Azerbaijan’s Dilara Kazimova has one of the sexiest voices at Eurovision 2014. It has a dark, smoky quality that works well with soulful songs. And where there is smoke there is fire. “Start a Fire” to be precise.

“My song is not about just love,” Dilara told us as Eurovision in Concert. “My song is about humanity, respect to each other and hope.”

As you can see in our interview above, Dilara is full of life and energy. Now she’s taking her vigor on the road. Her Eurovision promotional tour will include stops in five countries over ten days. She’s off to Lithuania next, followed by Hungary, Russia, Georgia and Malta.

Looks like Miss Kazimova is racking up those frequent flier miles!

Related Links

Dilara’s Official Facebook Page

Dilara’s official website (Coming soon)

Dilara’s official Instagram

“Start a Fire” on iTunes

You can keep up-to-date on the latest Eurovision news and gossip by following the team on Twitter @wiwibloggs and by liking our Facebook page.

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Reality
Reality
9 years ago

Oh how lame! Your song is about humanity … My a*s! Your song is about WAR. Honey!

For your Info
For your Info
9 years ago

@Kenn
Please do not be fooled. The instrument that plays in this song is an Armenian instrument called DUDUK. The whole world knows this. The world encyclopedia says it. The researchers confirmed in 2001, 2007 and 2011 a million times that Duduk is untouchable! And it belongs to Armenins. There is plenty of evidence and research written about it by non Armenians. Check please

For your Info
For your Info
9 years ago

@Carl of U.S.A. For your information, The same “homophobe” Aram that you guys like to talk crap about, adores Elton John! He sings like him, admires him, and he’s totally, entirely in love with every single one of his songs. So shut the hell up all of you haters out there. A homophobic person would not do that. Also, Aram himself often dresses like a female in the vitamin club shows and acts like a female character. Do you think a homophobe would do that? Get a life haters and just accept it that you can’t stand the fact that… Read more »

carl of U.S.A
carl of U.S.A
9 years ago

@Game On,darling you think little.Aram argued with Conchita and he saw that he loses his votes from Austria and Conchita’s fans and apologized Conchita.Unlike Aram,Dilara respects everybody and she is a tolerant.

carl of U.S.A
carl of U.S.A
9 years ago

+Kenn,the intrument you liked is azerbaijani national instument-BALABAN..

Dan
Dan
9 years ago

@For your info. Woa It might be painful 😀 Has that video English subtitles ?? I would like to watch xD

I have seen how crazy fans can be xD
When there is a football match between The Netherlands and Germany ,it’s like a World war 2. After football fans “play ” with each other xD With each other’s heads ,legs etc. xD

For your info
For your info
9 years ago

@ Dan 🙂 🙂 🙂 It’s maybe inappropriate but I cannot just shut up after you mentioned Real Madrid and Barcelona. It’s out of topic but you made me remember an episode from Aram MP3 show called “no problem,” or “harc chka,” where people were sending emails to Aram and daring him to to crazy things. And of course Aram was agreeing to do the dares. One of the dares that a viewer sent was for Aram and his friend to go to Barcelona, and in the middle of the streets yell “Real Madreid, Real Madrid.” And of course they… Read more »

Ben
Ben
9 years ago

Start a fire sound like a song about war!

This is my opinion
This is my opinion
9 years ago

I love the song 2nd best this year

My final top 3:

1. SWEDEN
2. AZERBAIJAN
3. NORWAY

Anni
Anni
9 years ago

I don’t like this song! Too slow!

MoOn-FLoWeR
9 years ago

Canim Dilara Can Azerbaijan <3

Kenn
Kenn
9 years ago

OMG!! So many hatred comments and then they say it is a song contest! lol! Hatred does never gives anything to any of us except of pain, dear armenian friends! :s

I like her song, I didnt like “Hold me”, didnt really impressed me. But this song is really interesting and full of emotions. Love the instrument. Good luck. :3 of pain

Dan
Dan
9 years ago

@Marcelo N at least one problem will be less . I guess I need to do research about these lands too .Maybe I can help them to solve that problem too .joke I know one thing if war begins between these 2 countries it will result in WW3 ; ) . Russia knew how to create conflict between these countries so they will be depended on Russia (forever). They only do not realise it .I think people who know history , can guess to whom belongs these lands .But well I care less about this lands maybe they can just… Read more »

