The Investigative Committee of Russia is investigating the lyrics of “Russian Woman” by Manizha for violating national harmony, following requests from the press and celebrities.
The Investigate Committee of Russia has been requested by a number of celebrities and the staff of Veteranskie Vesti newspaper, to investigate the lyrics of the Russian entry for Eurovision 2021. “Russian Woman” by Manizha is alleged by the parties to “offend the dignity of Russian women and violate national harmony”.
Manizha has been subjected to numerous calls for the singer to be replaced following her victory in the Russian national selection. She has been criticised for “anti-Russian” values including the promotion of women’s rights and support for the LGBT community.
Manizha will perform “Russian Woman” in the first half of the first semi-final on May 18th. The song is the first Russian entry since 2011 to feature lyrics in Russian.
Who is Manizha?
Manizha Dalerovna Sangin was born on 8th July 1991 in Dushanbe, Tajikstan. The Russian-Tajik singer moved to Moscow, Russia, at three years old, and began her career in 2003 as a child singer, winning numerous competitions.
This year it was revealed that Russia would use a national final to select their 2021 Eurovision entry. Three acts competed, and the winner, Manizha, was determined by 100% televoting.
Image Source: Eurovision.tv / Manizha | Source: RIA
Russia debuted in Eurovision in 1994 and has gone on to be one of the most successful countries in the contest. Since the mid-00s Russia has had a string of strong results including their first and only victory in 2008. Dima Bilan won the contest in Belgrade, Serbia with the song “Believe” taking the contest to Moscow in the following year.
