CYPRUS
Cyprus Returns to Junior Eurovision with ‘Crystal Waters’ by 11-Year-Old Maria Pissarides
Cyprus is thrilled to announce its exciting return to the Junior Eurovision Song Contest after seven years, represented by 11-year-old Maria Pissarides and her dynamic, rhythmic pop song ‘Crystal Waters’. Written and composed by singer-songwriter Sophia Patsalides (Cyprus’ Junior Eurovision 2014 representative), alongside Swedish producer Armin Highmøre Gilani and Maria Pissarides herself.
‘Crystal Waters’ is an energetic, feel-good song that highlights the beauty of nature and the power of friendship. ‘Crystal Waters’ blends upbeat rhythms with a catchy dance tune. With imagery of the sun, clear blue seas, and a strong sense of unity, the song encourages listeners to cherish both their friendships and the world around them. ‘Crystal Waters’ is a celebration of harmony, joy, and the strength found in togetherness. Its vibrant energy and rhythmic pop sound are certain to resonate with young audiences across Europe.
Maria Pissarides, with her bright and lively vocals, brings this rhythmic song to life, making it an unforgettable track. The song marks Cyprus’ 10th entry in the Junior Eurovision, and it has already surpassed 100,000 views on YouTube, winning the hearts of young and mature across Europe with its irresistible beat.
“We invite you to support Maria Pissarides’ participation and Cyprus’ return to Junior Eurovision.” (CyBC)
The competition will take place on Saturday, 16 November 2024 and the Cyprus entry is song #5. The Live Show starts at 17:00 GMT or 18:00 CET. You can watch the live show on the #JESC YouTube channel.
All viewers in participating and non-participating countries alike can vote using the official Eurovision App or go directly to JESC.tv. Both App and website will provide the correct voting method for all eligible countries automatically.
There will be two rounds of voting for you to take part in:
Vote 1: Online Voting will open at 20:00 GMT on Friday, 15 November 2024 and close on Saturday 16 November 2024 at 16:59 GMT, just before the live show starts. In order to be able to vote, voters need to watch a recap compilation from the rehearsal, and also have the possibility to watch preview videos of the participating songs.
Vote 2: Online Voting will open after the last song has been performed during the live show. Voting will close approximately 15 minutes after. Voters will vote on the basis of the songs as performed during the live show.
London Greek Radio wishes Cyprus and Maria Pissarides the best of luck at the competition.
Article written by London Greek Radio
TODAY Cypriots from the London community will mark the tragic day with a pro-reunification rally at 43 Belgrave Square at 6.30pm in the evening. This event is organised by the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK who represent a number of associations within the wider Cypriot community in this country.
Nepomak UK a group connecting young Cypriots on a talk show on LGR this week told listeners, “There’s a sense of community and Cypriot unity within Cypriot Greeks, Turkish, Armenian ethnicities in London.” This sense of reality is the thing to “inspire Cypriots” to resolve the long-protracted Cyprus problem the team added.
The “Cypriot youth” could well serve as the catalyst that eventually arrives at a “solution” said Constantine Alexandrou, honorary Vice-President at Nepomak UK. The Republic of Cyprus points to existing U.N. resolutions that the island reunifies under a federal umbrella with a central government in Nicosia.
On July 20, 1974 at 5:30am, Turkish troops landed on the Republic of Cyprus’ coast five miles off Kyrenia. Since that day, nothing on the island has ever been the same.
Every year since, on the anniversary of the invasion, sirens have blared out over the Republic, recalling the moment Turkish troops invaded.
In 1974, approximately 40,000 Turkish troops under the command of Lieutenant Nurettin Ersin implemented their invasion plan, code-named ‘Attila’, illegally invading the island in violation of the UN Security Council Charter.
Turkey still illegally occupies 37 per cent of Cyprus’ territory.
