It may seem like a long time ago since Sestre (Sisters) from Slovenia controversially represented the ex-Yugoslav nation at the Eurovision Song Contest 2002 with the song “Samo Ljubezen” (Only Love). But the drag sisters have been keeping busy, including an appearance on the new series of a popular television series.
Sestre are set to feature in the second season of the hit Serbian TV drama Senke nad Balkanom (Shadows Over the Balkans). In the series, the trio will perform their new single “Barjak” (Banner) which was produced by their long-standing collaborative partner and friend Magnifico.
The historical crime series is set in the period between World War I and World War II, when Serbia was part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. Senke nad Balkanom follows two police inspectors. The second series takes place in the mid-1930s, just before the assassination of Alexander I.
Sestre appear as a trio of nightclub singers, serving 1930s glam as they perform their song “Barjak”.
Back in September, Sestre were surprise guests at the world-renowned Sarajevo Film Festival, performing at the promo event of the second season of Senke nad Balkanom.
The event in Sarajevo consisted of a red carpet appearance for the stars and an exclusive screening of the first episode followed by Sestre giving a live performance of “Barjak”.
There has been a slight change in the Sestre lineup since their Eurovision appearance. Original member Daphne (Srečko Blas) left the group and was replaced in 2015 by Michelle (Miha Kavčič). Emperatrizz (Damjan Levec) and lead singer Marlenna (Tomaž Mihelič) remain the same, if not a little older and wiser than all those years ago at Eurovision.
Sestre was the first-ever drag group to perform at Eurovision, when they represented Slovenia in 2002. At the time, their selection was seen as controversial and sparked anti-gay protests in Slovenia, along with parliamentary debate. However, Sestre’s Eurovision entry “Samo ljubezen” went on to place 13th in the Eurovision grand final and Sestre are remembered as groundbreaking performers.
Season two of Senke nad Balkanom will make its debut tonight. If you’re in and around the Balkan region, this is one not to be missed.
Additional reporting from Lisa-Jayne Lewis.
Photo credit: Senke nad Balkanom
Slovenia 02 is such a guilty pleasure. I hate drag acts in ESC, but can’t help liking it
Ditto
nice to see them still around
The drag commercials continue on wiwibloggs ….. Let’s chase all the straight fans away by promoting drag every day. ….
I don’t understand the comment. Why would the straight fans be chased away by articles on a Eurovision website about drag queens who, by the way, represented a country in Eurovision ? Should drag queens think they’re being chased away by each Wiwi’s article about straight Eurovision performers? What an odd comment.
Peter: I totally agree! This site is ran by gay chauvenists! Look – there are MANY STRAIGHT male fans too!
Their mugs definitely look better now. The middle one reminds me of Detox a bit.