Interview: Jamala

Jamala came close to representing Ukraine in the Eurovision a couple of years ago, but withdrew from the contest during the qualifying rounds. She returned this year with a politically charged song and stormed to victory. She tells us more...

For those not in the know, tell us a little about yourself...
I made my first professional record at the age of nine, it was an all-day session to record the album of Crimean Tatar songs and songs for children.

I finished Simferopol Music College and Kiev National Music Academy as an opera singer and was going to make a career in classical music, but plans changed. In summer 2009 I went to "New Wave" International contest of young singers in Latvia and got Grand Prix there.

Talking about awards, I have a few more: ELLE Style Award (nomination "Singer of the year"), Ukrainian National Award "Person of the Year" (nomination "Idol of Ukrainians"), Best Fashion Awards (nomination "Inspiration of the Year") and some more. This year I won all main nominees in Ukrainian National Music Award (Yuna): Best Album, Best artist, Best song (with Andrey Khlyvnyuk and Dmitriy Shurov), Best Duo (with Andrey Khlyvnyuk and Dmitriy Shurov).

I have four albums of my own music. I mean all songs written by me. The latest record "Breath" was released in October 2015.

I had a very interesting experience with cinema. I played the main female part in historical drama "Guide", which got the best box-office among Ukrainian movies in 2014, and had a cameo in fantasy movie "Polina" by Belgian director Olias Barco. "Polina" will be released by the end of this year.





What appealed to you about entering Eurovision?
I realised that this is the right moment to participate. I wrote 1944 a year and a half ago but it wasn't included in my latest album "Breath" that has been released in autumn of 2015. When National selection was announced I decided that I want to show "1944" to the world. And Eurovision is the best way to deliver it to a huge audience all over Europe and even beyond.

How did you feel when you found out you would be representing Ukraine?
When I was standing on the stage while the jury was announcing whom they have chosen, I was thinking that probably Eurovision is not my cup of tea. So, when I heard the results of people's voting I didn't realise that I won. I was confused a little bit. Of course I feel happy and proud now. I'm grateful to people that voted for me and I'm sure that I'll represent Ukraine worthily.

Your song is called 1944, tell us about it...
I wrote it a year and a half ago. The origins of it are in my childhood. It's inspired by a story that my great-grandmother told me when I was small. So this topic is very personal for me. The song is about the tragedy that happened to our family and all Crimean Tatar in 1944. I mean the deportation of Crimean Tatar people from Crimea to Central Asia, the crime made by Soviet government. They packed all people to the freight trains like beasts for a few weeks with no food and water. Those who couldn't survive were thrown out and left lying on the ground. My great-grandmother lost her daughter as well. But "1944" concerns all people that had their own horrible tragedies in the past, such as Holocaust. We should always remember and never forget them to avoid in the future. I want to deliver this message to as many people as possible.

What is the best feedback you have received as yet?
There is so much feedback, thousands of messages that are coming from all over the world. So many kind words... I'm so grateful to everyone who likes my song. Hope all of them will support me during the Grand Final.

Have you listened to your competitors yet? If so, which is your current favourite?
I've heard all songs. I mean, I've watched all video clips. Of course the live sounds different, but I can recognize a good song nevertheless. I choose France, The Netherlands, Sweden, UK and Greece, because their entries have such handsome guys!

I'm just kidding. They have really good songs!

Have you spoken to any past entrants? If so, what advice have they had?
I talked to Ruslana, winner of Eurovision - 2004. It was a short conversation. She told me: "Listen to yourself only. Everybody will try to give you some advice. They will talk about bets and critics and bla-bla-bla. Before the Grand Final I was sure that I have the worst song, the worst performance and the worst dress. But it was nonsense. I won!"

What is your favourite Eurovision entry of all time?
I don't have a favourite ESC entry. I usually pay attention to performers, musicians, vocals and musical background. These are a few songs that I like:

Raphael Gualazzi "Madness of Love"





The Common Linnets - Calm After The Storm





LOREEN - "EUPHORIA"






What do you hope to achieve with your appearance at Eurovision?
It's great opportunity to be heard and to show the high level of Ukrainian music. ESC gives you a chance to perform before huge audience. I have a very important song for me that I'd like to represent to the world. "1944" concerns all people that had their own horrible tragedies in the past. We should always remember and never forget them to avoid the same things in the future. I want to deliver this message to as many people as possible.

What is success for you in the contest?
Success in the contest is to become number one. What else could it be?

Lastly, if you could duet with one past entrant, who would it be?
Loreen and Raphael Gualazzi.