Turkish troops invaded Cyprus on July 20, 1974, five days after the legal government of the late Archbishop Makarios III was toppled by a military coup, engineered by the military junta then ruling Greece. Two unproductive conferences in Geneva followed; the first between Britain, Greece and Turkey and the second with the additional attendance of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot representatives. Three weeks after the ceasefire of July 22, and despite the fact that talks were still being held and just as an agreement seemed about to be reached, the Turkish army mounted a second full-scale offensive. As a result, Turkey increased its hold to include the booming tourist resort of Famagusta in the east and the rich citrus-growing area of Morphou in the west.
All in all, almost 37% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus came under Turkish military occupation. Nearly one-third of the population, some 200,000 Greek Cypriots, were forcibly uprooted from their homes and properties, thousands were killed during the hostilities, over 1,000 persons were listed as missing while thousands of Greek Cypriots and Maronites remained enclaved.
Numerous UN resolutions have demanded respect to the independence, unity and territorial integrity of Cyprus, the return of the displaced to their homes, and the withdrawal of foreign troops from the island, but all resolutions have been ignored by Turkey.
For five decades, Cyprus has been one of the most troublesome problems faced by the United Nations. There have been countless attempts to reunite this island. However, efforts have been at a dead end since the last round of United Nations sponsored talks failed in 2017.
Attempting to break the impasse, an envoy for U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres began exploring contacts on Cyprus earlier this year.
Maria Angela Holguin’s mandate to explore the recommencement of negotiations, saw her embark on intensive shuttle tours of Cyprus, Europe and the region to gauge opinion. Nevertheless, her efforts failed to gain momentum.
‘It’s important to steer away from solutions that have created unfulfilled expectations in the past and actually led to more disagreement and disappointments’, Holguin said in an open letter last week. She urged people to think differently, saying a common future would bring about great opportunities for all Cypriots.
In a long and often emotional letter, she urged Cypriots to ‘overcome the history of pain’.
The Cyprus problem is complicated and covers a range of critical issues including security, property, refugees, settlers, the economy and the constitution.
50 years on from the most tragic page in the Republic of Cyprus’ history, at 5:30am the war sirens rang around the island once more.
Article written by London Greek Radio
The Cyprus Week at Theatro Technis at 26 Crowndale, starts today. The 6-day free event which runs until 20th July, celebrates the talent and creativity of Cypriot and Greek artists.
The arts venue is founded by George Eugeniou in 1957, he is the Artistic Director, with the help of Kerry Kyriacos Michael MBE as its Creative Director.
Cyprus Week has taken place at Theatro Technis for over 55 years, created originally as a cultural response by Cypriots in London to events in the 50’s, and renewed again with greater intensity after the Greek Junta Coup and Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974.
Monday 15th July at 6.30pm Raising the flags of Cyprus and EU. Speech by George Eugeniou the Founder / Artistic Director of Theatro Technis, remembering the events of 1974.
7pm – Screening of “From Camden to Enfield – A Cypriot Migration Story” by Athena Mandis.
A film looking at the migration across London of North London Greek Cypriots, and how they built a community.
For full coverage check out Theatro Technis.
All events are free and you are encouraged to book via the link.
Article written by London Greek Radio
Tonight Cyprus compete at the Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Final 1, which airs at 8pm BST. The song, which will be performed by 17-year-old Australian born Cypriot-Greek rising star Silia Kapsis, will be flying the flag high at Malmö with “Liar”.
Cyprus have a couple of acts, one from 2018, namely Eleni Foureira she will sing a minute-version to “Fuego” opening the semi-finals this year. The current Cypriot act Silia will be immediately on next, song #1!
CyBC made the official announcement last September with Kapsis’ song written by Greek songwriter, composer, and producer Dimitris Kontopoulos, well-known in Eurovision circles. He also collaborates on the track with lyricist Elke Tiel.
The up-tempo Cypriot entry “Liar” is a dance-pop banger, addressing themes of misplaced trust, deception, self-worth, and truth in a world of fake news and lies.
A well-made, radio-friendly and catchy Eurovision number, it is a bombastic production with nice brass elements; the song’s intro siren captures the attention. It ebbs and flows with the punchier bass and a climatic dance break is a strong dynamic to the track.
