He’s the first Romany artist to represent Hungary at the Eurovision Song Contest. And during his first rehearsal at Eurovision 2017 Joci Papai once again served a heady mix of traditional and contemporary sounds, retaining the soul and spirit that made him a worthy winner at home.

Wearing all black — including low-slung trousers and a leather jacket with gold buttons — Joci was visibly nervous on this much bigger stage. At times his voice quivered and you could see his hands shaking. But with each run-through he grew in confidence, and rightly so. The LED is simple and tasteful — you see cut-outs of fronds and birds that look classy and somehow significant. (They actually come from the intro of a popular animated Hungarian cartoon series).

He also gives his act extra rhythm by beating on a traditional milk jug. Joci’s team tells us that the Romany people, who have traditionally struggled economically, have turned the milk jug into an instrument over time. “You don’t have to have money to make music,” they tell us.

His violinist plays on the small island stage in the audience, but rather than being a distraction she adds another focal point as Joci and his dancer perform their traditional dance on the main stage. During their intimate hand-on-hand dance the circular stage erupts with pyro all around — literally bringing the heat as they stare into each other’s smouldering eyes. The flames also provide a nice transition to the spoken word segment, which, as ever, fits so nicely.

The vast stage did, at times, feel somewhat empty. Hopefully producers will include more close-ups and tighter crops to keep the artist in focus.

Joci Papai — “Origo”: Reviews and Reactions

Hungary: First rehearsal at Eurovision 2017

Hungary: First press conference 2017

Read all of our Eurovision rehearsal reviews

Read all of our Hungary Eurovision news here

Photo: Eurovision.tv (EBU)

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redfox
redfox
6 years ago

they perhaps should have the dancer on a larger-than-life screen and have him interact with the screen she would seem more mystical like a spirit but it looks a bit like any random street performance live like this. I love the song, I really would like them to delve a bit deeper into the possibilities.

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
6 years ago

I like what they have done with the backdrop. Joci always looks a bit awkward on stage, especially during the beginning of the song (even in A Dal). I don’t know if that is going to change. They could work on some lighting to make it less obvious during the opening 30 seconds or so. The music video seemed to have some ideas that could have been incorporated into the staging.

AngieP
AngieP
6 years ago

They seem to keep it similar to what they did in A Dal! And I fully agree! However, at times it feels a bit empty as the stage is bigger here!

I don’t worry about Joci’s performance, it’s obvious to be nervous. It’s the first time on the Eurovision stage, the 1st rehearsal! I’m sure the 2nd one will be better!

I like the colours, the violonist and the pyros towards the end give strength to the song!

M_K
M_K
6 years ago

I really disliked the national final performance and this seems to be real improvement. It’s no longer all over the place, it’s more focused and it looks more thought-out. Way to go, Hungary, I guess you’ll definitely make it to the final once again this year.

M_K
M_K
6 years ago
Reply to  M_K

*a real improvement

Americanvision
Americanvision
6 years ago

Also after 3 rehearsals (Press poll)
1. Armenia (SF 1-2)
2. Austria (SF 2-1)
3. (Tie) Finland (SF 1-1) & Romania (SF 2-1)
5. Moldova (SF 1-2)
6. Azerbaijan (SF 1-1)
7. Portugal (SF 1-1)
8. Netherlands (SF 2-1)
9. Cyprus (SF 1-2)
10. (tie) Sweden (SF 1-1) and Hungary (SF 2-1)

lovelylovely
lovelylovely
6 years ago
Americanvision
Americanvision
6 years ago

Off topic but the press votes are in:
1. Austria 79
2. Romania 72
3. Netherlands 54
4. Hungary 39
5. Denmark 29
6. Macedonia 18
7. Ireland 14
8. Malta 10
9. Serbia 0

Mark
Mark
6 years ago
Reply to  Americanvision

Austria top…no one saw that coming.

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago
Reply to  Americanvision

That top 4… wow, talent <3
Austria was really the surprise of the day. I'm also happy Romania was received so well, this might dismiss the collective thought that it'll get nearly zero jury points. Not surprised by Serbia, worst song AND performance. I expected a bit better from Malta, to be honest!

Just Me
Just Me
6 years ago
Reply to  Americanvision

What are these press votes?

Americanvision
Americanvision
6 years ago
Reply to  Just Me

At the end of the rehearsal, everyone in the press room (including the Wiwis) vote their top 3 of the day. 5 points for 1st, 3 points for 2nd, and 1 for 3rd. They tally the votes and find out who won within the press. Remember, it’s just a fun poll and anything can happen with the 2nd rehearsal, jury rehearsal, and semi broadcast.

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago

That was great. Today’s rehearsals have mostly went very well compared to the first two days’ trainwrecks.

Just be nice
Just be nice
6 years ago

I’m the third Romanian in this forum that likes Joci.
Where are the Hungarians???

Justitia
Justitia
6 years ago
Reply to  Just be nice

Still at work…but they like their own song, do not worry.
They wish you luck!

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago
Reply to  Justitia

This is not shade, this is one thick fog

Just be nice
Just be nice
6 years ago
Reply to  Justitia

Work? Is this for real?
Romania is open to multiculturalism, but ”work” is just too much.
Where we draw the line?

S. T.
S. T.
6 years ago
Reply to  Just be nice

I am here as a hungarian. Give him time.

Joe
Joe
6 years ago

I’m keeping the faith with this one.
I think he just had a bad day and it was his first rehearsal.
The staging is great.

sorin
sorin
6 years ago

good luck from Romania, Joci Papai.
win it all !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
if not romania, then you.
if not you, then romania.

Mattias Sollerman
Mattias Sollerman
6 years ago

I’m so happy Hungary is showing the viewers their country’s ethnic background by using an old traditional folklore instrument that no one has heard of before. (Joci’s beard helps!)
Is it an actual instrument though, or just something they made up since no one will notice anyway?

sorin
sorin
6 years ago

nice quote from lovelovepeacepeace.
but the instrument and the song itself are not hungarian, are roma,
and yes, is real everything.
and the belly dance girl, with the abdomen revealing outfit, is tradition from India, you know, the indian sari.

Mattias Sollerman
Mattias Sollerman
6 years ago
Reply to  sorin

OK ^^
Thanks for the info though, really appreciate it.

genki
genki
6 years ago
Reply to  sorin

“and the song itself are not hungarian, are roma”

No. Only the refrain, the “Jálomá lommá” part is roma. Everything else is hungarian in the lyrics.

S. T.
S. T.
6 years ago
Reply to  sorin

Where does this knowledge of yours come from??? The girl is in traditional clothes. She dances a traditional dance. And… there is a lot of hungarian traditional music in the song. Listen to the violin. That is pure hungarian folk music. He combined his inherited gipsy culture with hungarian culture andi tried to deliver -it to everybody. Origó. Heritage. Originate.

sorin
sorin
6 years ago
Reply to  S. T.

the verses are in hungarian language, but come on…overall don’t make it look more hungarian than roma, because is about roma/gipsy and they are originated from the country india.
hope will win.
10/10

S. T.
S. T.
6 years ago
Reply to  sorin

Yes . Your are right abouth that.

sorin
sorin
6 years ago
Reply to  S. T.

<3 <3 Budapest 2018 <3 <3
greetings from romania

Eve
Eve
6 years ago
Reply to  sorin

Nothing is fake in this entry. True genuine artist, deserves final.