CYPRUS
With the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 tonight, singer Andromache missed out on the chance to represent Cyprus in this year’s final at the weekend.
All eyes were on the Greek girl on Thursday night as 2022’s entry took to the stage singing “Ela” in the second of this year’s semi-finals.
The 27-year-old newcomer’s full name is Andromachi Dimitropoulou and she was born in Germany and raised in Ilia, Greece.
Andromache was hoping to follow in the footsteps of Elena Tsagrinou, Tamta, and Eleni Foureira whose results helped Cyprus to consecutive finals, from 2015 to 2021.
Qualifying for the final at Cyprus’ expense was Belgium, Czech Republic, Azerbaijan, Poland, Finland, Estonia, Australia, Sweden, Romania and Serbia.
Cypriot bosses stuck to the formulae, of internally picking a singer and song-package with Andromache mixing traditional Greek folk and Byzantine, with modern music.
The track is an ethno song that embellishes the instrument of bouzouki and the flute which blends into the ensemble, giving this track a more modernised touch, mixing old and new.
The percussions and the bouzouki add some magical reverie to the song.
LGR’s Eurovision fanatic said, “When I first heard this it felt hypnotising and catchy enough, with its nice melodic embellishments.”
“This is a really good radio song which has soared to top of London Greek Radio play-lists, in recent weeks”.
“On reflection Cyprus is a radio friendly song, perhaps it requires other elements translating it to the stage. It is a lovely tune, chilled and laidback, with maybe its lack of a build-up holding it back as a Eurovision competitive song entry,” Mr Neophytou commented.
Tony Neophytou furthermore said, “I don’t know, maybe she felt nervous at first verse, and gradually felt more in her stride and composure at the Greek choruses. She grew in confidence, and smiles, as the song was progressing…”
Her performance was met with rapturous applause from the audience.
“The attractive Andromache was standing inside a sea shell structure. The imagery was conjuring up Cypriot exotic flavours, and motifs. She was like a mermaid or maybe a wink, to the Cypriot myth of Aphrodite’s birth, at sea.”
Her female dancers Despina Lagoudaki and Nefeli Theodotou were at either side.
Andromache’s choreographed arm movements, or armography and her dancers give it a fusion of energy.
“Three girls are the Cypriot equivalent to ‘Charlie’s Angels‘,” (Tony quips).
“The staging was aesthetically-pleasing bathed in lots of warm colours. The blue and golden lighting, swept across the sea shell structure and stage reminiscent of Cypriot flag colours, which was a beautiful aesthetic.” Mr Neophytou underscores.
CyBc made the official announcement along with title of her entry “Ela” earlier this year. The song is written by Alex Papaconstantinou, or Alex P, a Greek-Swedish producer, well-known in Eurovision circles.
He collaborates on the tune with Cypriot singer-songwriter Giorgos Papadopoulos, Arash, Eyelar Mirzazadeh, Fatjon Miftaraj, Filloreta Raci Fifi, Geraldo Sandell, Robert Uhlmann, Viktor Svensson and Yll Limani.
Andromache is signed to Panik Records, whose roster includes former Eurovision predecessors such as Ivi Adamou, Demy, Eleni Foureira and Anna Vissi and Elena Tsagrinou.
Thank you to Andromache and the Cypriot delegation for their efforts and roll on 2023, with Cyprus’ pick of the next act and tune.
The Eurovision Final takes place on Saturday night at 8pm.
Article written by Tony Neophytou
“British Cypriot” sitcom, ‘Stath Lets Flats’ was a winner at the Bafta TV Awards on Sunday night, scooping Best Male Performance in a Comedy for its star and creator Jamie Demetriou.
It’s a hat-track for Jamie, this is the third Bafta for ‘Stath Lets Flats’ which Jamie created and co-writes.
There have been three series of this popular comedy which also stars Jamie’s sister Natasia Demetriou.
Mr Demetriou beat out tough competition in the form of the new Doctor Who Ncuti Gatwa – who was announced earlier as the next Time Lord, to take home the comedy gong.
Jamie Demetriou is “Stath” an imbecilic lettings agent working at ‘Michael & Eagle Lets’, an apparently chaotic London lettings agency run by his father, Vasos, [Christos Stergioglou).