Silia is a super-talented singer, dancer, and actress, making up a solid Eurovision entrant and will be very promising for Cyprus’ chances. The CyBC hierarchy believe that the singer is the perfect entrant for this year’s contest.
Cyprus has big ambitions for this year’s contest, bringing on board renowned choreographers Kelly Sweeney and Guy Groove including Cypriot creative Charis Savvas.
Cyprus’ official music video “Liar”, the country’s Eurovision promo for this year’s contest, was released on 29th February. Silia is the star of the music video directed by Kostas Karydas, filmed at the City of Dreams Mediterranean hotel in Limassol. It teases her strength as a skillful mover, for the much more elaborate stage routine later at the contest for this song.
The self-aware nods to Silia and her “Liar”, through lyrics “Shoulda known that you are a liar, but I looked the other way”, is coupled with a fearless look, she’s got the sass and power to live her truth.
The CyBC Eurovision page explains the concept. “In the said video… we see through the eyes of Silia Kapsis a series of oppressive situations that a fake world and the negative side of social media often impose. In the second part of the music video, we see Silia Kapsis reacting to these situations, rocking the boat and daring to live her truth while at the same time inspiring others to follow her in a celebration of liberating oneself from such lies.”
LGR’s ‘Eurovision fanatic’ Tony Neo said: “Silia is a likeable soul and a promising act. She is a youthful, exuberant, exciting, and emphatic lively dancer. She’s skillful at urban street dance which is current and now. The hints from her music video to Liar suggest she possesses the skills-set and assets which an energetic Eurovision song requires. Her stage presence and charisma which no doubt help to elevate this song. We’ve been following Silia since last year and we are excited to finally hear the song!”
Silia is simultaneously singing and dancing and her four dancers are all Danish with Theo B. Koefoed, Thomas Hegnet, Sebastian Laurentius Nielsen and Martin Daugaard. The stage concept is imagined by Guy Groove and Kelly Sweeney, while Charis Savvas is in charge of the rehearsal in Athens. Her vocal coach is Victoria Chalkitis, known to work with artists for the big occasion.
Cyprus‘s staging is of well-known Eurovision Creative Director Dan Shipman of Black Skull Creative working alongside Martin Dietmann.
“I have my fingers crossed for the song’s chances. It feels as though a visually captivating treat is on-the cards,” Mr. Neophytou says.
Cyprus competes in Semi-Final 1 at Malmö Arena on Tuesday night the 7th of May at 8pm on BBC 1. Silia performs in slot #1 in the running order of 15.
The Eurovision Final takes place on Saturday 11th May, on BBC 1 and London Greek Radio wishes Silia and Cyprus the very best of luck in the competition.
Btw, UK is tele-voting nudge, nudge, wink, wink… not that we’re hinting don’t you know 😉 🇨🇾
Follow Silia Kapsis on instagram at: @silia_kapsis.
Article written by Tony Neophytou
As Eurovision season gears up, Cyprus have finally revealed the song title for their upcoming entry at this year’s contest. The song, which will be performed by 17-year-old Australian born rising star Silia Kapsis, will be flying the flag high at Malmö with “Liar”.
Vasiliki ‘Silia’ Kapsis was born in Sydney to Cypriot singer Giorgos Kapsis and Greek lawyer and former dancer Despina “Rebecca” Saivanidis from Thessaloniki.
CyBC made the official announcement on 25th September 2023 by stipulating Silia Kapsis’ song is written by Dimitris Kontopoulos, a Greek songwriter, composer, and producer, well-known in Eurovision circles. He also collaborates on the track with lyricist Elke Tiel.
The up-tempo Cypriot entry “Liar” is being teased as a dance-pop banger, addressing themes of misplaced trust, deception, self-worth, and truth in a world of fake news and lies.
Silia is a super-talented singer, dancer, and actress, making up a solid Eurovision entrant and will be very promising for Cyprus’ chances. The CyBC hierarchy believe that the singer is the perfect entrant for this years contest.
Cypriot chiefs confirmed choreographers Kelly Sweeney and Guy Groove shall be crafting the lively choreography. The involvement of the Los Angeles creatives highlights their ambition to impress at the competition.