Marcelo N
9 years ago

@ Dan – What? And miss the opportunity to argue and bicker over anything from a musical instrument to a singer’s hair extensions to occupied territory? Never! 😉

Dan
Dan
9 years ago

Ok guys because of my opinion you started fight .I hope this information will creat a peace between you.I think you also can do research but I did myself because I am kinda tired of non educated people.You can use any instrument you want but calling it yours is pathetic.Every country can make Dutch cheese but it won’t have same taste same about beer . Here UNESCO proclaimed the Armenian duduk and its music as a Masterpiece of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2005 and inscribed it in 2008.[5][6] The duduk music has used in a number of American… Read more »

carl of U.S.A
carl of U.S.A
9 years ago

Balaban(stolen version-duduk) belongs to Azerbaijan.it is made of mulberry or white-mulberry tree..

carl of U.S.A
carl of U.S.A
9 years ago

everybody,shut up!Aram’s voice can not blow from Dilara Kazimova’s voice.Dilara has great voice..this armenians annoy me with their politic comments..it is a song contest!Dilara go!we don’t listen to their yaps…they are nothing for us.armenians have no news from humanity…i think Dilara teach them a goog lesson about humanity with her song…

Frank75
Frank75
9 years ago

Is not nomally nearly the 100% from all the songs in this world about humans messages and humans experiences??, i dont find new this new,the song i find a litle too bland , but can be from top 8 to 10

Kristine
Kristine
9 years ago

Definitely, this is Armenian duduk.
No one but Armenians have duduk, & it is made of, if I am nor wrong from peach wood.
Just do not understand why in this song????
Very political song; she seems nice.

Game On
Game On
9 years ago

@Erin
Thanks for the correction. Yes it is called “This is our World,” by Gor Sujyan. I like it. He has a great and clear massage. Thanks again, but please do not eat any hats. Lol…
Aram is already a winner for us, regardless if he wins this year or not. He won our hearts already a long time ago. Everyone who criticizes him, would wish and pray to Gods to have his awesome personality, honesty, great heart, and a little hint of his talent.

Erin
Erin
9 years ago

I’ll eat it like there’s no tomorrow…but I don’t remember a song so anticipated to win prior to its actual release that already gained the top betting odds on all betting agencies: This suggests to me that some busy ants were doing extra shifts underneath everybody’s radar…but putting cynicism aside, the song gets your heart pumping in a way that hasn’t been done before. The only possible contender is Austria because Conchita and her song have ‘Diva’ written all over it in capital letters.

Zolan
Zolan
9 years ago

—- Enjoying life. Someone’s selling garden roses down the square. People gathering by to breathe the morning air. —- Ignoring poverty. But no one sees the bitter cold and shivering empty hands. —- Pursuing predefined goals. A school girl running by and trying to beat the bell. People dropping, tossing coins in wishing wells. —- Avoiding uncharted challenges. But no one cares for dreams that don’t fit into our world —- Maybe caring became too painful. Maybe nightfall darkens skies And maybe teardrops stain our eyes —- But we must reignite hope and compassion. But may the slightest light start… Read more »

Marcelo N
9 years ago

@ Erin – Just for jest: do you prefer your hat well done, medium-rare, rare or as is? I am inclined to believe that there may be a surprise this year. Dunno, sort of “feel it in my bones” stuff. I and all my “Rest-of-the-World” friends have a more or less decided top ten, but as “partly outsiders/barely insiders” we are still undecided. Maybe the Big Public will surprise us?
Or maybe there is something I am missing. You know, for example I do not believe in the absolute power of diasporic voting.

