Back in 2008, Sirusho took Armenia to an impressive fourth place finish, collecting eight sets of douze points as she shook her hips and qele qele-ed her way into European hearts.
And on Wednesday, almost a decade after she threw it down in Belgrade, she continued to serve her unique slice of ethno pop with the patriotic and totally infectious new single “Huh-Hah”.
The 30-year-old stunner celebrates the Motherland and the perseverance of her people from the very opening bars, nodding to the fact Armenia has survived, among other things, genocide and Soviet occupation.
“For centuries we have tried to keep our peace and our pride,” she says. “Our faith has kept us going on through the hardest times.”
“Huh-Hah” — Sirusho
The sense of nation and self comes through loud and clear in both the song and the music video as she invites us to celebrate love and unity — and with strong Armenian flourishes.
Singing in her native tongue, she suggests music can help all of us through the dark spells in our lives and the music video reinforces her message of positivity. The video features traditional Armenian rugs, instruments and clothing — not to mention an adorable ensemble of children who bend and snap as they throw down a heady mix of traditional and modern dance. The energetic and ethnic beat is bound to get you off the couch or at least tapping your feet. Try to sit still during this one!
Throughout it all Sirusho is the Master of Ceremonies and looks absolutely fabulous as both a seamstress and an eye-poppingly elegant diva who models the latest local fashions. New York, Paris…Yerevan!
The infectious, upbeat song is a welcome change of pace and style. Most of her recent releases since the impeccable “PreGomesh” have been more serious in nature. In “Der Zor” she sang of the Armenian genocide — and filmed the video in Turkey. And in “Where Were You?” she kept the mood dark as she sang of sorrow. “Huh-Hah” moves away from the loss of love and life and toward something brighter and refreshing.
What do you think of “Huh-Hah”? Do you want to see Sirusho back at Eurovision ten years after “Qele Qele”? Let us know in the comments below.
“Huh-Hah” — Sirusho lyrics
(English)
I come from the city of sun
My ancestors — Mush and Van
The holy land of the Ark, called Hayastan
For centuries we have tried
To keep our peace and our pride
Our faith has kept us going on
Through the hardest times
(Armenian translation)
Who is asleep? Get up
Who is awake? Saddle up
Let them know that we are here
We have been, we are and we will be
And though there are difficult times
We can overcome them with song and music
(Chorus)
Huh-Hah (x6)
(English)
I bring the beat and the fun
The story has just begun
Come to my reality, love and unity
I hear the strings of kanon
The sound that’s calling me home
The pages of history are my destiny
(Armenian translation)
Who is asleep? Get up
Who is awake? Saddle up
Let them know that we are here
We have been, we are and we will be
And though there are difficult times
We can overcome them with song and music
(Chorus)
(Instrumental)
(Chorus)
While I sipped my sap, I enjoyed reading this article!
I love you Anto, from Marta
This would’ve been perfect for Eurovision 2018! It’s been a long time since an ethnic bop slayed the pack!
Because Armenia keeps sending garbage non memorable songs every year.
It might be eligible- it was released after September 1, right? And given Artsvik’s disappointing finish, Depi Evratesil might not be happening….
Nice but nothing beats Qele qele 🙂
wow!!!! she should go to eurovision 2018
I’m afraid this type of entries doesn’t do well at Eurovision anymore. They need to try something fresh.
This is her best work since Pregomesh almost 5 years ago. In fact, this is one of her best works along with Qele-Qele, Pregomesh, Havatum Em and I Like It. Really well done!