma

MARCH 2017

01 Giorgos Lazarakis Feat Giannis Sofillas – To Aidoni
02 Petros Iakovidis – Katse Kala
03 Bo feat Georgia Vrana – Mono Esi
04 Prodromos – Pes To Ki Egine
05 Ilias Vrettos – Katalaveto

Hovig – Gravity (Cyprus Eurovision Song Contest entry) 1 March 2017
Demy – This is Love (Greece Eurovision Song Contest entry) 12 March 2017

APRIL 2017

01 Christos Menidiatis – Adinamia Mou
02 Malu – Ora Na Gyriseis
03 Peggy Zina – Apagorevo
04 Stavento – Mikre Mou Dinamiti
05 Knock Out – Ta Kalitera Paidia Exoun Psyologika

MAY 2017

01 Marina Satti – Mantissa
02 Dimitris Avramopoulos – Ftaio Ego
03 Triantafyllos – Xtipise Kokkino
04 Rallia Christifdou – Os To Feggari Na Me Pas
05 Christina Salti – Ta Pragmata Me T’ Onoma Tous

JUNE 2017

01 Konstantinos Argiros – Ksimeromata
02 Helena Paparizou – Haide (Phoebus Remix) ft. The Kemist
03 Konstantinos Koufos – Kentro Dierxomenon
04 Anelia feat Kyriacos Georgiou – Pos Tin Ides
05 Blasé – 40 Kymata

JULY 2017

01 Antonis Remos – Opa
02 Locomondo – 80s
03 Panos Kiamos – Sto Ftero
04 Giwgos Livanis feat. Giannis Zissi – Vgaino Pino Ksenitao LGR intro
05 Ioanna Koutalidou feat Stratos Tsirakakis – Etimigoria

AUGUST 2017

01 Helena Paparizou feat Anastasios Rammos – An Me Deis Na Klaio
02 Eleni Foureira – To Kati
03 Zan Batist – Gia Sena Ntrepomai
04 TAG – Ase Me (Summer Edition)
05 Yiannis Ploutarhos – Pera Ap’Ta Matia Sou

SEPTEMBER 2017

01 Giannis Ploutarhos & Diana – Koitaxe Me
02 Peggy Zina – O Xronos
03 Ilias Vrettos – Sou Apagorevo
04 Kostas Karafotis – Dyo Foties
05 Haris Kostopoulos – Eho Perasi Apo Foties

OCTOBER 2017

01 Antipas – Ellinika Milao
02 Nikos Oikonomopoulos – Gia Kapio Logo
03 Konstantinos Argiros – Psemata
04 Paola – Gordios Desmos
05 Jackpot Vs Xryspa Official Remix- Aladdin

NOVEMBER 2017

01 Stan – Kane Me Gia Sena Na Klapso
02 Nikos Makropoulos – Gia Parti Mou
03 Kings – Pio Poly Apo Pote
04 Eleni Foureira – Vasilissa
05 Melisses – Eimai Allou

DECEMBER 2017

01 Padelis Pantelidis – Na Se Kala
02 Giannis Ploutarhos – Kardia Mou Alitissa
03 Nikos Vertis – An M’agapises
04 Pwlina Xristodoulou – Mia nixta stin Athina
05 Giorgos Mazonakis – Sopa Ki Akou

 

 

Article written by London Greek Radio

One of the most popular Greek singers of the last 50 years has refused to represent Cyprus at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

Claims that Helena Paparizou turned down the offer were made on Cypriot showbiz portal ‘ShowTime’, which soon spread on Eurovision fan websites.

The Cypriot broadcaster has not yet confirmed or denied the rumour, however, ”Cypriot sources” have suggested that long-term negotiations between them and Helena Paparizou’s team have ended, with the star reportedly to have said ‘no’ to the offer.

The Eurovision champion of 2005 was said to have loved the ”up-tempo ethnic-fused track” that was being prepared for the 2018 contest, but decided that she wasn’t ready to make a third appearance at Eurovision.

London Greek Radio has been following the Cypriot selection this year. It was last heard that a Cypriot sing-off final was to air this month. The television final was to have finalist candidates from the Cypriot auditions, held in November. A three member’s judge’s panel short-listed 24 hopefuls from 64 applicants. In order to impress the Cyprus entry author Alex Papaconstantinou, choreographer Charis Savva and Christer Björkman, producer of Swedish Eurovision selection Melodifestivalen.

The composer Alex Papaconstantinou or Alex-P will write our Cypriot song. As previously mentioned on LGR, Alex P is a well-known producer of Greek-Swedish origin and has co-written hits for Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez, Enrique Iglesias and many more. He is known in Eurovision circles with a few Euro-stompers under his belt, including Ivi Adamou’s ‘La La Love’ in 2012 and Sarbel’s ‘Yasou Maria’ in 2007. His most successful entry to date was for the Azerbaijan duo Aysel and Arash, which came third in 2009.

The Cypriot rules have referred to ditching the Cypriot sing-off – as an option. The other solution is both a singer and song is internally selected without a Cypriot contest after all.

Sources claim an official statement is expected to be released shortly confirming the Cypriot entry’s singer/performance artist, who will be singing the Alex P tune.

Check back for all of the latest developments to find out whose singer name is flying the Cypriot flag for the Eurovision Semi-Final in Lisbon.

Article written by London Greek Radio

Detectives investigating the murder of Iuliana Tudos in Finsbury Park have made an arrest.

The 31-year-old man was arrested at around 13:30hrs on Monday, 1 January, at an address in Dalston.

He was arrested on suspicion of the murder of Iuliana Tudos.

The man has been taken to a south-west London police station where he remains in custody.

A murder investigation, led by DCI Nicola Wall, was launched after Iuliana’s body was found by a member of the public at 16:25hrs on Wednesday, 27 December.

The body of the 22-year-old, who was also known as Julia and Lili (short for Lilith), was found in a disused building located in the north eastern area of the park. Iuliana lived in Upper Tollington Park, Haringey.

Officers and London Ambulance Service attended and Iuliana was pronounced dead at the scene. Her next of kin, who are currently living abroad, have been informed.

A post-mortem examination took place at Haringey Mortuary on Thursday, 28 December, and gave the cause of death as a stab wound to the abdomen and a head injury. Further tests are ongoing.

Haringey Borough Commander Detective Chief Superintendent Des Fahy said that extra officers had been deployed for reassurance and that his officers had been engaging with local residents, community groups and traders.

He said: ”We understand that the local community might have concerns, but I want to reassure people that incidents of this nature are incredibly rare.

”We have police out and about on patrol and local Neighbourhood Policing Teams have been out speaking to members of the community.

”By all accounts, Iuliana was a bubbly lively girl enjoying a fun life in London when she was tragically taken from her loved ones. Our hearts go out to them.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the dedicated incident room on 020 8785 8244, tweet @MetCC or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

Article written by Metropolitan Police / London Greek Radio