Erin
Erin
9 years ago

@GameOn – you meant ‘This is our World’ (2012). I don’t particularly like the dissonance between the lyrics to the composition/arrangement of ‘Start a Fire’ and I do believe there is a hidden agenda in that song, but it’s acceptable because it doesn’t outright point a finger at a specific group/ethnicity – it’s up to the listener to make that judgement and decide if it’s inflammatory, tasteless or a gem of a song. Besides, we know that this is Armenia’s year and you only need the Eurovision ritual in Copenhagen to seal the stamp of approval (and I use the… Read more »

Game On
Game On
9 years ago

Oh God, How pathetic is this…. “My song is about humanity and respecting each other,” she says. Can it be any more obvious that she wants to score some points after the whole Aram MP3 vs Conchita “battle?” Dear Dilara, we like you and your song, but it is definitely not about any humanity respecting each other. She is “describing” scenes before and after a war, but she forgets to send the most important massage of all, that War is a bad thing, we, humanity should help each other instead of starting a fire. I guess this song is a… Read more »

Dan
Dan
9 years ago

I have not listened this song carefully .I did once again and WHAAAt 😮 You say it is about humanity and respect for each other ? It sounds more like a war song baby . 😮 READ YOURSELF Guys . Start a fire Someone’s selling garden roses down the square People gathering by to breathe the morning air But no one sees the bitter cold and shivering empty hands .(morning after war ?) A school girl running by and trying to beat the bell People dropping, tossing coins in wishing wells But no one cares for dreams that don’t fit… Read more »

Leon
Leon
9 years ago

@Erin- Yea, I can see that. At first I thought referencing soldiers in the song, bullets, starting a fire was a little odd, but didn’t pay much attention to it….but I can see why some people see political message in the song.

As for the instruments, I did some research and learned that the Azeri version of this instrument derives from duduk just like several other instruments and that the difference is very little. I first heard the instrument in Gladiator played by Jivan Gasparyan. And of course I loved Apricot stone and When the Music dies.

Dan
Dan
9 years ago

@Marcelo N well sometimes I feel like I need to take a gun then sit in front of my computer. XD I am afraid to say something that will turn into a war . But just like you (when Azerbaijan did not exist to me) I used to listen Yanni .He is still one of the best musicians for me.After Gladiator second time I heard and knew about this instrument from one of his songs.And he introduced it as a Armenian instrument . Then I guess 3 Armenian ESC entries used Duduk as well . So everytime I listen this… Read more »

Marcelo N
9 years ago

@ Dan – Of course the sound may be similar to Armenian music, they come from the same places 🙂 And that is just natural; nothing to be ashamed of. I first heard “Armenian drums” (sic) in an album by Peter Gabriel (late ’80s- or early ’90s I guess) and I loved the sound! Back then Azerbaijan didn’t exist to me (my bad).

carl of U.S.A
carl of U.S.A
9 years ago

Very nice girl and very effective song….well done Azerbaijan….there is an azerbaijani ethnic-mugham melody in the song.

Dan
Dan
9 years ago

She is kind of cute .She has beautiful voice as well .But “Start a fire ” ? “Land of fire”?
Playing with a fire can be dangerous hahaha. Why so much fire guys?
Title is already weird. Duduk and her voice saves the song ,it makes the song interesting.
Is it me or others also feel weird listening Armenian melody in Azerbaijan song ?
Do not blame me ,do not blame it’s weird because you guys fight so much .But this song kinda have soul of these 2 countries.

Agatha
Agatha
9 years ago

The my song ? )))) ha ha haaaaa,good luck any way.))))

Jon
Jon
9 years ago

Start a fire? so aggresive,music isn’t bad,but lyrics have political message.Her voice is so beautiful,i like her voice,may be in top 10 ,good luck Azerbaijan,from Sweden.

Erin
Erin
9 years ago

@Marcelo – You catch my drift…I had to bring it up because I’m 100% sure that the song is ambiguous, so I dared to dig in a bit further, but like you said – it’s a positive kind of poetic license unlike the propaganda in “Hello sweet America where did our dream disappear?” which was relatively badly received back in 2005.

