Bambie Thug: 10 Facts about Ireland’s Eurovision 2024 singer

Bursting into Eurovision 2024 in a gloriously witchy supernova is Ireland’s Bambie Thug! The Cork-born singer was chosen to represent the Emerald Isle via Ireland’s national final Eurosong back in January. Since then, they’ve gone on to showcase their originality and unforgettable live performances through pre-party season.

With such a unique entry to the world of Eurovision, let’s dive right in to 10 Facts about Bambie Thug. There’s a lot to cover so get ready!

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10 Facts about Bambie Thug

1. They created their own genre, “Ouija-Pop”

Bambie invented their own genre of music called Ouija-Pop, to classify the incredible art they create. They made this category after not wanting to be confined to one sound, and so they could mix inspirations to create something new. Speaking to Gay Times, they said “my stuff is hyperpunk avant electro-pop. We call it grit pop or rot but recently I’ve been coining the term ‘ouija pop'”.

2. They were the first ever selected non-binary Eurovision participant

Bambie is a non-binary artist, and uses they/them pronouns, as well as fae/faer. They were the first-ever non-binary current-year Eurovision act upon selection (Molly Sterling – who represented Ireland in 2015 – came out as non-binary after their participation). Speaking to Wiwibloggs, when asked what it feels like to come into the Eurovision space, known for it’s LGBTQIA+ representation, Bambie said, “It feels incredible to have the opportunity to represent that side of the community and it also it actually feels extra special to have Nemo [from Switzerland] as well, to have another”.

3. They like to work with fellow queer artists on their work

When creating, they like to collaborate with LGBTQIA+ artists. Speaking to Wiwibloggs about the complexity of the visuals in their music video, Bambie said “Well it was a room full of queers making it, so…!”, in regards to the artistry. They said that most of the team on their side are non-binary – they are clearly inspired by fellow queer creatives and it shows in the power behind the work.

4. They grew up around music and would re-write musicals as a child

On RTÉ’s The Late Late Show, Bambie discussed their childhood, where they would tweak musicals with their sister Holly. Speaking to host Patrick Kielty, Bambie said “We would always re-write musicals and annoy my mum by putting on elaborate shows”. They said that they were “always made to be the bouncer, or the man and they would stuff me and make me really fat”. Sounds like quite the experience to watch! They grew up around many genres growing up, including rap, rock, musicals and jazz.

5. Witchcraft is a huge part of who they are

Bambie practices witchcraft, and when asked by Wiwibloggs about their staging in Malmö, they said “I mean, it’s gonna be witchy! You know, it’s part of me”. They have spoken about Ireland’s history of paganism being important to them, and it is clear in their music video that witchcraft is key to them. When discussing what their Eurovision entry “Doomsday Blue” is about, they joked about hexing their ex – one of the protagonists of the song!

When our own Deban Adaremi asked Bambie if they would hex him, they replied “oh no, no, no, not right now! No i wouldn’t, I practice good magic, light magic”.

6. They are half-Irish, half-Swedish

Bambie has had a bit of a running joke thorugh pre-party season that they are the most Swedish act at Eurovision this year (since Marcus & Martinus representing Sweden are Norwegian). Bambie’s father is from Sweden, making Bambie half-Swedish!

7. They have an an EP called ‘Cathexis’

Bambie has been releasing music for a while, including singles such as “Tsunami (11:11)” (as performed at the London Eurovision Party), but in 2023 they released an EP called Cathexis. The word ‘cathexis’ means “the concentration of mental energy on one particular person, idea, or object (especially to an unhealthy degree)”. This can be seen in their Eurovision song “Doomsday Blue”, about an ex and deploying a hex upon them. The entry is included on the EP, as well as songs such as “Last Summer (I Know What You Did)” and “Careless”.

8. The inspiration behind the name Bambie Thug

Bambie changed their first name to Bambie after coming out, so chose to add Thug to this for their artist name to have that juxtaposition. They said that they like the clash in meanings because Bambie is sweet but Thug is the opposite. As a person they feel more Bambie. Their lyrcis provide the Thug element!

9. Their first love in music was…Westlife?!

Surprisingly, given the intense vibes in Bambie’s music now, Bambie’s first love in music was Irish superstar boyband Westlife. On The Late Late Show, Bambie said that Westlife were their first five concerts. They went on to say they wanted to member band member Shane when they were little. Given Westlife’s squeaky clean image, we’d love it if we found out Shane were voting for them during Eurosong!

10. Bambie studied ballet

Bambie initially moved ot London to study ballet at the Urdang Academy. However, after an injury they were not able to continue. You can see ballet influences in the staging used at the Irish national selection, Eurosong. It is noticably present during the chorus, and further shows the complexity and mix of styles in Bambie’s music, combining ballet with ouija-pop.

You can find out more about Ireland’s Bambie Thug as we head to Malmö shortly! Stay tuned to Wiwibloggs for more facts about the class of 2024, and let us know what you think of “Doomsday Blue” in the comments!