The Swedish delegation is furious after racist messages about Tusse were posted in the comments on official Eurovision social media channels.
Shortly after Tusse’s first rehearsal on 8 May, various photos and video clips were uploaded to the official social media channels of the Eurovision Song contest, including YouTube and Instagram. Since the uploading of this content, various racist comments were left criticising Tusse and his skin colour. Many of the comments, in particular, stated that the singer should not represent Sweden due to his dark skin colour.
Tusse normally would read most comments about himself online however the singer has been too busy of late to focus on comments about him online. The Head of the Swedish delegation Lotta Furebäck commented on the incident stating:
“I get so pissed and sorry that this is happening. Racism in all its forms is completely reprehensible, and it is clear that one is upset.”
She also states it is difficult to protect a public figure from all opinions and outbursts from social media. The Swedish delegation is currently supporting the singer and is confident the message of “Voices” will overcome the negative comments.
Tusse will perform in the first semi-final on May 18th.
Who is Tusse?
Tousin Michael Chiza, known professionally as Tusse, was born on January 1st 2002 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. His singing career began in 2018 where he participated in the Swedish talent show Talang 2018. A year later he won Swedish Idol and subsequently released three singles.
This year he took part in Melodifestivalen, Sweden’s selection show for the Eurovision Song Contest. With his song “Voices”, he qualified directly for the final, and ultimately won with 175 points.
Image Source: EBU / Andres Putting | Source: dagbladet
Sweden debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1958 and has gone on to be one of the contest’s most successful countries. The country has won the contest six times, the most recent being in 2015. Sweden’s first victory came in 1974 when ABBA won the contest in Brighton with “Waterloo”. Since missing out on the final in 2010, Sweden has gone on to finish 3rd twice and has won the contest twice, only in 2013 did the country place outside of the top 10 in the final.
