Jamala the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 has warned of Russian provocation during this years contest in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Jamala the winner of last years Eurovision Song Contest has warned of Russian provocation in an interview with the Reuters News Agency. Last year Jamala won the contest in Stockholm, Sweden with the song “1944”. “1944” was an emotional song about the deportation of Crimean Tatars from Crimea under Stalin, the song was built on the experience of the singers family, with Jamala being born in Kyrgyzstan as a result of Stalin’s actions.
In the interview with Reuters, Jamala says,
It seems to me that we should expect more provocations (from Russia) because our victory hurt them a lot,
The Eurovision winner went on to add,
And I would like to ask everyone in Ukraine to be very cautious and not to be provoked. Because it seems to me that the closer we get to the contest, the more (provocations there will be).
Jamala will be returning to the Eurovision stage next week as she is be performing in the interval of Semi-Final One on Tuesday 9th May, and in the final on Saturday 13th May. Her Semi-Final performance will feature her song “Lured”, as well as a revamp of her winning song “1944”. Her Grand Final performance will premiere her new single “I Believe In U”.
A total of 42 countries are to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 in Kyiv, Ukraine. Returning to the Eurovision stage are Portugal and Romania who both took a year out from the contest. Bosnia & Herzegovina and Russia have however withdrawn from the contest. Bosnia & Herzegovina has withdrawn due to financial difficulties at the national broadcaster, BHRT. While Russia has withdrawn following Julia Samoilova being banned by Ukrainian Authorities from entering Ukraine. The 62nd edition of the Eurovision Song Contest is being held on the following dates:
- Semi Final 1 – 9 May
- Semi Final 2 – 11 May
- Final – 13 May
Source: Reuters
