If we know anything about Benny Cristo, it’s that he keeps things relaxed and makes music on his terms. So it’s more than fitting that the name of his Eurovision 2021 song is “omaga” — a fun take on the universal expression Oh my god.

A radio-ready dance number, the song is bouncy and sunny — much like the singer himself. And surely much of its polish comes down to the talent of noted producer Filip Vlček, who collaborated with Benny on the track.

Lyrically, Benny confesses that he’s done “a lot of big shhh” — slang for some proper shite — but not deliberately. “You say you’re still too mad about things that I did, but I don’t know what I did, bay-baaayy,” he sings. We’re particularly fond of this rhyme: “There ain’t no Apocalypse as long as you’re here on my lips.” In the build-up to the chorus Benny suggests he’s ready to reunite emotionally and physically: “Why don’t you come over and have it, why don’t you let me have it?”

While the song is mostly in English, about a minute and fifteen seconds in he transitions seamlessly into Czech. This transition is smooth and flows — no friction here!

Omaga! Benny Cristo reveals Eurovision 2021 song and music video

Benny — better known to his Czech fans as Ben Cristovao — has shared an eye-catching video for his Eurovision song. In it he transforms into a series of heroes from some of his favourite films and TV shows, including Grease, The Simpsons and Dirty Dancing.

Director Jan Strach described what it was like filming in freezing conditions.

“It was a challenge to refer to such cult classics as Pulp Fiction, Forrest Gump and The Shining in the music video,” he said in a statement. “We put our own spin on it and Benny, through his acting performance, added just the right amount of flair and humorous exaggeration.”

“Many shooting locations became quite complicated due to unfavourable weather. Unfortunately, we unintentionally chose the snowiest and coldest weekend of the year. We couldn’t shoot the classic scene where Forrest is sitting on a bench outside, so we had to use a green screen for several scenes and finish everything off in post-production.”

Benny is rightfully proud of their work.

“We shot a lot of really great scenes during the filming. I was sure that even if we were to use only a tenth of them, the result would be great and indeed it really is. Honza came up with a great idea and he managed to implement it really well.”

Benny Cristo’s Eurovision 2021 staging

Along with the announcement, Czech Head of Delegation Kryštof Šámal confirmed that Marvin Dietmann will oversee the stage show. Marvin famously dreamed up Conchita Wurst’s winning Eurovision stage performance — and is also working with Austria, Cyprus and Spain this year.

“I believe that the EBU will finally be able to hold the Eurovision Song Contest in the most accessible way possible, so that Benny and the audience can enjoy the ‘omaga’ dance song to the fullest,” Kryštof says. “That is, live from Rotterdam and in full-stage form.”

“We are preparing a visually original concept, where Benny will be accompanied by two female and two male dancers. It is interesting that the position of stage director will this year be filled by Marvin Dietmann, a seasoned professional from Austria, who has extensive experience in this field.”

What do you think of the music video? Do you think this song can climb the scoreboard at Eurovision? And are you loving that the Czech team have hired stage maestro Marvin? Let us know in the comments box down below!

 

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A post shared by Ben Cristovao (@bennycristo)

146 Comments
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Jai
Jai
3 years ago

I liked Kemama and was hoping his 2021 song would be somewhat similar. The Afrobeat influences made it stand out among the songs. I don’t hate this new song but its a little bit too generic for me. I’m hoping he’ll revamp it.

Yorkster
Yorkster
3 years ago

Preferred Kemama by a lonnnnng long way. Not feeling Omaga, not hating it either though, just blah at the moment. But I really like the guy so hopefully he vibes it in May and enjoys himself

Mia
Mia
3 years ago

Not bad, but kinda forgettable. I liked Kemama more.

Polegend Godgarina
3 years ago

where’s the flavor ? this sounds like some maroon 5 reject, it’s SO safe… i confide in benedict cristovao for a charismatic stage presentation.

Chessguy99
3 years ago

The guy can put together a great music track. The lyrics aren’t on the same level as the music. Last year I thought the same. Perhaps he should collaborate with a top lyricist.

Albert
Albert
3 years ago

It’s a good one, but not my favorite absolutely

Last edited 3 years ago by Albert
Stephanie
Stephanie
3 years ago

Not my cup of tea but I think it will do well. Maybe not by the juries, most definitely by the televoters.

Ermin
Ermin
3 years ago

Downvote me as much as you like, but this song will do well. Is the kind of song disliked in the bubble, but voted in the real contest. But Victoria….. Equinox 2.0.

