London Greek Radio

Greece has selected Victor Vernicos Jorgensen as the act to represent the nation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 at the Liverpool arena.

The talented 16-year-old singer-songwriter who is of Greek-Danish descend, born in Athens, is the youngest Greek act ever to compete.

“What They Say”, is a mid-tempo, melodic ballad. He describes it as “emotional” and heart-felt. The lyrics are about anxiety and stress.

Mr Vernicos said his song was written from his own experiences, feelings of anxiety and stress he felt once.

Victor won the coveted ticket to Eurovision through its internal selection, which announced its decision last month. He was chosen after combining votes from the ERT jury and the audience committee.

The Eurovision mix to the song is being recorded with a producer Vangelis Yalamas, at Modern Music Arts Studio, in Glyfada. The date of its release and the official video-clip is expected in March.

He is signed up to Panik Records, who will release the single soon.

“This is my favourite song”, Victor said about his entry, and we are guessing he is super-excited to have saved it as his Eurovision song.

LGR’s Eurovision fanatic, Tony Neophytou said: “Victor is a singer-songwriter with a deep, unique vocal-timbre and a self-penned song which arises from innate feelings, too, with a linear of authenticity and honesty, which could be assets”.

Mr Vernicos strongly believes in the song’s merits, with optimistic remarks about its chances to win. “I think it’s admirable to have a ‘competitive spirit’,” LGR’s reviewer reckons. “The semi-finals are very competitive this year, it’s 100% televoting, a strong staging and a good song helps a lot”.

In Mr Neophytou’s view, “Victor is a likeable artist, very focused with a positive mindset, which bodes well for the song’s fate.”

He released a song “Hope It’s In Heaven” at the age of just 14. Victor was then signed to Royal Music and 25/7 Management. Last year, Victor released his official debut song as a professional artist “Fake Club”.

Victor was taught piano at the age of 4-years-old, vocal (8) and guitar lessons (10) . Victor then went into music production and has been writing his own songs since he was 11. He has been editing the production of his own music and in attendance of Music Technology classes.

You can follow his Eurovision adventure on instagram @victorvernicos.

Greece will compete in the first half of the second semi-final in Liverpool on May 11th. The Top 10 qualifiers are through to the final on May 13th at the M&S Bank Arena.

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

The “voice of the Cypriot countryside”, traditional singer Kyriakou Pelagia died on Saturday at the age of 86, her relatives announced on social media.

Known as Mastorissa, as her colleagues called her for her unique interpretation of Cypriot folk songs, Pelagia had given another dimension to the genre bringing youth closer to folk music.

Government officials, political parties as well as the general public expressed their condolences to the family while praising the Cypriot singer’s voice and character.

“Kyriakou Pelagia was the voice of tradition,” the office of the president-elect Nikos Christodoulides said in a statement.

“[She] was loved by the world like few other traditional singers because of her unique voice, her special interpretation, spontaneity, simplicity and ethics, inspiring and paving the way for younger performers to become involved in traditional Cypriot singing,” the statement added.

In his own tweet, the outgoing president Nicos Anastasiades said Pelagia’s death is a “great loss for the culture of our country”.

“With her voice and the Cypriot folk song, she succeeded in teaching the Cypriot culture to our young people,” he added.

“The Cypriot tradition is poorer as of today,” the Green Party said earlier in the day.

Traditional song performer Michalis Hadjimichael also shared a small farewell poem on Facebook for his former collaborator, highlighting the great loss in the music world.

Born in Paralimni on July 8, 1936, Pelagia was the daughter of the traditional singer Damianos Kouzalis and Maria Koutsoluka who had an appreciation of traditional songs.

The singer is known for her major hits Ipa sou htenistou lion and Pertidji mou mitsostomo, the result of her collaboration with Hadjimichael in his musical group Mesogios.

Pelagia was excellent both in singing but also tsatisma and poetry. In 1987 she published the poetry collection Cypriot Verse.

Her funeral was held at the Ayios Georgios church in Paralimni, presided by Bishop Vasilios of Constantia and Famagusta after people were allowed to pay their respects earlier on Sunday afternoon.