The set-up is that Stath comes across as incompetent, impulsive and ambitious – in equal measure, and is desperate to prove himself to his Greek-Cypriot father who is retired and at home in series three but still as ever-observant and watchful over his son’s antics.
“I promised myself I wouldn’t sing” (he teased his audience), as Jamie accepted his award. “Thank you so much to everyone who makes this show possible, Channel Four, for having me a part of your insane roster of unbelievable shows that inspired me, and I would never be doing what I was doing if it wasn’t for them. Thank you to Ash Atalla for sticking to this for so long, thank you to Andrew Gaynord for being such a good friend and director. Thank you to Seb Barwell, the producer of this show, who is my rock. And I think a lot of the time he rather not be a rock, but be a producer.
Thank you to this astonishing cast that I’ve had the privilege of working with for so long now, Al, Ellie, Katy, Kiell, Christos, and my amazing sister Natasia who I couldn’t do this show without. Thank you to my flat-mate Ollie Cambridge for just having to put up with a really, really dirty… comedian and to my girl-friend Claire”.
The Bafta TV Awards were held at the Royal Festival Hall on Sunday evening of May 8th.
Jamie Demetriou: “London Greek Radio has been playing in my house since I was a foetus.” Same Jamie, same here…
Article written by Tony Neophytou
Greek singer Andromache will represent Cyprus in the up-coming Eurovision Song Contest, which takes place at PalaOlimpico in Turin.
The 27-year-old newcomer’s full name is Andromachi Dimitropoulou and she was born in Germany and raised in Ilia, Greece.
CyBc made the official announcement along with the title of her entry ‘Ela’. The song is written by Alex Papaconstantinou, or Alex P, a Greek-Swedish producer, well-known in Eurovision circles.
He collaborates on the tune with Cypriot singer-songwriter Giorgos Papadopoulos, Arash, Eyelar Mirzazadeh, Fatjon Miftaraj, Filloreta Raci Fifi, Geraldo Sandell, Robert Uhlmann, Viktor Svensson and Yll Limani.
Cypriot TV bosses had been extremely tight-lipped about the entrant for weeks, choosing to announce the details and releasing its official music video on 9th March.
Cypriot chiefs have stuck to the successful formulae, of internally picking a singer and song-package with Andromache mixing traditional Greek folk and Byzantine, with modern music.
It’s is a mid-tempo song fusing Greek/Cypriot ethnic elements with modern production values. It is a solid, well-made ‘slow-tsifteteli’, with its English verse, and Greek choruses.
LGR’s Tony Neophytou said, “On first listening I felt really hypnotised, mainly because of its melodic riffs and Andromaches’ sultry presence and it’s good traits as a Eurovision song.
He added, “It is evoking Cypriot folklore music which has a veneer of authenticity to today’s music market.”
The track is an ethno song that embellishes the instrument of bouzouki and the flute which blends into the ensemble, giving this track a more modernised touch, mixing old and new.
With its catchy choruses and useful ‘Ela’ hook, the song is almost uniquely seductive and sung very well.
The percussions and the bouzouki add some magical reverie to the song.
Andromache’s music video to “Na Soun Psema” has accumulated millions of views on YouTube. Her current hit is “Vasano Mou” and other hits include “S’agapo”, “To Feggari” and “De Mporo”.
The whole Eurovision package from Cyprus, with the ethno-beat, helps to stand-out in a competitive field of some 18 songs in the semi-finals.
Andromache’s stage routine will ultimately drive the song’s fortunes at the contest.
Marvin Dietmann and Dan Shipton are responsible for the creative and artistic aesthetics that we will see. There are two female dancers – Despina Lagoudaki and Nefeli Theodotou assisting Andromache’s stage performance.
Tony Neophytou at LGR believes in Cyprus’s chances of qualifying, saying, “Ethnic songs do really well at this contest, especially ones with well-crafted melodies.