NargizAZE
NargizAZE
9 years ago

She is very nice! I love her and her song! This year it’s definetily difficult to predict something (actually it makes the things interesting I think), but I think that she will be in Top 5. Her song is one of my favourites of the year along with UK, Armenian, Norwegian, Hungarian and Israeli songs! Good luck, Dilara! 🙂

Ena
Ena
9 years ago

i don’t like this song. Public will sleep when listen at it

Marcelo N
9 years ago

@ Erin – I got that impression (about the lyrics) as well. I just refrained from commenting in order not to “start a fire”. Anyway, the so-called “poetic licence” is welcome here, and mind you, there is nothing wrong with expressing a message in a song. That said, the story would have been different if the lyrics had been rampant rosey-spectacled propaganda, as in the case of the entry presented by a certain federation formerly a union 😉 Back to the idea of the “message in a song”, a great many songs contain a message. Take this year’s “Cake to… Read more »

Erin
Erin
9 years ago

@Leon – Even if it wasn’t written by an Azeri Lyricist, I still find the lyrics to be written by someone very knowledgeable and intertwined with Azerbaijan, its culture,history and people. I am not saying this in a negative context at all! I can only applaud him or her for using words and imagery that ‘punch’ you in your throat. In terms of quality, for me personally this is Azerbaijan’s second best entry after Sabina Babayeva’s ‘When the Music Dies’.
3) 2009
4) 2013
5) 2011
6) 2010
7) 2008

Ceyhun
Ceyhun
9 years ago

@Rashad that’s how my mother taught me. I away from Azerbaijan for long time so I do not know what Azerbaijani turn into.Maybe turn into a street language .Or maybe you just say Ya tebya Lyublyu ? .Who know?
I do not know why, but you feel emarrassed because of me.What’s your problem .Remember I am one of those Azeries who vote for our country .So what about giving some respect to me as well?. Your attitude is kind of pathetic . I you play a good guy then be like that for everyone specially for your nation.

Leon
Leon
9 years ago

@Erin- I would consider your opinion if the lyrics of the song were written by Azeris. But, they were not. The song is very peaceful and calming, one of the best Azeri entries. Here’s how I would rank them from best to not good.
1. 2009 (best song, best staging, best Azerbaijani entry);
2. 2013 (The song was great, the staging was well executed);
3. 2010; 2012 and 2014 (They all sound similar to me)
6. 2011 ( I have no idea how this won)
7. 2008 ( I don’t know what the hell was happening with this song)

Dhani
9 years ago

Willy lee adams isn’t it hard to talk with your accent when your tounge is down your throat all the time?????

Erin
Erin
9 years ago

Going through the lyrics doesn’t leave me with the impression that the song is about humanity and mutual respect. I think this is a semi-political song that speaks about an actual region (whose name shall be kept unmentioned) where a great injustice and loss of life had occurred and now there is a narrow door opening which brings ‘the slightest light’ for remorse and correction. The point is that a smart lyricist can use metaphors and language codes that his own countrymen can understand while others are unable to decipher, just like a Morse code. While the music and the… Read more »

Rashad
Rashad
9 years ago

@Ceyhun, I assume you tried to say “I love you” in Azeri. But here is little information for you, we Azeris don’t say it this way. I mean this is a very formal way of saying “I love you”. So next time when you pretend like an Azeri, please try not to speak in that language. 😉

fikri
fikri
9 years ago

not going to tour armenia, huh? no surprises there.

Ceyhun
Ceyhun
9 years ago

She is gorgeous *.* Man sani seviram !!
Dilara I hope people will take a note and will respect both our country and other people and respect their opinions.
Everybody behave like a jerk this year.

Marcelo N
9 years ago

Once again, it is nice to see a bit of the artist (without getting into controversy). I could bet her English was not fluent (this is not criticism, just a thought) and that is why the lyrics don’t come across so easy to understand in parts. I buy the overall idea as she describes it, and this is maybe the first time I really like an entry from Azerbaijan. Of course, it is all a matter of personal taste. @ Willy Lee Adams – Since I see you are “taking suggestions”, I wonder if there is any chance of letting… Read more »

Huh
Huh
9 years ago

She is good and her song as well. I just hope the bribing thing won’t happen again and that she gets a respectable position in the finals’ voting process.

Dhani
9 years ago

i love her she seems so sweet!!! and i think her song is the best azerbaijani song ever

Rashad
Rashad
9 years ago

@Willy, you’re welcome. And please tell her I’m proud to be represented by someone who cares about animals as much as I do. 🙂

Xaris
Xaris
9 years ago

i like that girl but I hate Azerbaijan for what they have done to the contest with bribe.