Before the start of the funeral procession, musicians sang the traditional Cypriot song “Ta Niata”. The eulogy was delivered on behalf of the family by her granddaughter, Solia Pelagia, Deputy Minister of Culture Yiannis

Toumazis on behalf of the President of the Republic, the Mayor of Paralimni Theodoros Pyrillis and Michalis Hadjimichael on behalf of the artists’ community.

Also attending were transport minister Yiannis Karousos, Disy leader Averof Neophytou and other officials.

Referring to her grandmother, Solia Pelagia said: “You kept talking to us about your two great loves. One was the house in Varosha. You left my grandmother with the sorrow of not returning to your home. Your other great love, which you talked to us about constantly, was tradition. You loved music very much. You made us proud and with your melodious voice you left us your songs, a huge cultural heritage. You were loved by many people.”

Toumazis described the singer as “a genuine traditional performer” and “the voice of the Cypriot countryside”.

“Kyriakou Pelagia belongs to the category of people who make use of the natural gifts with which they are endowed, but also what they managed to develop during their lives for the benefit of society,” he added.

The procession from the church to the local cemetery in Paralimni was accompanied by violins and lutes. The funeral costs were borne by the municipality to honour the late singer.

She had two sons and a daughter with her husband Georgios.

LGR express their condolences to Kyriakou Pelagia’s family and friends.

Cyprus has confirmed that Andrew Lambrou as the act to represent the nation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 at Liverpool Arena.

The 24-year-old Australian-born Cypriot singer-songwriter was internally selected with the announcement made in October.

Andrew is represented by his New York based Saiko Management.

In a video published on his social media, Andrew said, “(I am) proud of (my) Cypriot heritage roots” and recently made his first-ever promo-tour to Cyprus.

Cypriot chiefs confirmed that Andrew has already recorded the song to represent Cyprus in Stockholm recently.

The Swedish songwriters are well-known in Eurovision circles, namely Thomas Stengaard, Jimmy “Joker” Thornfeldt, Jimmy Jansson and Marcus Winther-John.

It was reported that the song was written to suit Andrew’s vocal and is a rather vocally-demanding song, requiring his full skills as a singer to be on-point.

Lambrou said he is focused on working on the stage craft specifics, aiming to deliver a slick and aesthetically-pleasing act. Meanwhile, Austrian creative director Martin Dietmann, elevates the song’s chances in terms of its stage presentation.

The date for the release of the song has not been announced, leaving fans in eager anticipation.

LGR’s Eurovision fanatic, Tony Neophytou said, “My first reaction is that Andrew seems like a likeable, disciplined and talented soulful-artist, with really nice vocals.”

He added, “He requires a well-made competitive tune, especially given how the stakes are even higher now with purely tele-voting semi-finals shaking things up. It’ll be exciting to follow all of the moments leading up to the contest in Liverpool.”

Born in Sydney to Greek Cypriot parents, Andrew has always been passionate about his music. He learnt piano at school, and at just 5-years-of age he won first place in a competition at his AMS Music School, singing “Do-Re-Mi” from The Sound of Music.

He originally sung his way to relative stardom, covering the likes of Evanescence, Harry Styles, Camilla Cabello and Sam Smith..

In 2015, when Andrew was just 17-years-old, he finished in the top 20 in The X Factor Australia. This included a stop-over in London at the five-seat challenge with his mentor, singing legend, Chris Isaak where he performed in front of music mogul Simon Cowell and pop star Rita Ora.

That same year, he was noticed by Sony ATV and was signed by Maree Hamblion. His debut single, “Throne”, was released in 2021, with follow-up singles “Lemonade”, “Confidence” and “Electrify”.

Lambrou was a finalist at “Eurovision: Australia Decides” last year, equipping the young man with some incredibly useful insights into this competition.

You can follow Andrew on Instagram @andrew_lambrou, where he already boasts almost 500k followers. Andrew was doing impressive TikTok numbers before announcing Eurovision, now at 700k followers and climbing.