He continues, “The mid-tempo song is lively enough, which packs a fair bit of oomph. The sweet ornamented melody is driving the catchy hook-line. A pretty song, which is causual and laidback, which produces a nice result. Her ethereal vocal suits the floaty, airy light template, with its verse and chorus. Her “Aman” utterances, are, so sultry and pleasing… The potential exists of a real great stage act, which will help to elevate it as a radio song probably qualify it as a result.”
The official music video looks like a period set-piece with its old-century aesthetics.
Andromache is signed to Panik Records, whose roster includes former Eurovision predecessors such as Ivi Adamou, Demy, Eleni Foureira and Anna Vissi and Elena Tsagrinou.
Cyprus has a streak of six qualification songs to the finals, from 2015 to 2021 and the Cypriot delegation will be quietly optimistic about their chances at a seventh finalist.
Andromache performs in slot number 9 in the running order of 18.
Cyprus competes in the Eurovision Second Semi-Final which airs on Thursday 12th May on BBC Three. The Top 10 qualifying countries will advance to the Final on Saturday 14th May, on BBC One.
London Greek Radio wishes Andromache and Cyprus the best of luck in the Eurovision.
Article written by Tony Neophytou
Cypriot singer Konstantina released the charity song called “Antipera Oxthi” in aid of CyBC’s 2021 Radiomarathonios.
Her sweet mid-tempo ballad is written off to Cypriot composer Stalo Georgiou and lyricist Fanis Anastasiou.
The song is accompanied by the music video filmed in Pano Lefkara, in Larnaca. It’s visually aesthetically beautiful with its picturesque village.
Konstantina is driving the video performance forward with Taksidi Sti Siopi, the nation’s official sign-language school.
The people from the school and even Konstantina sing-along-to-the verses and choruses, with the medium of sign-language throughout the various parts of the song’s music video.
Its songwriter Stalo Georgiou’s participation, in the signing sequences to the music video is furthermore, a lovely touch.
Credits:
Singer: Konstantina
Music: Stalo Georgiou
Lyrics: Fani Anastasiou
Music Production: Christos Moralis
Video Production: Stefanos Zrika
Sign-language School: Taksidi Sti Siopi
Article written by London Greek Radio
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.
47 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
A young 16-year-old British Cypriot singer representing Cyprus in the Eurovision Song Contest 2004 took to the stage in Konstantinopouli.
Lisa Andreas from Gillingham, Kent, was the Cyprus act on May 12th 2004. 17 years later and in June 2021, ‘Stronger Every Minute’ is released globally for the first time. It will feature an extended mix and the never heard English/Greek version, which Lisa sang only once at one of the rehearsals in Istanbul.
Mike Connaris, a London-Cypriot producer and composer wrote the song, at his Mcasso Music studios in Soho, in London’s West End.
“I’m excited that Stronger Every Minute will be available on all streaming platforms and will give all the people that voted, and all the people that watched the performance, a chance to hit play and travel back to this time whenever they want.” Lisa Andreas told London Greek Radio.
This year was the very first Eurovision Song Contest semi-final, and Lisa was one of 22 contestants competing for just 10 places in the Final, held in the magnificent Abdi İpekçi Arena.
What can be revealed now, on the morning of the semi-final, Lisa had awoken with a sore throat and was in great discomfort. It was going to be a challenge for her to hit the highest notes of the song, so together with her producer, Mike Connaris, they hastily arranged a rehearsal in the hotel to change the melody of certain parts of the song.
The semi-final went well, but with 9 countries already announced as proceeding to the Final, there was only one envelope left to open. The tension in the green room was unbearable, but when “CYPRUS” was announced as the last of the 10, the Cyprus delegation went wild. Being announced 10th, meant that Cyprus took the last available spot of 21st in the Final, and Lisa went on to achieve 5th position, with Cyprus also receiving the Marcel Bezençon Award for composition, the first year this category had been introduced.
“My time at the Eurovision was truly magical. It’s difficult to encapsulate the entire experience into words. When I think of that time, it’s like a huge Eurovision bubble. I think back through meeting Mike and hearing Stronger Every Minute for the first time and recording the song (with hopes of being selected). I think of the months of preparation that came before and to the competition in Cyprus. I remember crying and being overwhelmed and shocked that I had been chosen by the entire country to represent them. My mum heard them say it first and I didn’t believe her! It was such an honour; a proud and humbling experience. I remember how proud my family and friends were and that is something that will always stay with me. There are so many stories- that we still tell – immense joy and many pivotal moments from that time that shaped who I am as a person and as a performer.”
