“Betrayed by a lover, so hard to recover, couldn’t see the forest from the trees.” These are just some of the words that Samira Efendi sings in Azerbaijan’s mysterious and enchanting Eurovision 2020 song “Cleopatra”.
The song is built around the myth and legend of Cleopatra — Egypt’s final Pharaoh who has beguiled artists, writers and historians for centuries. She’s known to have seduced many powerful men, such as Caesar and Antionius. And now Efendi is poised to seduce listeners with her mystical sound and endlessly sensual looks. Not to mention some out-there Buddhist chanting.
The video is lush and expensive. We see Efendi bedecked in garments befitting of an Egyptian queen. Amid her personal splendour we see stunning landscapes — include a vast desert — adding to the myth and hype of Cleopatra, but also Efendi, our Azerbaijani queen.
Cleopatra: Azerbaijan’s Eurovision 2020 song
Who is Samira Efendi?
Samira Efendi may be familiar to Eurovision fans as one of the five singers shortlisted as Azerbaijan’s act for Eurovision 2019. While Efendi missed out to Chingiz, it seems like she still made a good impression on the broadcaster.
In 2014, Efendi competed in Azerbaijan’s national final Böyük Səhnə. She made it to the third heat, where she was eliminated just before the grand final. But her three performances on the show proved Efendi is an experienced performer with a strong voice.
Broadcaster Ictimai says Samira Efendi was selected from a short list of five acts.
The other four in contention were Laman Dadasheva, Elvin Novruzov, Jabrail Rasulov and Riad Abdulov.
In the end, Samira Efendi was chosen by an international jury, which included music producers, composers, television industry professionals and journalists.
Azerbeijan at the Eurovision Song Contest
Azerbaijan has been participating in the Eurovision Song Contest since 2008. In total, the country has now participated 12 times. In 2011, Aazerbeijan achieved its best Eurovision result ever when Ell & Nikki won the contest with ‘’Running Scared’’. Last year Azerbaijan placed 8th with Chigiz and Truth.
What do you think of Cleopatra? Do you think Efendi will qualify for the final? Let us know in the comment section down below!
The bridge could’ve had more spunk, but I really adore this song! A little bit Beyoncé-ish, I reckon. This should end up high; top 10 at least.
However, I’m just starting to listen to everything, so things might change for me. But still: top 10 should be easy. This is how I like my music – slightly different yet very commercial, and with Middle Eastern tunes in it. That’s how, for example, Elena Paparizou won also. 😀
Also worth mentioning: “straight or gay or in between”? 12 Points for Azerbaijan for including just that line!
Does she have a grudge against the letter R?
It’s not a masterpiece, but some Eleni-Iveta-like staging can make it iconic.
The song is surprisingly good! If it’s sang well live it absolutely might be a top 10 material!
that song is stuck in my head and it cant go away. like cleopatrrrrrraa. Azerbaijan is back in the game
Hahahahaha !!!
I’m conflicted. It’s kinda like witnessing Sofia Vergara having a breakdown.
I don’t normally listen to music of this genre but I think it’s good to have something like this at Eurovision, it adds some diversity. Yes, it’s cheesy, yes the lyrics are questionable, yes, it’s kind of weird, but it’s quite catchy, memorable and can easily become a guilty pleasure. And it seems to me that even the producers don’t treat this song very seriously, it is meant to be fun.
“Trashy” entertainment from the land of fire. Why not ?
Azerbaijan 6/10
Lmao chill
Modern Azerbaijani Cleopatrrrrrra with Buddhist chant, well…..
It has some good elements in it, but ends in a huge mess.
And I do have the same feeling here as I have with Armenia’s Athena Manoukian, I struggle to like the singer here as I don’t like the attitude of them (at least Azerbaijan is somehow listenable)
Well, if some gays are offended by the song’s use of “gays” in the lyrics, why not those practicing that kind of Buddhist tradition?
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is the chant that is used in the song. I practice the Nicherin Buddhisme. I was lovely surprised to hear this chant, just like that in the middle of the song. I only hope the writers used these words, knowing what it means and not just because it sounds funny or nice to ad to the lyrics. But I trust she knows what she is singing.