Cypriot bosses are keen to recover from the setback of finishing 12th with Andromache last year, narrowly losing its place at the final.

The Cypriot delegation which comprises Evi Papamichail, assistant, Alexia Moutafidou, and its Head of Press Andreas Anastasiou are quietly confident of their chances at reviving Cypriot fortunes, in the competition.

Cyprus is competing in Semi-Final 2 on May 11th and aiming at progression to the final on May 13th at Liverpool Arena.

London Greek Radio wishes Andrew and the Cypriot delegation the best of luck.

Due to the phenomenal success of LGRs Club Nights in 2022, and by popular demand, our first Greekology event in 2023 has been confirmed for Friday 24th February!

Our very own DJ Chris Theoharous will be on the decks from 9pm till 2.30am with the biggest Greek & English hits + confirmed guests on the night: The Lewis Sisters and their dancers and Giorgos Theodorou with live Fusion Greek band!

Join us on the 24th as we party the night away at The Country Club Trent Park in Oakwood.

Head over now to (this link) for your tickets. If you’re really quick, there’s some reduced limited early-bird tickets, which are available whilst stocks last!

So, make sure you’ve got your ticket secured today at lgr.co.uk.

This is a strictly over-18’s night and physical photo ID will be required for entry. Unfortunately, only physical proof of over-18 ID will be accepted.

See you at The Country Club Trent Park for our first Greekology of 2023!

Now don’t leave it too late this time!

LGR, the radio station you can trust, since 1989.

Broadcasting on 103.3 FM in London
On DAB+ (Digital Radio) in Birmingham, London & Manchester
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The seven acts in the running to represent Greece at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 have been revealed.

The acts were shortlisted from 106 entries received by ERT following a request for submissions last year.

The winner will be chosen by a combination of jury panel and audience vote.

The voting is split into (i) a 7-persons jury panel, and (ii), a 70-person ‘Audience Committee’.

2,982 fanatic fans have responded to sit as “audience”, places were allocated through a random draw. The lucky 70 individuals were placed into ‘focus groups’ strictly according to age demographics. Its share of the vote is 50.6%, while jurists, other 49.4%. The “audience” have spoken and cast their verdict at a voting session held last month, in Athens.

Greek bosses are teasing fans about its Eurovision 2024 plans, meanwhile. ERT’s president Konstantinos Zoulas, speaking in December said, “we are planning something more, than a national final or ethnikos telikos, (translated)” for next year.

Take a look at the contenders below.

Antonia Kaouri & Maria Maragkou – “Shout Out!” 
Konstantina Iosifidou – “We are Young”
Klavdia – “Holy Water”
Leon of Athens – “Somewhere to Go”
Melissa Mantzoukis – “Liar” 
Monika – “I’ m Proud”
Victor Vernicos – “What They Say”

Updated: 19/01/2023 (Top 3 finalists) 

Antonia Kaouri & Maria Maragkou, Melissa Mantzoukis, Victor Vernicos 

Antonia Kaouri and Maria Maragkou’s entry is an English-language ‘up-tempo pop-rock’ song. Antonia is a former Voice of Greece act and Maria, a Greek actress.

Konstantina Iosifidou is a 22-year-old, former contestant on The Voice of Greece. “We Are Young” is an English-language ‘rock-pop ballad’.

Klavdia, is a newcomer artist and a former contestant, on The Voice of Greece. “Holy Water” is a ‘slow, melodic ballad’, with a social-conscience lyric. She’s working with Arcade, a team of music producers, who as co-writers of Greece’s entry in 2021, have Eurovision pedigree, too.

Leon of Athens is a recording artist and songwriter. The entry here is ‘up-tempo’ 80’s synth pop. He worked on the final version of this song, with singer and songwriter David Sneddon, who he co-wrote “Better Love” (Greece, 2019), with too. He co-writes it with Katerine Duska. Their latest single/duet “Babel” is a radio-friendly hit, on LGR.

Melissa Mantzoukis, 18-year-old German-Greek singer, she was a finalist on the “Deutschland sucht den Superstar” the German equivalent to Pop Idol. It is a mainstream song, which is ‘up-tempo pop-dance’ about female empowerment. The songwriters from Greece and the Netherlands.