“Everyone should attend the Eurovision Song Contest at least once in their life. You have to attend the Eurovision to really understand how wonderful it is. How much love there is. Love that is just pouring out everywhere. It affects the whole place. There is a buzz of excitement in the air that you can feel the moment you arrive and it just doesn’t stop until you leave. To have all of these people attending for their love of music and for the fun of it all, is wonderful. I made many special connections with people because of Eurovision.”
“There is a level of happiness and inexplicable comradery among the artists that is a reflection of how music itself makes you feel. It doesn’t feel like a competition at all.”
“Everyone was just thrilled to be there and be experiencing this ‘once in a lifetime’ music event together. It was like one huge music family. I feel incredibly grateful to have experienced that with artists from across the world and with my parents by my side too.”
The ‘Stronger Every Minute’ EP will be released through Mcasso Digital on June 4th, 2021 across all streaming platforms including Spotify, iTunes & Amazon.
Article written by London Greek Radio, Mcasso Music
Cyprus’ singer Elena Tsagrinou on Tuesday night qualified for the Eurovision Song Contest Final with her song ‘El Diablo’.
The entry is penned by producer Jimmy “Joker” Thornfeldt, a Swedish Grammy-Award winner. He collaborates on the tune with Laurell Barker, Oxa, and Thomas Stengaard.
It is a radio-friendly hit, current and mainstream, which has entered London Greek Radio playlists.
The fun number stirs with a hidden message, she’s in a toxic relationship with a “bad boy” or even “aliti” in Greek. She somehow escapes the wrong’un by the end of this song.
The refrain that would even make a Yorkshire terrier twerk on demand sinks in, you realise ‘El Diablo’ is just as catchy and addictive as anything on the Eurovision line-up this year.
LGR’s Tony Neophytou’s said, “The Cypriot song is really catchy and is instantaneous which a Eurovision song requires.”
Of the 16 competing countries, Cyprus was one of the 10 that gained enough votes from professional juries and the public to advance to Saturday night’s sing-off.
Elena sang eighth in the running order and gave a strong performance of the catchy up-tempo bop. Elena’s dynamic singing and dancing act, with her four female dancers Chali Jennings, Liolia Kerogli, Paraskevi Karataidou and Mariia Sharafetdinova.
It is a very slick stage show, with features like a great mirror-effect and extremely punchy red colours, even fire-lit flames.
Mr Neophytou’s view, “Elena’s energetic performance and a likeable demeanour helps sell this song. It is very slick and well-done. I think it might get a pretty decent result, potentially Top 10 finish, a result Cypriots would be proud of.”
Elena seems a lovely person and likeable and approachable which helps sell the song.
She finishes with a sideways knowing glance to camera, which is a sweet touch.
Cyprus will be staged with the help of Austrian artistic director Marvin Dietmann who helped Austria to a Eurovision triumph in 2014 with their song ‘Rise Like a Phoenix’.
The announcement of the 10 qualifying songs was a nail-biter, with Cyprus seventh to be announced.
This is the sixth time that Cyprus has qualified for a Eurovision since 2015.
Bookmakers and fan polls had predicted that Cyprus would make it through this highly competitive semi-final.
Amongst the other qualifiers was Malta’s Destiny up-tempo fun number with ‘Je Me Casse’. The Ukrainian song ‘Shum’ also qualified and is now fourth favourite to go the distance and win on Saturday.
The other qualifying songs were from Lithuania, Russia, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, Israel, Azerbaijan.
Elena began her music career in 2008 as the lead soloist of the Greek band OtherView, before pursuing a solo career after she left them in 2018.
Elena is signed to Panik Records one of Greece’s biggest music labels in Greece, and Cyprus, releasing many hits which are much-loved modern hits heard on the LGR air-waves.
It’s now full steam ahead for Team Cyprus towards Saturday night, and beyond that… to stick-to-it’s winning formulae in 2022!
