Formed in 2012, NAPOLI is the music project pioneered by Olga Shimanskaya. Having taken part in every Belarusian national final since 2014, she’s back once again for Natsionalniy Otbor 2020.
NAPOLI’s entry for this year’s national final is “Don’t Let Me Down”. It’s an upbeat pop track with a cool Caribbean-style vibe. Having made it through the live auditions, the Belarusian singer will be performing first in Friday’s national final.
We recently had a chat with NAPOLI about her entry, her love of Eurovision and why her dancers were wearing American Indian costumes at the auditions. She also thinks this could be her year!
Interview: NAPOLI (Natsionalniy Otbor 2020)
First of all, congratulations on getting to the Belarusian national final once again!
Thank you very much!
Now, “Don’t let me down” is the name of your entry, could you please elaborate what it is about?
My song, “Don’t let me down”, is about relationships between people. It’s a very difficult topic because when people have relationships not everyone is honest with each other! And it’s making me very sad! I just want people to value the honesty and loyalty of their couple and not betray under any circumstances! I want everyone to be happy and believe in love!
There are lots of different cultural elements to the song, with a Caribbean-style rhythm and in your live performance you had men dancing with American Indian styled costumes. Could you tell us what inspired you to mix genres and cultures with your song?
It’s easy, such a genre in music is quite popular now. I live in Cyprus now, and there people also prefer unobtrusive dance. If you follow the trends, it’s now fashionable when in the chorus there are a few words that are easy to remember and a cool bit. My song, “Don’t let me down”, it’s kind of a virus song. Listen to it at least twice and you will understand what I’m talking about 😉
About American Indian, we just wanted to make our people smile because it’s looking very bright!
On the national selection stage, we will have a completely different style. But, I promise to make it bright!!!
NAPOLI as a project have been trying to participate in Eurovision since 2014. What is it about the contest that keeps you wanting to come back for more?
First of all, I’m a very big Eurovision fan and don’t miss a single show.
Second, Eurovision is a grand event and a great opportunity for the singer to be heard by millions!
It will sound bonny, but it’s really my big dream to stand on the Eurovision stage!!!
And third, I never give up and never stop! If I want something I’ll get it finally, because I’m a fighter by nature and will fight till the end until my country gives me a chance to represent Belarus at Eurovision!
NAPOLI in the past had more performers. Do you prefer performing as part of a group or solo?
I prefer to be solo. Of course there are pluses to being in a group, but minuses more. As a soloist I feel free in everything! In the choice of clothing style, music and so on … in the group we are still dependent on each other. Freedom is important for everyone!
Is there a reason why as a solo artist you have decided to keep the name NAPOLI?
To be honest, yes. We created the NAPOLI group in 2012 together with my best friend Ilya Kravchuk, he was a singer and composer. But unfortunately, in 2014 he tragically died at the age of 23. I decided to leave the name NAPOLI as memory of him!
Do you think your style has changed from when you first entered the Eurovision national finals in 2014?
For sure it’s changed. everything has changed!!! Musical style, appearance, I already understand what I want and how! But before five years ago we were young and there was no concrete understanding of what we did and what we wanted; we just made music and enjoyed it. It was a crazy time and I don’t regret anything about it.
Do you believe this is your time now?
I believe that 2020 is my year!!! And my country will give me chance to represent Belarus at Eurovision!
Thank you very much NAPOLI and best of luck in your National Final!
What do you think of NAPOLI’s 2020 national final entry? Do you want to see her represent Belarus in Rotterdam? Let us know in the comments below.
Napoli deserves to finally get that ticket. pleasant surprise, she said last time she won’t participate again.
“Dont Let me Down ” Olga has done her best job ..I will love to see her representing her beloved country in Eurovision. Good luck bestie .
Good luck Napoli! She have really nice song this year ! Why you hate her????? I don’t understand! In Belarusian final worse songs than her! Good luck ?
I agree, I prefer Val to win but this time Napoli actually does have a nice song but still get tons of dislikes on it. Her song has potential to do well, im talking top 15
She still needs to find the right song to send in Eurovision
This girl is very annoying and her songs very bland and cheesy…
why is everybody underrating burning again and hello when they are clearly the best options? that’s clownery
“Don’t Let Me Down”?
YOU “Don’t Let Us”, darling. Capisch?
There are not native american, it’s a stretch to call those headpieces “native americans”, more like a gimmick.
But just don’t do it, it has nothing with the song and it’s so bad taste
Snowflakes getting offended by everything back at it again i guess…
No shade, but NAPOLI…can you please just give up?
Sorry…but you’ve seen the Belarussian auditions, right?
It’s not like we’re missing out on the next Amar pelos Dois because Napoli is taking up a place each year. 😉
I think you misunderstood my comment lol.
I’m actually agreeing with you.