Monika – real name Monica Christodoulou, is a singer-songwriter . Monika wrote the original soundtrack to “The Lost Daughter” recently, which means she is causing waves on the world-stage, too. “I’m Proud”, is ‘melodic’ and ‘mid-tempo’.

Victor Vernicos is a part-Danish/Greek singer-songwriter. The song is a ‘mid-tempo ballad’ and ’emotional’, about human stress and anxiety. Victor’s unique vocal timbre may be an asset, too. At just 16-years-old, Victor shows a lot of maturity.

Greek bosses will meet with artists and representatives from their record labels to assess their plans, before finalising their scores. As in recent years, the record label’s plans for Eurovision have been an important part of the final decision.

The Eurovision semi-finals are airing on 9th and 11th May and the grand final is on May 13th at Liverpool Arena.

Published: 22/01/2023

LGR Club Nights returns on Saturday the 17th of December for a Christmas Special at the Country Club Trent Park.

We are hosting a spectacular Christmas party on Saturday 17th December featuring DJ Andreas Michaelides mixing Greek & English hits, including the best Modern Laika, Greek Club, Greek Classics and Zeimbekika alongside all the biggest LGR hits of the decade.

So make sure you’ve got your ticket secured today (via) the link here.

This is a strictly over-18’s night and physical photo ID will be required for entry. Unfortunately, only physical proof of over-18 ID will be accepted.

LGR’s Christmas Greekology Club Night at The Country Club, Trent Park N14 on Saturday 17th December.

LGR, the radio station you can trust, since 1989.

London Greek Radio Top 40 Songs.

The definitive Chart rundown this month October 2022.

This months biggest, most in demand hit songs.

1 Giorgos Mazonakis feat. Arash – Tora Tora (Boro Boro)
2 Konstantinos Argiros – Afou Se Vrika De S’ Afino
3 Nikos Vertis – Zise
4 Ilias Vrettos – Os To Apeiro
5 Konstantinos Argiros feat. Light – Iliovasilema
6 Panos Kiamos – Tha Me Zitas (Tha Apousiazo)
7 Katy Garbi feat. Thodoris Ferris – Ola Sta Katalogizo
8 Dimos Anastasiades – S’ Agapao Akoma
9 Giorgos Kakosaios – Kane Mas Tin Hari
10 Nikos Oikonomopoulos – Oso Tipota Se Thelo

11 Giorgos Papadopoulos & Elkana Marziano – Katalaveno (Katn Alenu)
12 Petros Iakovidis – Odos Tsimiski
13 Giorgos Sabanis – Gennimeni
14 Konstantinos Argiros – Eleftheros
15 Anastasia – Ligo Ligo
16 Josephine – Kyma Mou
17 Eleni Foureira x Dj Bobito (Ft. Ayman) – El Telephone
18 Anna Vissi feat. Daphne Lawrence – Aima
19 Nikos Makropoulos – Den Pierazi [NEW]
20 Ivi Adamou – Agoraki Mou

21 Josephine – Tilefono
22 Helena Paparizou x Antique – Ti Ti (+ TimeSwap Remix)
23 Katerina Liolou – Mi Rotas Tous Allous
24 Nikiforos – Pes Mou Pou Tha Me Pas [NEW]
25 Petros Iakovidis – Esena Mono [NEW]
26 Christos Mastoras – Ego Gia Dyo (20 Hronia Eleana Vrachali, Paidi Diko Sou) [NEW]
27 Stamatis Gonidis – Esy Rotas
28 Nikos Apergis & Malu – Poso Poso [NEW]
29 Michalis Hatzigiannis – Esi Ise Pano Ap’ Ola [NEW]
30 Helena Paparizou x Marseaux x Joanne – Katse Kala (Arcade Remake) [NEW]

31 Triantafyllos – Se Pairno Gia Na Sou Po
32 Aspa – Ela [NEW]
33 Morfoula – Esena Mono
34 Giorgos Sabanis – Poios Ticheros [NEW]
35 Ivi Adamou – Rikse Mou [NEW]
36 Natasa Theodoridou – Den Ntrapikes
37 Vasilis Karras feat. Giorgos Kakosaios – Foitites
38 Josephine – Pirkaya [NEW]
39 Nafsika – Misi Kardia [NEW]
40 Panos Psaltis – Tha Vreis Pollous

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A charity song has been recorded for Radiomarathon 2022, the annual children in need appeal in Cyprus.