London Greek Radio wishes Elena and Cyprus the best of luck in the Eurovision.
*Pic: Elena Tsagrinou celebrates after securing a place in the final in Rotterdam, in the first semi-final for the Eurovision Song Contest. Her female dancers and head of the Cypriot delegation Evi Papamichael in the green room.
Article written by Tony Neophytou
It‘s that Eurovision time of year. Tonight Cyprus compete in the First Semi-Final for Eurovision, which airs at 8pm BST.
26-year-old Greek singer Elena Tsagrinou takes to the Ahoy Arena in Rotterdam in slot #8 out of 16 countries.
‘El Diablo‘ is an up-tempo, dance-pop song, current and mainstream. It is a radio-friendly hit, which has entered London Greek Radio playlists.
The entry is penned by producer Jimmy “Joker” Thornfeldt, a Swedish Grammy-Award winner. He collaborates on the tune with Laurell Barker, Oxa, and Thomas Stengaard.
The refrain that would even make a Yorkshire terrier twerk on demand sinks in, you realise ‘El Diablo’ is just as catchy and addictive as anything on the Eurovision line-up this year.
LGR’s Tony Neophytou’s said, “The Cypriot song is really catchy and is instantaneous which a Eurovision song requires.”
Elena Tsagrinou found time aside from rehearsals and told London Greek Radio, “The people behind the Cypriot team are exceptional and professional individuals. Panik records label every step has assisted me in this entire process. I instantly thought this was a strong song and felt it was exactly competitive enough, which a Eurovision song requires [translated].”
We are told there is a deeper meaning about someone who’s fallen in love with a “bad boy” or even “aliti” in Greek. CyBC in a statement said the song describes an abusive relationship and what it means to be a victim of this abuse. “The song represents the age-old battle between good and evil and it speaks of a problematic relationship between a man and woman who suffers from Stockholm Syndrome – the psychological condition when a victim of abuse identifies and bonds with their abuser – who seeks help to get out and the truth always shines.”
The Eurovision odds have favoured Cyprus’ entry as 5th most likely winner in this year’s Eurovision line-up. The entry moreover is a Semi-Final favourite with Malta, Ukraine and Lithuania, and no doubt Cypriot avid fans are cock-a-hoop at knowing the island’s entry is so well-received at this pre-contest stage.
Last night jurors already cast their votes in a dress-rehearsal, meaning half-of-all-votes have been allocated, it’s up to the public to have their say now.
Elena Tsagrinou, is telegenic, star-of-the-stage performance, seductive, and sultry which suits the song. Elena seems a lovely person and likeable and approachable which are good assets, to this whole package.
The Athenian songstress is a pop-package as a strong performance artist and vocalist. Stylist-to-the-stars Celia Kritharioti has fitted Elena into a sparkly silver-outfit. Elena has four female dancers Chali Jennings [choreographer], Liolia Kerogli, Paraskevi Karataidou and Mariia Sharafetdinova. Her dancers are in red cat-suits against a fiery red backdrop which suits the song.
It’s a very slick and professional stage show for Cyprus’ up-tempo fun song. The precise staging makes good a mirror prop, which is basically mirroring dancers and Elena which is a cool effect. She finishes with a sideways knowing glance to camera, which is a sweet touch.
Cyprus will be staged with the help of Austrian artistic director Marvin Dietmann who helped Austria to a Eurovision triumph in 2014 with their song ‘Rise Like a Phoenix’.
Mr Neophytou’s view, “Elena’s energetic performance and a likeable demeanour help this song. It is very slick and well-done. It is a decent song and I think the result will be pretty decent, potentially a Top 10 finish, a result Cypriots would be proud of.”
Cyprus is defending a qualification streak since 2015, without a pause. The Cypriot delegation will be quietly optimistic about their qualifying chances for a sixth year.
LGR’s ‘Eurovision guru’ spelt it out, “The chances at qualification are pretty good and in a semi-final with competition in this genre. The catchier Cypriot song and elevated staging helps to sell it, let’s hope the public reciprocates with a few votes its way.”
Elena began her music career in 2008 as the lead soloist of the Greek band OtherView, before pursuing a solo career after she left them in 2018.
