Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra, recent off its Eurovision victory, launched a brand new music video on Sunday of its successful hit “Stefania” that options scenes of war-ravaged Ukraine and girls in fight gear, because the annual music contest took on ever extra political tones .
The video was launched hours after Kalush Orchestra introduced Ukraine its third Eurovision win, pulling forward of Britain within the grand finale because of a surge of well-liked votes from a number of the estimated 200 million viewers from 40 collaborating international locations.
Band members posed for pictures and signed autographs outdoors their three-star Turin resort on Sunday, packing their very own baggage into taxis en path to an interview with Italian host broadcaster RAI earlier than heading residence. They should return to Ukraine on Monday after being given particular permission to depart the nation to attend the competitors; most Ukrainian males between age 18 and 60 are barred from leaving in case they’re wanted to battle.
That stark actuality made for a bittersweet second on Sunday in Turin, as Kalush vocalist Sasha Tab needed to say goodbye to his spouse Yuliia and two youngsters, who fled Ukraine a month in the past and reside with a bunch Italian household in close by Alba. She and the kids had been on the band’s resort and she or he wept as Tab held his daughter in his arms earlier than stepping into the cab.
Russia was banned from the Eurovision Song Contest this 12 months after its February 24 invasion of Ukraine, a transfer organizers stated was meant to maintain politics out of the competition that promotes range and friendship amongst nations.
But politics however entered into the fray, with Kalush frontman Oleh Psiuk ending his successful efficiency on Sunday night time with a plea from the stage: “I ask all of you, please help Ukraine, Mariupol. Help Azovstal right now!” he stated, referring to the besieged metal plant within the strategic port metropolis.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed the victory, saying he hoped Ukraine would have the ability to host the competition subsequent 12 months and predicting the “victorious chord in the battle with the enemy is not far off.”
“Stefania” was penned by lead singer Psiuk as a tribute to his mom, however since Russia’s invasion it has change into an anthem to the motherland, with lyrics that pledge: “I’ll at all times discover my method residence, even when all roads are destroyed “
The new music video options ladies troopers carrying youngsters out of bombed-out buildings, greeting youngsters in shelters and leaving them behind as they board trains. The video credit stated it was shot in cities which have seen a number of the worst destruction of the battle, together with Bucha, Irpin, Borodyanka and Hostomel.
The video was clearly made earlier than the band left Ukraine because it options band members and — presumably — actors performing within the rubble.
“Dedicated to the brave Ukrainian people, to the mothers protecting their children, to all those who gave their lives for our freedom,” it stated.
Ukrainians cheered the victory on Sunday as a much-needed increase, and the nationwide rail operator introduced that the prepare that passes by means of Kalush, the birthplace of Psiuk, will probably be renamed the “Stefania Express.”
“Every little victory is important for every Ukrainian, for our Ukraine, for each one of us,” Kyiv resident Svitlana Nekruten stated.
Albert Sokolov, an evacuee from Mariupol, stated he had little doubt Ukraine would emerge victorious.
“I listened to this song in Mariupol when we were being bombed so I was sure that they would win,” he stated on Sunday in Kyiv.
Russians stated the vote was finally political, but additionally confirmed that Kalush Orchestra and Ukraine had assist.
“Eurovision is always about politicized choices; some situations call for a certain choice,” Moscow resident Olga Shlyakhova said. “Of course, I think most people support Ukrainians. They can’t think differently, because they understand it’s a tragedy. That’s why they chose (the winners) with their hearts.”
Anastasiya Perfiryeva, one other Moscow resident, famous the favored vote that was so decisive within the victory.
“It was bizarre individuals who voted. They supported (the winners). Well executed. I feel that in any case the workforce was sturdy, and the assist from outdoors is at all times nice.”
Kalush Orchestra contains folklore consultants and mixes conventional people melodies and modern hip hop in a powerful protection of Ukrainian tradition that has taken on added which means as Russia has sought falsely to say that Ukraine’s tradition will not be distinctive.
At an early Sunday information convention after the competition, Psiuk in his trademark pink bucket hat stated the win was significantly significant given the battle and the favored assist that pushed Ukraine to victory.
“We are here to show that Ukrainian culture and Ukrainian music are alive, and they have their own and very special signature,” Psuik stated.
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