The song, ‘I Leoforos Tis Zois’ is sung by Andros Andreou, with music by Stalo Georgiou and its lyrics by Vasilis Panayi, a presenter and producer at London Greek Radio.

Its musicians are Antonis Maestros, Nektarios Kouris (violin), Andros Andreou, Nektarios Kouris (lute), Andros Andreou (guitar), and Savvas Ignatius (piano).

The track was recently produced at Efthivoulos Theocharous Music Productions and its official music video was released earlier this month.

A Radiomarathon Centre is located in Enfield, North London, which helps young adults and children with learning difficulties, which has been supported by LGR over the years, in its fundraising activities.

For further information about the centre and its activities, radiomarathon.co.uk.

To find out more about Radiomarathon in Cyprus, head over to radiomarathonios.org.

LGR, the radio station you can trust, since 1989.

London Greek Radio Top 40 Songs.

The definitive Chart rundown this month September 2022.

This month’s biggest, most in demand hit songs.

1 Giorgos Mazonakis feat. Arash – Tora Tora (Boro Boro)
2 Panos Kiamos – Tha Me Zitas (Tha Apousiazo)
3 Nikos Vertis – Zise
4 Ilias Vrettos – Os To Apeiro 
5 Nikos Oikonomopoulos – Oso Tipota Se Thelo
6 Giorgos Sabanis – Gennimeni
7 Katy Garbi feat. Thodoris Ferris – Ola Sta Katalogizo 
8 Dimos Anastasiades – S’ Agapao Akoma
9 Konstantinos Argiros feat. Light – Iliovasilema
10 Giorgos Papadopoulos & Elkana Marziano – Katalaveno (Katn Alenu)

11 Eleni Foureira x Dj Bobito (Ft. Ayman) – El Telephone
12 Petros Iakovidis – Odos Tsimiski 
13 Despina Vandi – Ta Kalokairia Mou Misa
14 Konstantinos Argiros – Eleftheros 
15 Melisses – Gia Mena Vradiase 
16 Josephine – Kyma Mou
17 Giorgos Kakosaios – Kane Mas Tin Hari 
18 Anna Vissi feat. Daphne Lawrence – Aima
19 Nikos Makropoulos – Eho Erota Mazi Sou 
20 Ivi Adamou – Gia Sena 

21 Josephine – Tilefono
22 Helena Paparizou x Antique – Ti Ti (+ TimeSwap Remix)
23 Giorgos Livanis feat. Ayman – Sentoni 
24 Nikos Oikonomopoulos – Pali Gyrisa
25 Anastasia – Ligo Ligo
26 Stelios Rokkos & Ivi Adamou – Emeis [NEW]
27 Stamatis Gonidis – Esy Rotas
28 Konstantinos Argiros – Afou Se Vrika De S’ Afino [NEW]
29 Vasilis Karras feat. Giorgos Kakosaios – Foitites
30 Panos Psaltis – Tha Vreis Pollous 

31 Triantafyllos – Se Pairno Gia Na Sou Po
32 Aspa x Mad Clip – Oh No 
33 Morfoula – Esena Mono
34 Panos Kalidis – Vale Ta Kala Sou
35 Giannis Ploutarhos – Pos Tin Eheis Dei 
36 Natasa Theodoridou – Den Ntrapikes 
37 Katerina Liolou – Mi Rotas Tous Allous
38 Michalis Hatzigiannis & Tamta – Ekdromi
39 Ivi Adamou – Agoraki Mou
40 Nikos Apergis – Den Agapane Etsi

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website: lgr.co.uk
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