CyBc bosses have stuck to the successful formulae, of internally picking artist and song-package. Elena is signed to Panik Records one of Greece’s biggest music labels in Greece, and Cyprus, releasing many hits which are much-loved modern hits heard on the LGR air-waves.
Elena performs in the running order of 16 at slot number 8.
The Top 10 qualifying countries are through to the Final on Saturday 22nd May, on BBC One.
London Greek Radio wishes Elena and Cyprus the best of luck in the Eurovision.
Article written by Tony Neophytou
After weeks of teasing the world with only the title ‘El Diablo’, the Cyprus Eurovision entry by Elena Tsagrinou has finally been released.
We were promised an up-tempo track which would be catchy and Elena has certainly lived up that script, releasing her official contest song for ‘El Diablo’ weeks ago.
Cypriot broadcaster CyBC confirmed that Greek star Elena Tsagrinou would fly the flag at the Eurovision Song Contest in The Netherlands in November last year. The 26-year-old Athenian songstress will perform in the Eurovision’s First Semi-Final, at Rotterdam’s Ahoy Arena this May.
The entry is penned by producer Jimmy “Joker” Thornfeldt, a Swedish Grammy-Award winner. He collaborates on the tune with Laurell Barker, Oxa, and Thomas Stengaard.
The up-tempo pop-dance feels current and mainstream. The radio friendly hit, which has entered London Greek Radio playlists. It is a competitive song, which no doubt is helping with its hopes and chances of qualifying and on the left-side scoreboard.
The talented songwriters have said that Spanish title ‘El Diablo’ [“Devil”], is a metaphor, which refer to a ‘bad boy’ in this context or even “aliti” in Greek.
LGR’s Tony Neophytou’s said, “Cyprus have a really catchy song with a useful hook and is instantaneous which a Eurovision song requires. The track starts with the chorus straight away, enhancing the immediate and instant nature of this song.”
The song is about a woman crying out for help after falling in love with a ‘bad boy’ known as ‘El Diablo’ and coming to identify with and bond with her abuser.
Elena playfully purrs with whisper-like prayer asking for help “Mamacita tell me what to do…” in the pre-choruses.
The children’s nursery chant in the middle eight sounds eerily scary and is a touch of fun.
CyBC in a statement said the song describes an abusive relationship and what it means to be a victim of this abuse. “The song represents the age-old battle between good and evil and it speaks of a problematic relationship between a man and woman who suffers from Stockholm Syndrome – the psychological condition when a victim of abuse identifies and bonds with their abuser – who seeks help to get out and the truth always shines.”
Cyprus will be staged with the help of Austrian artistic director Marvin Dietmann who helped Austria to a Eurovision triumph in 2014 with their song ‘Rise Like a Phoenix’.
The involvement of the Austrian creative highlights the Cypriot ambition to impress at this competition.
Elena Tsagrinou said, “My professional team is working extremely hard, with strict disciplined five-hour rehearsals every day for a while. My mindset feels like that of an athlete that is training for something huge, like this contest [translated].”
Mr Neophytou’s view, “Cyprus chances at qualifying are good and in a semi-final with competition in this genre. The catchier Cypriot song, and elevated staging helps to sell it, let’s hope the song qualifies.”
The Cypriot delegation will be quietly optimistic about their qualifying chances for a sixth year. The best ever runners-up result with Eleni Foureira’s ‘Fuego’ in 2018.
Elena is the star of the official music video with her dancing solo which suggests a complete package as a performance singer and stage artist. Her sassiness and seductive gazes are a nice, subtle touch, which the song requires. She is likeable, attractive, and telegenic which helps sell the song. Elena’s joined by her fellow male dancers as song climaxes, hoisted mid-air on the dancer’s shoulders.
Elena began her music career in 2008 as the lead soloist of the Greek band OtherView, before pursuing a solo career after she left them in 2018.
Cypriot chiefs have stuck to the successful formulae, of internally picking artist and song-package. Elena is signed to Panik Records one of Greece’s biggest music labels in Greece, and Cyprus, releasing many top hits from Cypriot and Greek artists which are everyday hits on the LGR air-waves.
Elena performs in the running order of 16 at slot number 8.