Polegend Godgarina
3 years ago
Reply to  Ermin

vicky is bringing a wave of modernity to the contest, if grandmavision isn’t ready for someone fresh who can keep up with the times then it ain’t her fault.

Bella
Bella
3 years ago

Mediocre…and very repetitive.
4/10

Simon
Simon
3 years ago

The music video is great and I like the good vibes. He’s got a lot of charisma, I think the live performance could elevate the song.

canada_piano
canada_piano
3 years ago

i just think that omaga is bland, repetitive and bad from a musical perspective.

Maya G
Maya G
3 years ago

I think I like Kemama more, but this is really good too. Well done Czech Republic.

Mr X
Mr X
3 years ago

France 10/10
Lithuania 9/10
Ukraine 7/10
Albania 5/10
Israel 4/10
Czech Republic 3/10 – too generic, I´m very disappointed. The lyrics are dull.

ESCFan2009
ESCFan2009
3 years ago

Wasn’t a fan of “Kemama” at all, but “omaga” is a BOP <3

Benji
Benji
3 years ago

Do the Czechs mean it seriously by sending such an amateurish song or is “Omama” actually a joke entry?

DonutLover
DonutLover
3 years ago

Even tho i am not crazy about the song atm,it might grow on me
I wouldn’t underestimate his talent and ability to sell the song well. It probably won’t be a winner or top 5 but with some great staging top 10 is an option..
Ofc as usual it depends on what others are offering this year.

Ermin
Ermin
3 years ago

Good song, probably Germany will be the same.

Benny Hill
Benny Hill
3 years ago

Sorry, but I don’t feel it.

However it’s laidback, he’s having fun, the production is on point, that’s what counts. Good for him! 🙂

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
3 years ago

Owh myy gahh. This entry’s a lot of fun. I look forward to its final staging. I preferred “Kemama” as a song to this one though.

WyElse
WyElse
3 years ago

Stop writing hate comments, I can t get them all to like !
It is hilarious how bad the song is…
Well, this is good for show, for divergence… They can t be amazing all of them..

Last edited 3 years ago by WyElse
whait, what
whait, what
3 years ago

It misses a hook to make it memorable, yet it is an interesting feel-good song, and I hope for a good staging. So far, I believe that we will have a better contest than last year, quality wise. France, Ukraine, Lithuania and Czech Republic are serving goooooood stuff.

Ohi
Ohi
3 years ago

It’s bombastic and fun which is great for a party but it’s slightly unstructured and a little less instant. I feel like this will read well on a stage though. I’m sticking it in 3rd so far as I feel this will grow on me

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
3 years ago

I am beyond excited by this.
In an ESC world that’s quickly becoming a bland, unremarkable sea of Wrethov-Barker-Milanov, mass-produced mediocrity, I live cannot get help but get hyped by genuinely talented artists with original work, whose entries have vision and authenticity about them.

Benny Cristo, welcome to my top!

Slna
Slna
3 years ago

Yeah, no, this is not it, not what you ditch a national final for and spend a whole year preparing. It’s slightly below mediocre, and the word play in the title is just stupid and cringe. It is shocking how boring the song is all throughout, it feels like 7 long boring minutes and you can’t distinguish at any time whether it is minute 2, minute 4 or minute 6, it’s all the same. Being it the same semi and half as Austria, I would be very worried. If Vincent brings a half-decent upbeat song this is (even more) toast… Read more »

Dalth
Dalth
3 years ago

I dont mind this, not sure its very memorable but by the sounds of it there may be some interesting stageing which will probably lift it

Kalla
Kalla
3 years ago

Well this was a pleasant surprise. I really like it, very fresh, up to date and great music video to. A lot better than last years song, nice to see Benny has been busy upping his game this last year. I remember watching vibdir last year and was not being able to follow to well what was going on (as always on vibdir, so much long talking!). And I watched a very charasmatic guy perform in the interval, which transpired to be Benny. I can see him performing very well at Rotterdam. Nice to have something different from the already… Read more »

ANDREW BROWN
ANDREW BROWN
3 years ago

very good rnb pop.

Jonas
Jonas
3 years ago

I like it a lot, another listen and I’ll love it.