Kelly Sweeney is a professional dancer and choreographer with an impressive track record of collaborations. She was lead choreographer for NBC’s Dancing with Myself with Shakira, Nick Jonas, and Liza Koshy, Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance and ABC’s Dancing With the Stars, and for the Troll Movie by Dreamworks.
Guy Groove is a professional choreographer, dancer, teacher and creative director whose acclaimed career includes TV shows such as The Middle, The Goldbergs and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. He has also choreographed for Nickelodeon’s JoJo Siwa, and worked on The Kids Choice Awards, Slime Fest, Halo Awards, Live with Kelly and Ryan, and many other major performances for major shows.
Meanwhile, Silia has recently flown to Los Angeles for the first rehearsals. This month, she arrived in Cyprus to shoot the video clip for her official Eurovision “Liar” song. The music video, directed by Kostas Karydas, was filmed in Limassol during her location at the City of Dreams Mediterranean hotel. Elsewhere, SIlia will be back in Athens to step up the rehearsals, with vocal coach Victoria Halkiti.
Adding to the excitement, Silia has recorded the final version of her Eurovision song. The date for the release of the song has not yet been specified for listeners, but it leaves fans in eager anticipation.
LGR’s ‘Eurovision fanatic’ Tony Neophytou said: “In Silia we have a likeable soul and a promising act. Without knowing the song just yet, we know that Silia is a youthful, exuberant, energetic, emphatic, lively dancer, these traits which help the upbeat song. Her Tik Tok videos are next level, she’s skilful at the urban street dance which is current and very now. Silia impresses with the skills-set and assets which a Eurovision song requires. It’s all positive vibes, we’ve been following the young Silia since last year, and are excited to hear the song!”
“The all singing-dancing combo, Silia has the potential to bring her x-factor stage craft to this act.
“I have my fingers crossed it will be a strong pop tune, that is dynamic and edgy enough to do very well. Eurovision competitive song-wise. It feels as though a visually captivating treat is on-the cards,” Mr. Neophytou says.
I’d like to say on-air: Silvia Kapsis’ super-slick staging helps to elevate our Cypriot “Liar” on the Eurovision stage.”
Cyprus has a lot of potential with the creative package they’ve got which bodes well for Cypriot chances for sure.
Follow Silia Kapsis on instagram at: @silia_kapsis.
Cyprus competes in Eurovision Semi-Final 1, on Tuesday 9th May at 8pm GMT. The Top 10 are tele-voted through to the Final on Saturday 14th May at the Malmö Arena in Sweden.
London Greek Radio wish Silia Kapsis and Cyprus the very best of luck in the competition.
Picture: 📸 @monseeworld
February 2024
Cyprus confirms Silia Kapsis as Eurovision 2024 Singer (ARTICLE)
Article written by Tony Neophytou
Cyprus has confirmed that rising star 16-year-old Australian Cypriot singer Silia Kapsis will be the Cypriot representative for the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest held in Sweden.
Cypriot broadcaster CyBC made the official announcement on 25th September by stipulating Silia Kapsis’ song is written by Dimitris Kontopoulos, a Greek songwriter, composer and producer, well-known in Eurovision circles.
Australia’s Cypriot diaspora will be responsible for the talent for two years in a row, following in the footsteps of Andrew Lambrou, whose entry, ‘Don’t Break a Broken Heart‘ finished 12th at the contest this year.
Silvia is a multi-talented singer, dancer, actress and TV presenter. Her CV looks impressive.
The Eurovision song has been described as an ‘up-tempo dance banger’.
CyBC chiefs felt that the Australian-born Greek and Cypriot singer was right for next year’s contest as the up-tempo song compliments Silia’s full skills-set as stage-performance person.
Cypriot bosses having firmly nailed their colours to the mast, are confident about their chances and believe she is the complete package as a Eurovision entrant.
Silia, who will be 17 by the time of the contest in May, is fresh, youthful, contemporary and her multi-talented skills have the potential to do well for Cyprus at the contest next year.
