RTCG—Montenegro’s state broadcaster—has selected Nenad Knezevic, better known as Knez, to sing at Eurovision. In doing so they have bypassed Montenegro’s trendy young things and gone for a 46-year-old musical veteran. Today’s news confirms previous speculation from Montenegrin sources, including Vesti online.
Knez — that means “duke” or “prince” in Montenegrin — came to prominence in the early 1990s, after he competed in the 1992 Belgrade Pop Festival with “Dal si ikada mene voljela”. It may sound dated to us today, but it was wildly popular in Yugoslavia, which explains Knez’s pan-Balkan fan base. We’ll forgive him for the leather vest. The 90s were cruel to many…
In 2000 he won the Budva Festival with the song “Vjeruj”. Once again it has a strong regional sound and some major feel-good factor. And look—he cut that hair!
He’s also composed and produced for big-time Turbofolk artists, including Ceca. Below you can hear their collaboration “Mrtvo more”.
http://youtu.be/Uk2F2WDiKMU
And here’s one of his latest singles “Donna”
http://youtu.be/9c7UPBiNa44
What do you think of Knez’s music? Can he take Montenegro back to the final?
You can follow Knez on Twitter.
Photo: Story Press
If they can give him a song like Sergej’s, he should qualify. If not, they have some ‘splainin’ to do.
So, what does this mean? Montenegro is closed for consideration, yes? Which country is next to finalize their selection?
Montenegro should send the following guys next years:
– Ekrem Jevri? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgNkJfTfHa4
– Jugoslav Edo Puraševi? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxKuSkZxE24
– The BookS of Knjige http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TINumweM1fw
– Milena Vu?i? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frK7mLDBcOk
Guys, don’t be so negative please, let’s wait for the actual song…
Even though, I must say that having Serbia back in the competition (and with ambicious plans) Montenegro has less chances to advance to the grand final.
Will Knez go well in Vienna? K’noath!
Eurgh, that most recent single as hideous. If the song sounds like that, it will not get past the semis. No. Freakin’. Way.
At first I was like “oh god no” >.< "another random old guy" but then the more I listen he isn't so bad, with the right song he could scrape through the to the finals! Good luck Montenegro.
Wasn’t Knez on ‘Tvoje lice zvu?i poznato’ with Sara Jovanovi? from Moje 3?
NOOOOOOOOOOOO(commercial break)OOOOOOOO! WHYYYYYYYYYY?
i like vjeruj with a good song he could make the final for the second time for montenegro
bavarson don’t talk bs the last two songs of greece were trash romanias miracle was a disaster and russia’s songs are very average
Montenengro has no ambition in this competition. This is not Serbia, Russia, Ukraine, Sweden, Romania, Greece, Azerbaijan or Armenia. You have to wait for songs of these countries.
I guess Montenegro will not qualified from semi final
I do like his folk style, though it’s not exactly suited for Eurovision.
I don’t like it. Montenegro will not qualify for the final this year 🙁
So they are just repeating what worked last year…so what? if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. None of you were mad when Germany sent Lena back to back…
Oooooh…..
His songs seem very… Balkan. Which is great, I love to hear a national flavour and I hope he sings in Montenegrin. But he’ll need a really strong melody to appeal outside the former Yugoslav Republics I think. Hopefully no dated soft-rock or songs that sound like Ricky Martin B-sides.
I thought it was Sergej again -___- But I’m sure Knez will qualify for the final!
maybe you guys would be more interested in something newer from him. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9c7UPBiNa44
I hope he can bring them to the final again!