Tina
Tina
3 years ago

my fave so far cos its fun and we need stuff like that but I hope it gets even better

...
...
3 years ago

Love it!

kohen
kohen
3 years ago

sadly.. a NQ

canada_piano
canada_piano
3 years ago
Reply to  kohen

exactly…

Matthew ESC
Matthew ESC
3 years ago

Hmm i did not like kemema at all so I had no expectations for his new Eurovision entry. I can admit that omega is better than kemama, but it’s still weak enough to be in the bottom of my rankings atm. Dont see it doing well at esc, probable non qualifier for now.

canada_piano
canada_piano
3 years ago
Reply to  Matthew ESC

finally someone talking sense…

Kirby
Kirby
3 years ago

It’s been a hard period all over the world, maybe it’s refreshing to have cheerful, uptempo entries. For this reason, I just liked Omega. However, I must say it doesn’t have that Kemama hook. Except for the “Omega” part, the verses are hard to follow, it’s hard to sing along.

Darren
Darren
3 years ago

Maybe it will grow on me
But it feels kind of flat or empty. It’s missing something.
I preferred Kemama if im honest, but I like Benny Cristo as a performer (and someone beautiful to look at)
I’m not sure about this though.

Felix
Felix
3 years ago

I liked Kemama and found the fandom’s response to his entry frustrating. The constant insistence on tearing artists down just because it doesn’t necessarily fit your sensibilities is grating, particularly when the songs are very well-made for their genres. It’s not like Kemama was ever a bad song, it’s just Eurofans didn’t understand it and in too many eyes that made it horrible. I had faith that if the contest were to go ahead he’d qualify.

Enough with my venting about last year haha.

Good job Benny, I enjoy your entry this year too 🙂

Sam
Sam
3 years ago
Reply to  Felix

Kemama I really enjoyed, at least the final version but this one is also great and I want to see him do well

Zelenovi
Zelenovi
3 years ago
Reply to  Felix

Same here!

xohxoh
xohxoh
3 years ago

Neither bad nor good. Eh…

Héctor
Héctor
3 years ago

Can’t get what people expect nowadays. Better than “Kemama” for sure, with the right staging this will easily qualify cause the general publi will love it. Uplifting, enjoyable and fun, it even has room for some tropical vibes. It’s so refreshing. Damn good.

Last edited 3 years ago by Héctor
MollieLouise
MollieLouise
3 years ago

I like it, something about it that makes me want to re-listen so I think it’ll be a grower. Love the references in the music video too!

maladroite
maladroite
3 years ago

Love how he is keeping up with the tradition of funny song titles

Lena
Lena
3 years ago

so bad

Zander25
Zander25
3 years ago

everyone’s has its personal taste and opinion and same as kemama I still don’t like it but Im not hating just not my cup of tea.

Chris
Chris
3 years ago

I consider the song victim of the hard Eurovision fans. People were not supporting him last year, despite the fact that he was selected through national final so he had already won the votes of some people. It was so different from all the other songs and I wouldn’t be surprised if he passed in the final and had a top 10 result. In 2018 everyone thought Ireland will be only placed above Iceland and i dont forget 2019′ San Marino surprising result. Our predictions and rankings are only for our community fun. In the stage everything changes. Everyone can… Read more »

ESC8
ESC8
3 years ago

I didn’t like Kemama at all but THIS is something totally different. I like it a lot! It becomes a little monotonous towards the end, so it needs the right staging in order to not lose the connection with the viewers. It’s not the best Czech entry but I like it more than their 2019 and 2020 acts. I think that this is a qualifier from the Czech Republic! Congratulations & good luck!

Teddi
Teddi
3 years ago

This might sound rough but…If it takes a whole year to make song like this then you should step out from music industry because it’s evident that you either have no talent or you don’t have enough passion. This is awful. Borderline unlistenable.

Stian F
Stian F
3 years ago
Reply to  Teddi

I find the song to be great and catchy and so does many others – so u r obviously wrong in your statement, which is just obnoxious and extremely disrespectful!!! Ben has released lots of great songs this past year and his new Eurovision entry is also a damn good song. Respect to that man who has more talent than many many others in the music industry.

Héctor
Héctor
3 years ago
Reply to  Teddi

Or maybe your taste is a bit unrefined. Like your manners.

You can like it or not but you can’t say he doesn’t have any talent or passion when this song is over the standards.

Ifty
Ifty
3 years ago
Reply to  Teddi

Having different taste than someone else doesn’t make him lacking in talents, and not liking a song shouldn’t be an encouragement to address other people’s hard work in this extremely rude manner.