Next year will mark 20 years since a British Cypriot diaspora act, 16-year-old Lisa Andreas who performed the ballad ‘Stronger Every Minute‘ at Eurovision, finished 5th for Cyprus. With Cyprus’ successful history with diaspora acts, we at LGR think that this could be a good omen as Silvia embarks on her Eurovision journey.
Vasiliki ‘Silia’ Kapsis was born in Sydney to Cypriot singer Giorgos Kapsis and Greek lawyer and former dancer Despina “Rebecca” Saivanidis from Thessaloniki.
Details about her song will be released at a later date.
“Silia is a singer of Cypriot and Greek descent, born and raised in Sydney, Australia. She has been performing since the age of 4, and has had extensive training with elite artists at the top of their respective fields.”
“Silia has been awarded numerous accolades, including the Bobby McCloughan Creative Arts Award (130 Anniversary Award) at Claremont College, The St Vincent’s College Madame Christian Scholarship for Singing and more recently, been a recipient of the Village Nation Performing Arts College Scholarship for an all-round triple threat performer.”
“As a singer. Silia has been the lead singer for the Australian Youth Performing Arts Company (AYPAC) and recurrent lead singer at numerous high-profile events worldwide, including being the solo performer for Hollywood Star, Alex Russell at his exclusive 30th Birthday Event in Los Angeles.”
“Performing however, was just the beginning. Her love for music flourished into releasing her debut song, Who Am I?, which she primarily wrote and composed at the age of 12. Silia then went on to release her second song, ‘No Boys Allowed‘ in March 2023 with her latest song, ‘Disco Dancer‘ being released in May 2023. Her next single ‘Night Out’ is set to release on November 2023.”
“As a dancer. Silia has danced with world-renowned choreographers, performing in their global dance showcases in Australia and the USA, was selected for the ImmaBeast Dance Company in Los Angeles, danced with Stephen tWitch Boss on the Jennifer Hudson Show and was featured in a dance documentary produced by Taboo from the Black-Eyed Peas. Throughout her dance career, Silia has also been awarded numerous awards and scholarships including the prestigious BuildaBeast 2019 Sydney Scholarship.”
“As an Actor. Silia was cast as the lead role, Zoe, in her debut short film, Pearly Gates, has worked on various television projects for Nickelodeon. More recently, Silia has been one of Nickelodeon’s regular Nick News Hosts, which saw her team get nominated for a Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Award in 2023.”
The Eurovision Final will take place at the Malmö Arena on Saturday 11th May with Semi-Finals on Tuesday 7th and Thursday 9th May.
London Greek Radio wish Silia Kapsis and Cyprus the very best of luck in the competition.
Picture: 📸 @monseeworld
October 2023
Article written by London Greek Radio
Well done Andrew Lambrou came a highly respectable 12th out of 26 countries at the Eurovision Song Conest final at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, on Saturday night, the 13th of May 2023.
The Cypriot artist has written himself into Eurovision immortality, with one of the best Cypriot results in the event.
Cyprus broadcaster CyBC confirmed that up-and-coming Cypriot Australian star Andrew Lambrou would fly the flag at the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool last year.
After weeks of teasing the world with only the singer and a snippet, “Break a Broken Heart”, the Cyprus Eurovision entry by Mr Lambrou was finally released.
We were promised a strong mid-tempo song and Andrew has certainly lived up to that script, releasing his Eurovision music video for “Break a Broken Heart” in March.
The Cypriot song is certainly catchy and a radio friendly number, which has already entered London Greek Radio playlists.
Born in Sydney to Greek Cypriot parents, Andrew learnt piano, and at 5-years-of age he won 1st place in a school competition. 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 stopover 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. Since then, he has released a string of singles, “Throne”, “Lemonade”, “Confidence” and “Electrify”.
Next stop, Liverpool. Tony Neophytou caught up with Andrew Lambrou while in between soundchecks and tours of the press circuit at the arena.
