Hungary Joci Pápai wiwibloggs eurovision 2017

In February, he won Hungary’s A Dal with his alluring and mysterious song “Origo”. And on Saturday, Joci Pápai launched his charm offensive on Europe as he travelled to Amsterdam for Eurovision in Concert 2017.

Prior to hitting the stage in Melkweg — one of the most renowned music venues in Amsterdam — the 35-year-old attended the EiC press day. There, Joci told wiwibloggs about the struggles faced by the Romani community, the pain he’s suffered as a result of being part of the ethnic minority and what it’s like to be embraced by his fellow Hungarians.

Watch: Jovi Pápai Interview at Eurovision in Concert

“Origo” certainly sounds different from anything else in Eurovision 2017. The Romani dialect brings the listener to a whole new sound. Joci uses the language to sing about his own story and struggles.

“It might sound a bit cheesy, but I’m singing about hope,” Joci says. “I’m the first Romani born Hungarian representing my country in Eurovision, and I want to set an example for everyone with this cultural background, and tell them never to give up hope”.

To those who may not understand the struggles that Romani people face everyday, Joci is more than happy to explain: “The first and maybe the biggest struggle is that Romani’s don’t have a country. We are a minority everywhere we go. We are kind of rootless”.

Both the video for “Origo”, as well as Joci’s performance in A Dal, centre around a woman. Joci says that her presence is an essential part of the show. “She is the love of the protagonist’s life. It’s a sad love story really”.

In more detail, the issue present is that the woman is not Romani — but Joci is — and as much as they love each other, they can’t work out the differences they face of coming from different backgrounds. “It’s unfulfilled love,” Joci says, adding that his dancer, Alexandra, will of course accompany him to Kiev.

Recently, Joci was invited to sing at Hungary’s national day. The Hungarian government is very conservative and history shows that Romani people haven’t been afforded much respect. What did Joci feel about such an honor?

“It was a huge, breakthrough moment for me! I did not see that one coming. It showed me that my work paid off!”

As Eurovision fans know, rap has been tried in so many different ways in Eurovision — most of the time, missing the mark. But Joci’s rap seems different and he expects people to see that.

“The rap is important for the song. I have to say a lot of things in three minutes, and the best way to express all the things I wanted to say was to add a rap part. And I see the rap part as a prayer, questions to a higher force.”

Watch: Joci Pápai — “Origo” at Eurovision in Concert 2017

There we have it. Not only is Joci a true charmer, but he also has a lot on his mind and a lot to say.

What are your thoughts about Joci Pápai and his song, “Origo”? Does he capture your heart, our do you think this tragic love story will face the same fate in Kyiv? You can let us know on the wiwibloggs app, or in the comments section below!

Follow all of our Hungary Eurovision news here

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Sally
Sally
6 years ago

Absolutely love it. Joci, you are divine. You should have won and your dancer is breathtaking. What a performance.

Veronica Lavik røyseth
Veronica Lavik røyseth
6 years ago

I’m from Norway and didn’t understand a word of what he was singing. when I heard it, I felt lonely, I felt that I have been struggling and that I will never give up. Know matter if it get better or worse, I will never give up. I felt what he was singing about. You don’t need to know the lyrics if the performer sing from the soul. When I read the text I thought, yes that was what I thought. I love the song.

Sandra
Sandra
6 years ago

You have to close your eyes, so you can see me. To conquer my heart, you have to know my soul. If you don’t need me, let me go I was born to be a tramp. I have already suffered enough, but God sees me. Yaloma lomma, yaloma lomma Yaloma lomma lomalom Yaloma lomma, yaloma nedinna Yaloma lomma, lomalom Why did you lie to me that the color of my skin doesn’t matter? You knew that my eyes are brown, it never changes within me. I don’t need you in my life, get out of here, leave me alone! I… Read more »

BB
BB
6 years ago

William Diaz after reading your comment about your American Hungarian friend let me add my opinion as Hungarian.I totally desigree with the comment on not representing this song the most of the Hungarians to. The song represents Hungarians and gypsy’s in the same time, the struggle of the gypsy community and for the first time Hungary and Hungarians got behind a romani person. The song has gypsy and Hungarian music elements in it.. and by the way gypsy music was ALWAYS a very important cultural part of the Hungarian music. As for the text IT IS HUNGARIAN, but with a… Read more »

Susan
Susan
6 years ago
Reply to  BB

Hi BB, I really like what you’ve written and it’s nice to read that a lot of Hungarians are behind Joci. Besides being very talented, he seems like a good man. I have completely fallen in love with this song.

Bella
Bella
6 years ago

Joci Papai, you are amazing and I love what you do!! 🙂

William Diaz
William Diaz
6 years ago

I’ll get crap for saying this but – From my Hungarian friend she said the music is good, but the song is definitely not representative of all of Hungary. It caters specifically to the Romani community, but further, Joci sings gibberish, when he isn’t speaking Hungarian in the song. The rap, in her opinion actually throws the balance and meaning of the song off a bit, and takes away from its power as a whole. – Now, my friend isn’t Romani, she’s Hungarian who’s lived in England and the USA, and seen first hand what its like to be called… Read more »

Zebb
Zebb
6 years ago

I root for this, but same time I’m afraid of their staging. I believe, as majority doesn’t know this language, their main focus here is music that sets atmosphere and video helped to set it as well. Hopefully they’ll recreate some perspectives of it on stage rather than giving singer a drum to make it fast, which distracts immediately and so is absolutely unnecessary, as for me.

Chupacabra
Chupacabra
6 years ago

Fantastic, one of my top 5. And indeed, usually I also don´t like rap too much,…except real good one that we´ve never listened in ESC, but the rap part in Origo really sounds like a prayer.

PP
PP
6 years ago

if we compare last year song from their national final who finished 2nd Gerg? Oláh Gy?z a jó” (my favorite from A Dal 2016) and Joci Pápai — “Origo, ” better song for me is first and with that song Hungary would be in TOP 10 last year .
For this year song , small chance to see Hungary in final, and if they go to final place from 18 to 22 in final

Trocatroc
Trocatroc
6 years ago

This is such a fantastic song. One of my favourites and I really hope it places high in the grand final. Good luck from UK!!!!

malenairs
malenairs
6 years ago

This is my absoloute favorite this year. I am so happy to hear that the dancer will be in Kiev,because her dancing adds soul to the performance. I love everything about this entry. The song,the voice,the coreography,everything.
I know many people don’t like it,and it really isn’t for everyone but i am so happy to see something different at this years Eurovision. A different language and culture,it’s lovely to see.
I know he won’t win,but I wish him the most of luck.
Also,Italy is my second favourite,so I won’t mind if Francesco takes the crown!

Toni
Toni
6 years ago

Good luck Joci Papai, from Bucharest-Romania. You will win, not that joke from Italy.

anonymous91
anonymous91
6 years ago

Joci wow what a unique and different song, i hope he qualifies to the final

i’ve heard that Ilinca likes the song as well, as she finds it really different and interesting 🙂