International music star Mohombi had Sweden at “Hello” as he qualified directly to the grand final of Melodifestivalen 2019.
With a slick live performance, catchy hook and a great projection screen number, the Swedish-Congolese singer now has advanced to the next stage of the competition, and may represent Sweden at Eurovision in May.
Mohombi caught up with our very own Shannon to give us the details and insights of what he felt about the process that is Melodifestivalen, an event he is returning to after his last try back in 2005, as part of the duo Avalon.
The “Hello” singer was clearly happy about qualifying this time around:
“I feel relieved, but also very motivated, because this is a very big moment for me in my personal life. As a half-Swedish guy who has worked abroad and toured all over the world, I sometimes felt as a little bit of an outsider as a Swedish artist, but today the people here back home proved me wrong, saying that they loved me, and that I should keep doing what I’m doing. That for me means the world.”
The creation of “Hello” was no bumpy ride for the established singer:
“When we wrote Hello, it was just a regular day at the job, to be honest. We were in the studio, sitting with Thomas G:Son, Linnea Deb and Alexandru Cotoi and we said to ourselves, “Hey, why not write a cute song? Why don’t we write something fun and a little bit different?” and the rest is history.”
The star also teased potential tweaks and edits for the final performance:
“I’m just going to enjoy today, but I’m sure there will be surprises for the next number, we’ll wait and see when that day comes.”
Mohombi qualified for the grand final of Melodifestivalen alongside Wiktoria and her song “Not With Me”, while 2017’s televote winner Nano and Eurovision 2010 participant Anna Bergendahl will have to try their best at Andra Chansen.
What do you think? Can Mohombi conquer a new audience at the Melfest final and go to Tel Aviv? Let us know in the comments below!
Photo: Robin Lorentz-Allard (Aftonbladet)
I’m kinda disappointed that the song was writtten and recorded in that hellhole Dubai.
Beyonce – Halo
I didn’t know anything about him before melfest and I think I’m not alone in Sweden. The song was not my favorite, but I like him and think he will be loved by us for his personallity.
… love starts whith mello… ; ) ( listen to the last part when he sings. Has his changed love stars whith hello to mello. So sweet. )
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Är det bara jag och de jag känner som haft noll koll på vem han är. Gulligt att vilja bli stjärna i Sverige och göra mamma stolt när man haft så stora framgångar.
In other news I bought Mina Brander and can’t stop listening to it. Zeana is killing it on YouTube. She should get a wild card or something. Although I understand the rules of the competition and I respect them.
His song is okay but hardly Swedish quality which makes it pop out more. But pretty good selection thus far.
well the song is good, so there was no need to worry 🙂
Thanks for this article, Pablo, it is written like a professional. I really like the first line “Mohombi had Sweden at hello” 🙂
i was surprised he qualified, i like his song but the performance is so lame….. this year’s dj mĂ©ndez
”Why don’t we write something fun and a little bit different?” haha SURE!
”A little bit different” ? What a joke. Anna Bergendahl should have qualified direkt till final instead of him.
Perhaps different to what he usually writes.. come on.. You knew that! And what’s the neverending love and crave for something different among eurovisionfans all the time? It’s an entertaining song and performance! Enough is enough.