What a mess. It’s like the song is trying to be so many things it’s not, when it really should just focus on one or two.
Romania got kicked out of Eurovision 2016 because they didn’t pay their debts. It had nothing to do with their song.
Wow!! It’s great. Well done!
I’m still processing this one, I’m not too sure what I think of it. What I do think is that I’m sure Azerbaijan will go all out with the staging on this one, and I’m excited to see what they do with this. Good luck Azerbaijan!
I think she had pronunciation lessons from Luca Hänni: DiRRRTy DenSin! 😀
Overall, I like this entry. Taking a lot of things that tend to work at Eurovision and putting them in a blender. It may be eyerolling for some here, but sometimes it just ends up being a fun entry.
Reminds me of Dana singing about Cleopatra in 1998. 🙂
Hands down one of the worst songs from Azerbaijan ..
I hope she sings in her native Azerbaijan Language, because then we wouldn’t have to understand the awful English lyrics ?
Like Cleopatra
La-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
La-la-la-la-la-la, like Cleopatra
La-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
La-la-la-la-la-la, like Cleopatra
I don’t think a translation will help too much.
Fair point
“Stop, don’t say that it’s impossible
‘Cause I know it’s possible”
Eric Saade, 2011, came in 3rd place. You’re welcome.
Pass.
Among the better songs this year. I think it will grow on me. I’m still waiting for the next Turkic languaged song in esc, though. Seems Turkey doesn’t seem to return any soon, I have my hopes for Azerbaijan. I hope you will have the courage
Turkey won’t return till we get rid of jury.
No azeri song writers this time either. Is Azerbaijan the only country that never trust their own song writers?
I think it equates to that “fake it til you make it” statement. Azeri mentality in Eurovision: don’t be too authentic so you’ll win or have a higher placing in the contest.
The composer for Skeletons in 2017 was Azeri (Isa Melikov- although a Swede wrote the lyrics), and Chingiz was credited on the songwriting team for Truth- two entries that were objectively far better songs than Cleopatra, although this a guilty pleasure bop if ever there was one.
Well there definitely bringing something to the table but I am not sure if people will go for this. It’s good, not great – probably will qualify. SF1 is looking pretty tough similar to 2018
oddchecker. everybody is putting money in Cleopatra. The odds is shortening all day
Baku 2021
Dublin 2021 but best of luck to Azerbaijan from Ireland ???????????
Say Cleopatra again….
It’s… ok. Not sure why but to me this looks like the kind of thing that will be a disaster live (either that or they will pull a typical Azerbaijan and add a ton of backing singers doing the vocal heavy lifting, while the main singer – who can’t sing – will be lip-syncing). Wait and see.
Yes. There’s a lot vocal effects that I don’t know how they will translate to stage. It’s not easy. + they will need dancers on stage as well.
“Who can’t sing”? Which of the Azeri singers couldn’t sing, besides Samra?
If you are referring to Chingiz, Aisel, Dihaj or whoever, yes, they had backing vocalists, but does that mean they all can not sing or what?
If so, all countries using backing vocalists would send singers that can’t sing, right?
I would advise you to rewatch the Mugham part of Chingiz’s performance, which should be a PROOF for you that he CAN sing.
https://youtu.be/cR68fdp5DmA
Now, come and say again that Samira can not sing.
https://youtu.be/ydSRajFaw5Y
Two songs, two different genres, and a strong live performance!
Samra was dreadful. The rest could definitely sing. Very underwhelmed by Aisel’s vocals, though. She was very quiet throughout the entire performance. Maybe it was a sound problem or the fact that they made her jump around.
Aisel sounded kinda off, true! Cause that song didn’t suit her from the beginning. She has a beautiful, deep voice, but she could not present it with X My Heart.
I wish we had Aisel back someday singing something jazzy.
I would gladly watch 3 more minutes of Aisel running up and down a stage with her arms sticking out.
KESC: 2014 singer is not hitting her notes too. See how you did not mention her in your comment?
Most Azeri acts are good singers- they often tend to be mismatched to the songs picked for them, but they sing them well nonetheless. Samra and Dilara had off days but I wouldn’t say they’ve always sung bad outside of ESC, and Chingiz’s voice should not be insulted when Victor and Serhat competed against him last year.