Q. You’ve finally made it to Liverpool, and you’ve been rehearsing on the stage, it must be a special feeling, right?
A. Yeah, it really is. It’s so special, to be finally on the stage and to see what it all looks like has been mind-blowing for me. And there is so much anticipation when it comes to Eurovision. Such a build-up and so to finally get up on stage… I could picture it; I could picture all the people in the crowd. And I could picture what I will all feel like special and mind-blowing.
Cyprus will be staged with the help of Austrian artistic director Marvin Dietmann and Ross Nicholson from London’s world-renowned directors Black Skull. The involvement of the Austrian and British creatives highlights the Cypriot ambition to impress at this competition.
A. Yeah, sure did, Marvin and Russ are absolutely amazing at what they do, and I really feel like I’m working with the best in the world and that’s something really encouraging for me for an artist to feel that support, to feel that level of expertise on the team. I can’t fault a single thing that Marvin and Russ they know what they’re doing and for me that’s extremely special because I know I am in great hands.
Q. The Cypriot entry ebbs and flows constantly with a built-up, excitement throughout the song. The visuals are matching the growth and dynamics and elevates the song’s strengths and it culminates with fire-lit stage!…
A. Yeah for sure, I really wanted to build when it comes to the song, I want the end to have built up to a point where it is just the big explosion at the end you know, and I’m really proud of the song and I’m excited to get on stage and deliver that for everybody. The most important things for me are the ability to connect to the song. I want people to feel what I am singing. I want people to feel the lyrics, the passion coming out of my body through the tv screens, to the people in the arena. And if I can execute that plan than I’m over the moon.
Q. “Break a Broken Heart”, why was this the song which spoke to you?
A. It is a big decision when it comes to a Eurovision song, I wanted it to be something authentic. I wanted it to be something I could relate to personally. Because I feel that really shines through on stage and I want people to connect to it. And the song has such a great impact for me it did anyway. When I first heard it and I heard that big Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh… note at the start, it just captivated me. And I said ok, what is this song, and then I just wanted to listen to it more and more after that. So when it comes to Eurovision there are so many fans who keep up to date with what’s happening in the Eurovision world, but there are many people who tune in and don’t actually listen to the songs beforehand. They are just ready to watch the show. So, for me I wanted it to grab you quickly and I feel that this song did that for me, so the goal was to do that for the people at home.
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.
Q. Impressive vocals Andrew, did you want a song that would actually stretch you vocally?
A. Yes, I did. I wanted a song’s that gonna be impactful and to show what I am capable of on the biggest stage on the world. Although it might be a bit daunting with such a big vocal. I have really worked as hard as I can to make this song really comfortable myself and I feel comfortable at this point, which is great.
Andrew Lambrou delivers an impassioned vocal performance that gives voice to anyone who has felt like at the lowest point. Because of a break-up and lyrics speak of perseverance and strength developed through strength.
The vocals are on-point and sung with emotional intensity and sincerity.
A. Yeah, thank you so much that’s probably one of the greatest compliments I have gotten so far, and people are really loving my vocals, and that all comes down to how hard I’ve been working and practicing this song and feeling as comfortable as I possibly can. It’s just trying to compliment the visuals with the audio.
Q. What is the ambition, Andrew? It’s your 25th birthday in May, what would be a lovely birthday gift, qualification, I am guessing reaching the final? I am sure you will do just fine; you won’t be breaking Cyprus hearts (to coin a phrase).
A. (Laughs) 100% correct that would be the ultimate birthday gifts for me, I don’t think anyone has to get me birthday gifts for the rest of my life after that (laughs).
Q. I’ve been following your Eurovision journey for quite some time, with Australia Decides 2022, looking back on it, do you think that gives you much needed Eurovision experience?
A. Yeah, I believe everything happens for a reason and to introduce me to the Eurovision world and going on to the stage it gave me some experience and it also taught me a few lessons too and now that I am fortunate enough to be in this position now, I am using all the knowledge I’ve got from the past into play now.
Q. There is a minor tradition with diaspora artists in Eurovision, such as Lisa Andreas and Andy Paul, former UK Cypriot acts of past Eurovision editions. What was the reaction from fellow Australians and Aussie Cypriot diaspora to your act?