Cyprus competes in the First Eurovision Semi-Final which airs on Tuesday 18th May on BBC Four. The Top 10 qualifying counties through to the Final on Saturday 22nd May, on BBC One.
London Greek Radio wishes Elena and Cyprus the best of luck in the Eurovision.
Article written by Tony Neophytou
Cyprus confirmed Greek singer Elena Tsagrinou will be the nation’s representative at the Eurovision Song Contest 2021, in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
The Cypriot broadcaster CyBc announced the artist and song-title ‘El Diablo‘ in an official statement in November.
The 26-year-old Athens-born singer will perform in the Eurovision’s first Semi-Final, at Rotterdam’s Ahoy Arena this May. The song is up-tempo, and is said to be a current radio-friendly hit and Eurovision “competitive” enough. The scenario, Elena seems to have fallen in love with someone as bad as ‘El Diablo’ (Spanish, for ‘The Devil’).
The official song and music video will be released very soon. The choreographer Chali Jennings will be responsible for, Elena and her dancers routine in long-anticipated release of the Eurovision video.
Elena takes over from Sandro Nicholas, [his song ‘Running’] last year’s Cypriot titleholder, [he was unfortunate not to sing it], at the cancelled Eurovision Song Contest.
The song-writing team composed of Jimmy Thornfeldt, Swedish songwriter, the Canadian songwriter and Eurovision regular Laurell Barker, behind ‘You Got Me’ by Luca Hanni, which came fourth in 2019, Brazilian-born songwriter Oxa, and Thomas Stengaard, penning the 2013 Eurovision winner ‘Only Teardrops’ by Emmelie De Forest.
Cypriot bosses have stuck to the winning formula of choosing artist and song internally. Cyprus have a 100% qualification record in five years which is impressive and one that Elena Tsagrinou is hoping to emulate their successes. The 2018’s runners-up with Eleni Foureira’s ‘Fuego’, plus five qualifiers between 2015 and 2019, Cyprus have upped their game in the music event for sure.
Cypriot chiefs felt that the songstress was right for this year’s contest as the upbeat song compliments Elena as a vocalist and performance-stage artist.
Head of the Cypriot Delegation in Eurovision Evi Papamichael helped define the criteria for their selection. “In recent years we have been collaborating with major record companies of the region. Greece and Cyprus are, as you know, a single record and music market.” Papamichael explained, confirming that Cyprus music is almost intertwined with Greece’s record labels, and world-class vibrant music industry.
Elena is signed to Panik Records, record label whose former Eurovision predecessors have included Ivi Adamou, Demy, Eleni Foureira and Anna Vissi.
The female soloist has been in the music industry since she was 14, where she reached the semi-finals of Greece Has Talent.
After five years with the band OtherView, Elena went solo in 2018 and has presented shows like The Voice of Greece, Just the 2 of US and K-POP Stars.
Last summer she released Latin-Reggaeton-fused ‘Amore’, the exotic tune also made it to our airplay charts. Her debut hit ‘Pame Ap’ Tin Archi’ launched a young-fledging solo career. The hits included ‘Paradeisos’, ‘Logia’, and duets; with Mike ‘Pare Me Agkalia’, feat, with Oge ‘San Lava’, ‘Tsai me Lemoni’ with Dakis and last December, Elena and DJ Kas covered dance track ‘Be My Lover’.
Elena performed at concerts in Cyprus and Greece, alongside artists such as Konstantinos Argiros and Melisses. Her music videos have accumulated millions of views on youtube, and entrusted Elena as one of the most exciting up-and-coming artists, in Greek music.
Cyprus will be staged with the help of artistic director Marvin Dietmann who helped Austria to a Eurovision triumph in 2014 with their song ‘Rise Like a Phoenix’. The involvement of the Austrian creative highlights the Cypriot ambition to impress at this competition.
Cyprus competes in the First Eurovision Semi-Final which airs on Tuesday 18th May, on BBC Four. The Top 10 qualifying nations have progression to the Final on Saturday 22nd May, on BBC One.
London Greek Radio wishes Elena and Cyprus the best of luck in the Eurovision.
Article written by Tony Neophytou