What ever happened to “I don’t like it, personally”?

Ashton Schier
Ashton Schier
3 years ago
Reply to  Teddi

Your sentiments are that he has no talent or passion because you yourself don’t like the song? The disrespect and the audacity from both of you. I’d wager Benny has more musical talent in his eyelash than either of you could hope to achieve.

Ashton Schier
Ashton Schier
3 years ago
Reply to  Ashton Schier

It’s hilarious that the best insult you could give me is boring. And imagine saying I have a sad life when you say that someone iss devoid of any talent. But go off I guess, I’m still laughing at how insulting you must think the word boring is. Like, add some flavour to your insults ffs

Tina
Tina
3 years ago
Reply to  Ashton Schier

no one cares ffs

Ashton Schier
Ashton Schier
3 years ago
Reply to  Ashton Schier

This isn’t a suspicious amount of downvotes at all lmao, stay pressed

Zelenovi
Zelenovi
3 years ago
Reply to  Teddi

Away, troll!

Zelenovi
Zelenovi
3 years ago
Reply to  Teddi

My advice: keep holding back.

Last edited 3 years ago by Zelenovi
woah
woah
3 years ago

Kemama was in my top 5 last year. And while I don’t dislike Omaga, I don’t love it either. It’s very middle-of-the-road, and even his distinctive thing, which was the Afrobeat, is gone — which is a shame. He’s not really a singing artist (as in distinguishing himself for his vocals), but he’s a great stage performer, so hopefully his stage performance will wow people and make an impact. Otherwise this will struggle to qualify.

NickC
NickC
3 years ago

While I like it more than Kemama, I still think he will struggle to qualify. Nevertheless, I am excited about the staging- because the video shows how creative he (and his team) is.

My ranking is:

1- Lithuania
2- France
3- Israel
4- Ukraine
5- Croatia
6- Czechia
7- Albania.

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
3 years ago

Honestly, I like it a whole lot. It’s as if Benny took “Kemama” and fused it with a summer chart-topper, and the end result fills me with so much positive energy.

Popular culture references in the video: “Forrest Gump” (1:10), “Pulp Fiction” (1:19), “Rocky” (1:58), “The Shining” (2:29), “Lady And The Tramp” (1:37), “Dirty Dancing” (2:48), “The Simpsons” (1:15), “Grease” (0:54), “The Wolf of Wall Street” (1:47), maybe “The Silence of The Lambs” (0:42), “You” (2:33) and “Poltergeist” (0:49). Were there any others?

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
3 years ago
Reply to  Skiwalko

I was thinking of “Groundhog Day” too, but I don’t think there was any umbrella involved there (probably it’s a nod to Ceska televize, given the logo on the mic). And how could it be a “Rebel without a cause” reference without the iconic red jacket? 🙂

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago

I’m glad to see such a positive response, Benny deserved it after everything he had to deal with last year. Sadly, I’ll have to be a dissonant voice here. What I liked the most about “Kemama” was how it would bring a different sound to the contest. Though I appreciate the fact he’s not just repeating himself, there’s nothing here that hooks me. It’s fresh, contemporary, enjoyable, already better than half of the released entries, but I’m not feeling it. It may grown on me though. And will certainly be fun to watch when performed live.

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

I don’t even know how to do it! 😛 And believe me, I was also hoping that I would love this one. Maybe I’ll feel better about it when my expectations settle down. I want to listen to a version without vocals (there always some Youtube channels that provide this sort of thing), it seems that there are some interesting things going on in the background.

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

I already found a “karaoke version” on Youtube, but the sound quality is not the ideal. It was enough to check that I really like the first 30 seconds, but then things don’t build up too much and it makes me miss the initial hook. But hey, I’m not suggesting a revamp, because Benny had enough of this already. He seems genuinely happy with his song, that’s the most important hing.

ffs
ffs
3 years ago

next …

You
You
3 years ago
Reply to  ffs

Wiwibloggs block “ffs”, that person is always complaining everything witj one word! Example: Bad, Awful, C**p, S**t, Next, Terrible etc.

This is nothing but hate towards every country

AM2PM
AM2PM
3 years ago
Reply to  You

I’d rather read one word complaints than that tantrum you just had.

Darren
Darren
3 years ago
Reply to  You

@You

Ok??

Ashton Schier
Ashton Schier
3 years ago

It’s a good song. It’s gonna have to sit with me for a bit more before it becomes great. With good staging, this can qualify.