Last week, Czech Republic’s singer Benny Cristo released the revamped version of his Eurovision 2020 song to a less than enthusiastic response. Now Cristo has released the re-revamped version of the song, combining the best of the two previous versions of his song “Kemama”.
The release of the final version of “Kemama” wasn’t without drama. There was a technical issue with the first upload, but eventually Benny was able to share the definitive version of “Kemama”.
The new version thoughtfully mixes the best features from the two previous versions of the song. From the national final version, we get the fresh electronic sound, while from the first revamp we get the African guitar sound. It creates a blend of the electronic and the organic, but keeps the celebratory feeling of “Kemama”.
“We need to make it the best it can be”
Writing on YouTube, Benny explained the story behind the final revamp, including feedback from fans who were unhappy with the first revamp. Benny explained:
“Thank you so much for your immediate feedback regarding the revamp of Kemama! It helped me and my team to realize that the master of the track was not completed and that we need to make it the best it can be. With the approval of the Eurovision Song Contest team at the EBU, we were allowed to finalize the mix exactly how we wanted it to be and now we are 100% happy with it. This final revamp is exactly how we wanted it to sound and we hope you’ll forgive us little delay and some bumps in the road in achieving this.”
Earlier, we asked wiwibloggs readers which version of “Kemama” Benny Cristo should take to Eurovision. 66.02% of readers said he should go with the national final version while only 7.93% supported the first revamp.
However, in the middle, 26.05% of wiwibloggs readers wanted to hear a “different version” — and indeed that is what Benny Cristo has delivered.
What do you think? Do you like the final version of “Kemama”? How should Benny stage it for Eurovision? Tell us your thoughts below!
The final version is so much better now.
I like the revamp to the revamp. Benny appears to be a very grounded, genuine and likeable artist. I wish him well.
Even though I still prefer the original version, they definitely improved and fixed some of the mistakes of the revamp
I was one of the voters for “a different version” and this is what I was expecting. This will go for the top 15. It’s a different vibe, the staging should be on point too. It has been growing on me though I still thin there were better opton in the CZ NF, like “All the Blood” by All We Poop.
Three revamps while the entire competition is at risk of getting cancelled because of the coronavirus is like the orchestra on the titanic fighting over which composition to play while the ship is sinking.
Which revamps we’re still waiting for?
Slovenia
How about France? Anything else?
Imo he is a sure qualifier, even though I prefer the old version, like the one in Vidbir
He seems as such a nice and cute guy. Really pity they gave him this “Kemama song” that will 101% stop him from qualifying from semi.
This sounds a whole lot better. The last one, many elements all sounded overwhelming so this was a good compromise. And seems like Benny is liking this cut as well.
oh actually I like this
this is a good revamp, not too convinced by the vocals in the last chorus (this type of song doesn’t need any type of vocal acrobatics) but the instrumental is good
This is honestly getting tiring. Countries should only have one chance to revamp and if they f*uck it up, then they f*cked it up.
First how can they even get again a new revamp if the deadline has already been passed since 1 week ?
They ask for permission and they were granted it. Why should there be restrictions on revamping a song for?
There should be restrictions on how many times they have the right to revamp and until when based on when they released the song.
Oh ya this is quickly climbing my ranks
This song is fire. It’s easily in my top 5.
A good decision, it’s better than the original and keeps some of the elements from the first revamp. I think it will easily qualify, right now it’s in my Top 5.
And this is essentially what I wanted the revamp to be.
This is awesome!
I was among the 10% who liked the first revamp. The guitar that made the whole song is now barely there. It’s back to some dance track that gives me nothing in particular. He should not have listened to the fans. The soul of the revamp is gone. The brass instruments are at least heard. I wish for him to go more on African sound on upcoming songs. Good luck
more like 1%
“only 7.93% supported the first revamp”
This is among wisibloggs eurovisionfans
so neither of us were correct then
So that would be the vamped revamp of the vamped revamp?
Even better then the orginal version! Love it!
When can we see the new version on Spotify?
Just as awful as the two previous versions. What he doesn’t get it is…the song itself! It’s very, very, VERY, veeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeery WEAK!
Your taste is weak
I’m sure he will be the dark horse. He is now 31st on MES, but I think He’ll qualify, and end up in the top 20.
Much love from the Czech Republic! ?
Another revamp? Really? I’ve never seen such a desperate Eurovision artist
He is a critic artist, he wants to make it perfect there is no shame in that
This revamp of the revamp was a good call. The song is good again, if not even better than the original version. Also I need to give him a lot of credit for listening to the fans. He’s clearly very dedicated to this and I really do hope he qualifies.
So he should qualify because he’s dedicated? All other artists are dedicated to this, not only him.
Never did I say that’s the reason why. Those are two separate statements. I admire that he’s shown dedication by going through extra lengths to make sure people liked the song. That’s not the reason I want him to qualify though. I want him to qualify because I think he has one of the better songs in his semi.
”People like the song” What does it mean? Who are people? Eurofans are small part of the audience. Taste is subjective, I don’t like the song. How many rewamps he will make just to please everyone? I think that’s pathetic and ridiculous. Or maybe they know Eurofans have soft spot for pathetic statements so in that case I congratulate to his PR.
I really like it.
Great job and best of luck!
I guess it’s now clear that it was a mixing problem. Czech Republic is back on track! Well done, Benny. 🙂
Love the last version. Keep up the good work!
Ayyy, good job Benny Cristo! Literally the nicest guy in the class of 2020. He’ll do very well
Well done, Benny! Kemama, yo!
You will surely be going to the Grand Final 🙂
This version is so much better, I’m totally into it! Btw, I’m waiting for Albanian re-revamp… jk
albanian revamp already happened
r/wooosh
I just want Benny to be happy, man.
This is supposed to be an amazing experience and it hasn’t start off too happily for him. Let’s hope he can start to enjoy it now.
He is so kind and I love the song now
He’s back, baby! From 5th to 16th to 5th again. Bless up.
Damnn Top 10 for sure ! 🙂
In your dreams.
Your negativity can stay beyond my borders bye
Damn right Tom, great song
It’s perfect. The new revamp combines the best elements of both versions and the end product is fantastic. The guitar gives “Kemama” more energy and African vibe, but it doesn’t overpower Benny’s voice, which was the problem with the first revamp. I was a bit worried about Czech Republic’s chances this year, but right now I think they’re good to go. Best of luck, Benny!
Well done Benny, I think you got there in the end. This one nicely combines the two previous versions. Job done!
Never say never again.
Still better than Hurricaine 🙁
Much better now! Great Benny!
back to my #1
Unpopular opinion: This song is fire. I can’t wait to vote for this!