She’s back at Eurovision nine years after her debut. And despite being Italian, she’ll represent San Marino again.
Senhit Zadik Zadik recently took a trip to London to finally reveal to the world that she’s the chosen artist of the little Republic, after days of rumours spreading all over the web. Wiwibloggs met her for the first time to speak about her comeback, her plans and what we’ll see on Rotterdam stage.
Senhit interview on the London Eye
The “Stand By” singer told us about the approach between her and San Marino RTV:
“San Marino is a small country in Italy, very close to my hometown, that is Bologna. Because we have this beautiful connection since Eurovision 2011, we decided to work together again. The funny thing is that in Italy we have Sanremo, if you compete and win there, then you go to Eurovision. And Sanremo was not in my plans”.
But at Eurovision you can’t say no — it’s a unique platform to promote yourself and your music: “I worked on the songs for a long time. When San Marino called me, I was ready to say yes. Why not? It’s a beautiful opportunity”.
A lot has changed in nine years. Today Senhit is more mature and ready to take on new challenges: “I am super prepared, more than 2011 because, you know, I enjoyed the contest at that time but I didn’t know it. Everything was new for me. I was young and a little bit superficial”.
She is ready to fly to the Netherlands to start a new chapter of her already long career: “I prepared the songs, I have an amazing and very huge team, so I’m ready. I also have an EP that will come out in the end of May”.
Italian citizen, but of African origin. Senhit is the perfect sponsor for the Eurovision 2020 motto, “Open up”: “My parents are from Eritrea, they moved to Italy almost 45 years ago. Me, my brother and my sister were born in Italy, but still we have Eritrean traditions. My parents keep their culture. The food, the language, the music. It’s a good mix between Italy and Eritrea”.
Her roots are not just something to brag about — the bond is close: “I did a big tour four years ago in Eritrea, it was for charity. For them, I’m the person who made it. You know, they think ‘She’s from Europe, she’s a singer, the dream came true’.”
After San Marino reached two finals, expectations for the microstate have risen: “I will do my battle, but at the same time I will enjoy it. It’s a great opportunity but first of all, I have to think of it as a beautiful family party. I will probably see people that I met in 2011. I will try to go to the final. The ambition is high but I’m ready, I can handle it”.
At the time of the interview “Freaky!” and “Obsessed” were not yet known, and San Marino did everything to keep discretion on both songs: “It’s a secret, I want people to be surprised, it’s a mystery. I’ll be happy either way, they are two very strong songs. This is why I’m confused and let the fans choose. We’ll see what happens”.
One thing is certain, let’s forget the Senhit of 2011, the one we see today is a different woman:
“The two songs from which people will choose my song for Eurovision are uptempo, instead of ballads, like “Stand By”. Different music, different style, different groove. You will see Senhit as an artist, a complete artist. I can dance, I can sing, I can express myself. Not because I didn’t like Senhit when I did “Stand By” — more elegant and sophisticated — but now I feel more like an artist. It’ll be fun”.
Senhit won’t be alone in Rotterdam. For this long-awaited adventure, she has chosen to be accompanied by an important name in Italian showbiz.
“My partner in crime is Luca Tommassini. I’m honoured and proud to work with him again actually, because we did a video together, “Dark Room/Heart ache”, it was my first single since a long time. I asked him to work with me for this project and he said yes. I’m super happy. First of all, he’s an amazing person. He’s a talent, creative director, choreographer, producer. He’s a dreamer like me. I’m super positive about it”.
The voting to select Senhit’s song for Eurovision 2020 will close today, Sunday 8 March, at 23:59 CET. To vote, head over to Senhit’s website.
Senhit will perform in the second semi-final on the 14th of May.
Do you think Senhit can snatch the crown? Will San Marino be our 2021 host country? Let us know below!
Guys, some news regarding “Cleopatra” I have listened to the full song, and it is literally Senhit who sang it. So it’s probably not Samira’s song. However, the song kinda contains Middle Eastern or Azeri vibes, which makes me think if Azerbaijan sent the song to Senhit and Senhit was almost going to sing “Cleopatra” but changed her mind. We’ll all get to know the real story once Azerbaijan’s song is out, but all I can say is that Cleopatra is by far better than Obsessed and Freaky. Let’s wait and see… Edit: Ok, the song contains even Latin American… Read more »
just listened “Cleopatra” by Senhit.. why she wanted to go with obsessed or freaky? I have so many questions..
I have absolutely no idea.. maybe it was released before September 2019
Where can I listen to it?
It’s already everywhere on Youtube. 🙂
literally it is the final day and no news about Malta Azerbaijan Russia and N. Macedonia? I don’t understand what they are waiting for..
Well North Macedonia will be up at 20 CET in the official Eurovision Channel on YouTube. But I really don’t know about the others. I can’t wait anymore bc I am sure Little Big, Samira and Destiny are going to deliver.
Little Big, Samira and Destiny won’t deliver anything if by tomorrow 9:00 CET meeting their countries don’t confirm songs and artists officially. The same applies to Senhit as it is unclear when San Marino will announce the chosen song by the polls.
San Marino wil announce the chosen song tomorrow.
I’ve read today that Destiny’s song will be released within 48 hours.
Guys, any news on Malta?
when i saw the thumbnail i was like yay!!! william and deban has published a new video, but i was disappointed when i realized it was william and senhit 🙁
San Marino will be a toilet break in semi 1 this year
So you can be on the alert to watch them in semi 2!
lol sorry my bad, put the wrong semi
I actually liked her in 2011, her song may not have been spectacular, but to me, it had much more charm than her 2020 bids. I just hope Malta and Azerbaijan don’t play tactics but just send the best they could find, regardless of the tempo or genre.
i really wish her the best (with freaky!)
Don’t get me wrong, I love her, but “San Remo was not in my plans” – like shed ever be invited. She’s too young for one lol
Too old? Loredana Berta who almost went to ESC last year at 3rd place. The same applied to Al Bano and also Patti Pravo . All These artists are almost in their 80’s. Too old Pffttt. San Remo well known for supporting their classic and much-loved artists.
What about Rita Pavone, a living legend who took part in this year’s Sanremo. She surprised everyone with her powerful rock performance.
I said too young. I’ll give you it’s got better in recent years but I still think the average age at San Remo artist is still over 40 . I think more likely she is too old for the Giovanne but not established/known enough in Italy to be a Grande…
I feel like artists have such a good time and are treated so well when they represent San Marino they want to keep coming back, and that’s one of the reasons I love them. Plus, it looks like Senhit has grown as an artist so much since 2011 I can’t wait to see how this turns out!
She seems nice. Sad her 2 songs are close to a last place in semi 2. Both of them.
You wish, Rasmus
Do you think they can qualify? I dont think so
they have a better chance than Sweden lol
okey. A tip for you: NOT EVERYTHING CIRCLE AROUND SWEDEN. Maybe go out more in fresh air
I mean, in semi 2, I already count 11 nonqualifiers, and there can only be 8. Some things will qualify that sounds like it wouldn’t.
She can go to final, and she deserved final 2011.
I still remember comments like that for Belgium and Georgia 2016, Belarus 2019, San Marino 2014 and 2019 etc.
We stan a positive energy singer. Her songs also all so well produced, she will do a bit better than Serhat I think
She is so positive and happy!
I like her.
I hope Freaky wins but whatever happens I wish her good luck!
I totally agree wi h you… Such a lovely and happy spirited woman. ?