A. It’s been fantastic, I can’t really complain at all. The love and support I’ve been getting over in Australia from the Greek Cypriot community has been something giving me so much motivation, so I am a very happy man with a big smile on my face. I can’t wait to make as many people as proud as I can.
Q. Was time taken aside for Greek Easter, amidst the rehearsals…
A. I had a typical Greek Orthodox Easter making flaounes and pafkia which is a version of flaouna with meat inside it that only comes from Paphos where my grandparents come from in Cyprus. So, we kept with the traditions, and we went and saw some family and it was really great just to unwind and to forget about things for a minute, and just to spend time with loved ones.
I can see from Instagram you were ‘baking’ flaounas, in terms of keeping up with tradition and culture I heard you love modern Greek music, Laika and zeimbekika…?
A. That’s for sure, at any event you can see me dancing the kalamatiano to all the classics and I’m not as good as my dad at doing the zeimbekiko that’s for sure. My dad is the professional but I’m trying to follow in his footsteps.
Q. What do you think about before a performance?
A. For me it’s about staying calm. To stay calm I think about what is important to me. I think about things outside the Eurovision world, I think about my family, my loved ones, my passion for music, and grateful I am to be here right now. I’d like to take a deep breath and understand I’m here to do what I like to do. So that’s my goal, my little ritual beforehand. It’s all about staying calm for me.
Q. Post-Eurovision, any thoughts…
A. I want to travel, and I want to release more music…
Thank you, Andrew Lambrou and the best of luck, to you and the Cypriot delegation.
The Cypriot star absolutely smashed that performance, absolutely fair play to him!
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.
May 2023
Article written by Tony Neophytou
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.
Article written by Jean Christou, Gina Agapiou, Cyprus Mail, London Greek Radio
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.
Article written by Tony Neophytou
Cyprus clinched 16th place among 72 countries in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham earlier this month, winning 11 medals – two gold, three silver and six bronze.
The Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades took to Twitter congratulating Cyprus’ team medal haul, saying “Congratulations to our athletes for their excellent achievements and the 11 medals at the Commonwealth Games. Allow me to make a special reference to our ‘golden’ Elias Georgiou & Giorgos Balarsjishvili who raised our country to the highest podium.”
The Cyprus News Agency described Cyprus’ performance as “very satisfactory”, especially in view of the fact that there were no shooting events in Birmingham, where Cyprus had excelled at previous Commonwealth Games.
Georgios Balarjishvili won the gold in judo in the 66kg category, and Elias Georgiou also won the gold medal in gymnastics.
Anna Sokolova secured two silver medals in rhythmic gymnastics, and Sokratis Pilakouris one silver in gymnastics.
The six bronze medals were won by Alexandros Poursanidis in the hammer throw, Anna Sokolova in rhythmic gymnastics, plus the men’s gymnastics team (Marios Georgiou, Elias Georgiou, Georgios Angonas, Sokratis Pilakouris and Michalis Chari), also won bronze, and three bronze medals were won too by Marios Georgiou in gymnastics.
Team head Giorgos Papageorgiou told CNA that the team had achieved their target with the medals haul. Papageorgiou expressed great satisfaction saying that “a small island of one million population has managed to take 16th place among 72 countries, with 11 medals, two gold, three silver and six bronze.”
The Cypriot team celebrated their first ever Bronze medal, with a Cypriot-style feast at Birmingham-run Kouzina Greek.
Paul Polyviou, owner of Kouzina Greek, said: “It was an honour to welcome the Cyprus team to Kouzina and give them a taste of home here in Birmingham. It was an incredibly proud moment for Cyprus to win their first Bronze medal and I’m delighted that we were able to help them celebrate this momentous occasion”.
Cyprus has competed in ten previous Commonwealth Games, making their first appearance in 1978, and missing only one Games since, in 1986.
Birmingham handed over the Commonwealth Games mantle to the 2026 host, Melbourne.
Article written by London Greek Radio
