Previous murmurs suggested that Chingiz Mustafayev would sing for Azerbaijan at Eurovision 2019. And today it’s finally been confirmed. The Caucasus nation has confirmed that the 27-year-old singer-songwriter will perform “Truth” in Tel Aviv.
In a statement sent to wiwibloggs, Ictimai TV said that his song is “contemporary, radio-friendly and personal” and stressed that it will be “a major departure from his flamenco-inspired compositions and beloved guitar.”
The song comes from Borislav Milanov, the Bulgarian songwriter behind beloved tracks like “Dance Alone”, “Beautiful Mess” and “In Too Deep”.
“Initially, I was a little nervous about how Chingiz would perform the song, since he comes from a different musical background,” Milanov says. “But meeting him totally changed my mind. He’s so passionate about music and his own culture. We even added some unique elements of traditional Azerbaijani music, which worked brilliantly to make the song an authentic fusion of Azerbaijan and the West.”
Ictimai TV revealed that it chose the song from more than 350 entries.
According to the broadcaster, “‘Truth’ is about a dishonest, toxic relationship. The song explores the story of one partner who betrays the other, leaving them with a difficult choice: accept deceit or break free from false illusions.”
He is the first male to represent Azerbaijan since Elnur Huseynov in 2015 — with the lovely ladies Samira, Dihaj and Aisel singing for the Land of Fire after that.
Chingiz is not shy of a music competition, as he first won the seventh series of popular talent show Yeni Ulduz in 2007 at the age of sixteen. Afterwards, he went on to participate in both The Voice of Ukraine and New Wave, where he duetted with Polina Gagarina. As he has been inspired by Spanish music since his childhood, the guitar is a key instrument you will hear in most of his music.
Other must-know facts? “Chingiz loves the company of his dog, kung fu and yoga. He always enjoys getting a breathe of fresh air while backpacking or doing outdoor meditation.” A man of our own heart.
“Truth” is a major departure away from the recent pop Azerbaijan have brought to the contest. Perhaps the delegation decided to go drastically different after their first-ever non-qualification last year in Lisbon, when Aisel came 11th in her semi with “X My Heart”. Chingiz’s track is in the singer-songwriter genre, which has proved very popular recently both within the contest and outside of it.
Will Azerbaijan get back on track and qualify this year? What do you think to the new flavour being brought from them? Let us know what you think of “Turth in the comments below, and drop us a message on Twitter @Wiwibloggs !
On first listen I liked it and wanted to hear it again. The voice and the video engaged and intrigued me. It needs to be very memorable on the night as it could get forgotten up against some of the other male singers. Will people remember this when they go to vote? I hope so! It is the type of song that is needed for the non Eurovision lover to see that ESC is a serious and quality music contest.
He high key cute
I love when songs have traditional elements and this does! Up-beat, modern with a catchy chorus. Azerbaijan did it again, Though I have to say it reminds me of the Swiss entry and both are in the same semi final. I hope we don’t get confused.
Is it me or every pretty boy shows skin on their videos this year? Chingiz here, Duncan, Mahmood…shall we start a poll about if Sergey is doing it too?
2:18 in the music video: That’s the killer you are looking for
Hmmm… Really nice build-up, but then the song kind of gets stuck un a mediocre chorus. Lovely aesthetics.
Some people mention that Trey Campbell, performer for Bulgaria last year, co-wrote this entry. Funnily enough, it sounds exactly like something from an Alex Vargas album, an artist who co-wrote Bulgaria’s entry for Kristian Kostov the year before.
“Truth” is a song that would fit nicely on any alt rock station in the US.
Is it that unique?
Wow this is great! This is my fave so far can’t wait for Sweden and Sergey now!
Still hoping for an Arvingarna WIN for some nostalgy from my youth.
Impressive, after the snippet I was thrilled to know what followed, luckily it was this beautiful song. Good luck Azerbaijan. Also it’s curious how comparing the internally selected entries vs the ones in national finals, the quality isn’t in the NF.
Chingiz is a great guy with a trait of uniqueness in his performances. This song, not so much. I mean, it’s catchy as heck, polished dance pop with Azeri elements, but I don’t know if I should dance to it. As happened to Aisel before, it’s a clash with Chingiz, it’s like Husniye was throwing hell before these singers to accept the songs they’re assigned to.
Azerbaijan might have success with this–who doesn’t love an eye candy to vote for + great visuals by the Azeri team?
also written by trey campbell one of the american guys from bulgaria last year
Ooo is it? 🙂 Really happy if it is.
Of the english language songs, this is by far the best one!
Yes..of all the songs entered this year, this is the only one I wanted to listen to again, It is really good..and the hook ‘shut up about it’, really stays in your head..not sure if it is really for eurovision, but.for me, a real good radio track, and the best so far.
Hmm.. the 1st song I have heard this year that has any potential …a bit repetetive but very catchy, I don’t see it as a winner, but this year is very weak. A big hit in the gay clubs I have no doubt, as he looks good, and sounds good.
Not as standout and memorable as I expected from Azerbaijan. Since 2015, their songs have been pretty much on the safe side. Good but not better than last year.
The video is quite artistic and it has nice visuals.
Okay gotta admit: this is a TUNE. This could win. Catchy, radiofriendly, current, hot guy. And we all know Azerbaijan are masters in selling songs on stage. Even if he can’t sing in tune, they will hire some Swedes for sure. Are we going back to Baku? Could be, really.
I like the chorus and the rhythm, however the verses are too cheesy, kind of Markus Riva’s style.
First time the snippet is better than the whole thing….my high expectations were not met…sorry.
Cool fusion, high quality. I like it. Hope they give it a well-thought performance. I’m not sure if it can get into my top 10, though. Anyway, I think Azerbaijan won’t have any problem to qualify.
The song is cool, He’s got. But another english song. I am waiting an entirely Azeri language song.
I actually like this.
Azerbaijan always has generic likable songs that ultimately become my guilty pleasure for some reason.
This is what happens when the Netherlands and Australia spend the night together.
Duncan and Kate would make a lovely couple. 🙂
They are more BFF type for me.
It’s a solid song, very catchy and definetly one I will dance along to. Not my favourite but still a very good entry. Not a fan of his voice but after a few listens, I think it will grow on me.
THIS SONG IS GREATH AND FRESH IN THIS YEAR
i’m usually a big azerbaijan lover but this one kinda sounds like it comes out of 2016. i’m not vibin with this sorry… maybe it’ll grow on me
It’s a nice, catchy summer tune. Well done, Azerbaijan.
Milanov being Milanov, not a fan
This video makes me think of aquaman
Anyway, after watching this i’m VERY excited to see how they’re gonna stage this in may
I’m expecting in short a Wiwibloggs poll about the sexiest man
Just wait for Eurovision’s Next Top Male Model in summer 😉
I will vote for him there hehe
I typically love songs written by Milanov, and while this is a nice song it’s a little forgettable for me
I feel like I’m Tel-Aviv, he’s gonna be like Imri Ziv, so hot that people ignore the fact he’s singing flat the entire team. That’s gonna be really difficult to nail live, and I have a sneaking suspicion he won’t.
I’m top, he’s hairy and has beard. Disgusting
But since almost all Eurovision fans are old sloppy bottoms, they will love him.
I also wonder how he will sing this live…
Kinda reminds me Swedish music
Do you have Instagram? I’m bottom and no hair at all…
Age?
Your taste in men and music is the worst ever 🙂
Hey smooth bottom here
Lol but I agree
Top here
WTF this is not grindr for God’s sake.
Well this whole thread got out of hand way too quickly
Why tops don’t like beard and hair? 🙁
They like it. This one is just a twink chaser.
When the comments section becomes Grindr 😛
Bottom here, no beard, but a little body hair
I am bottom and hairy including beard………….
wth s going in on here? i want to join the fun,lol
i love hair and beard and im versatile 😛
and im not old…yet…lol
Now I know why Eurovision is so gay.
Why is this grindr all of the sudden?
next thing you know someone in the thread is gonna say “no fats no fems”
COCHINASSSS
Don’t wanna get crucified here, but is this really the best place to discuss your sexual preferences? There’s tons of dating sites out there, this one is about music.
LOL, wtf.
This thread is pure gold! (emojis crying of laughter)
Your comment is disgusting.
lmao
This thread made me laugh so hard, wow guys xD
Maybe someone here made the list of number male/female/ group artists this year, i’m too lazy to count it…lol
thanks
Solo Male – 17
Solo Female – 14
Duets, Duos, Groups – 9
We still need to know who’s going to represent Sweden!
For me this is worst song from Milanov in ESC. He is author for Bulgaria 2011,2016,2017,2018. Macedonia 2017. Serbia 2017. Austria 2018.
No wonder it reminds me of serbia 2017. Inoffensive pop songs with pretentious ethnic sound.
Also Malta 2019 xD
He doesn’t stop trying
He is new Gsson in ESC.
I really like it!! It’s so catchy and love the ethnic parts. I wonder how’s it going be in live. 😮
So it looks Azerbaijan and Malta will try to follow Bulgaria.
I wish some delegations would dare to find new interesting wtriters to bring something fresh instead of recurring to the safe ones that write the same kind of song every year.
Very good song in a very weak year…Azerbaijan almost never disappints
The backing track and visuals are amazing but can’t hide how terrible the actual songs is. The first seconds of backing track build it up so high and then his voice ruins it. Shame. I hope it fails in the semi and other more deserving countries can get through.
It’s good but not great. It feels like a left over track from a Swedish or British pop album that’s been sent in. it started promising but faded out and became meh.
Don’t think Azerbaijan will be back to top 10!
Instantly catchy, great voice and production. Undoubtedly will be top 5 and a potential winner! I love it.
Bones (ESF18) 2.0….nothing new here :-/
The visuals are stunning. The song not so much. It’s ok in general, but nothing special. I thought after last year, they would have tried to risk more, but it’s not the case apparently. Anyway, since it’s gonna be a ballad-y semi, maybe it will stand out a bit more. Anyway, I’m a bit disappointed, especially after that promising snippet.
It’s so good. I really wish more countries went for internal selections this year. I mean 90% of the national finals end up with disappointing results anyways. :/
Good studio song…Now I want to know how it will sound live!
HE SING GREATH ON LIVE
Chingiz Mustafayef had this great opportunity to present in his own language his beautiful music to the world… And he chose to sing this? And in english? It’s such a pity.. I am disappointed..
When did Azerbaijan ever sing in it’s own language in the ESC? (Not counting Jr ESC). They are risk averse to that it seems.
I love it in my top 5. He’s so hot. :p
No one cares whether he’s hot or not.
We are just here to judge the songs
You might not care, that’s your problem. He/she obvs does. Don’t be so bitter.
we care! its EuroVision not EuroAudition after all, lmao!
Internal selections saving the year
WE STAN
ESC >>> ECC – eye candy contest 😛