Another Eleni Foureira. This is going to the top of the top. Cómmon Europe. Try something new this year.
Eleni ? didn’t ? invent? that ?sound!!!! Get over it!
Getting tired of people saying you can never do a song like Fuego och Billie Eilish again haha. Get over that.
i disagree too The ethnic sound is central and Eleni F didn’t have any. I don’t see the comparison either.. And about something new on the contrary everybody agrees there are way too much ballads this year. A little rythm and dance won’t hurt the show..
This song screams “guilty pleasure”. I know it’s bad, I know the lyrics are awful and structurally it’s one big mess, but I enjoy it anyway and I won’t feel ashamed when I’ll be dancing to it in May.
A homophobic country is fishing for votes from homos? I know it ain’t getting a vote from me! Also, it sounds like her voice is too weak for the song. Caucasus and Balkan countries tend to send entries that sound good in studio record and awful while live, “Cleopatra” is no good even in a record studio. This will qualify, obviously, because East Europe will vote for whatever shiat azeri or russians would send. I feel like this year is full of disappointment due to exaggerated hype from so many countries. As a person working in the management field, all… Read more »
For those who like to down vote anything that is against “let’s support because support”, go and check Athena’s live performance. I kinda like Armenian song (though it gets annoying in awhile), the live performance is a disaster – Athena cannot sing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5f8jDV6Kcyc
I don’t think that it’s bad, I just regret it apparently appropriates an existing chant. Otherwise it’s quite catchy and pleasant to listen, I can imagine lots of people loving it. And yes, blatant fishing for gay vote really sounds strange coming from Azerbaijan. One step short of shouting “I am gay!”
Is this a GOOD song? No.
…But is this a FUN song? Yes!
This is garbage, but it’s ENJOYABLE garbage if you know what I mean.
The song you wish qualifies, but understand if jurors totally blank it.
Congratulations Samira Efendi and Azerbaijan.
The music video is a lot of fun. Odds are shortening fast. Of course there will be divided opinions over the lyrics and the music, but it is pretty much a perfect video release for you, so well done.
Wth did I just see and hear…
This is the only Cleopatra that matters: https://youtu.be/2SLNxRxrSJE
I was going to go for this Cleopatra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSGcAX-_fKU
… One of these 3 Cleopatra sisters competed on season 2 of The Voice UK and reached semi-finals in will.i.am’s team! 🙂
erm, why is she singing “Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo?” – does anyone know what this is? This is the gongyo prayer from the Soka Gakkai International (SGI), it’s a religious chant. The song is trying a bit too hard, some nice elements, will stand out compared to the rest but its a cultural mess. Israel much the same this year, great song. one of the best this year and my personal fav along with Switzerland, Norway, Malta, Iceland but white people writing songs with “made up African?” and now more bizzare culturally mixed up tracks trying to be “cool” – what is going… Read more »
If she releases this in the US, people will be angry and will yell “cultural appropriation” to her.
I’m a bit disappointed the chant is fake. Like it was so hard to invent an original chant reminiscent of ancient Egypt!
wow what a great song his is for Azerbaijan…I love the arabic roots on it: so different.
This will stand out in a year full of boring balads.
This most likely be the winner of 2020…is there Corona in Baku??
Not bad !!!! IF and only IF they could manage the perfect staging and revamp it to make the song evolve a little more, the song and interpretation could be a really dangerous winning material…
wow what a great song his is for Azerbaijan…I love the arabic roots on it: so different.
This will stand out in a year full of boring balads.
This most likely be the winner of 2020…is there Corona in Baku??
I am very disappointed about the song, I expected for a different entry. It sounds cheesy and very low quality when compared to the standard Azeri entries. I can totally get the interesting sounded bridge part, which makes all us remind the native language parts of “Spirit in the sky”. Yes, the last year’s televote winner.
Una: “I am the only one who have the right to be hateful the others haven’t cause I’m a princess”
Colin: “me too”
Una: ” I am the only one allowed to be hateful towards other countries here, the others are allowed but only ,if they don’t touch to Belgium”
Colin: “my beloved Una you’re right, always, even if you are disrespectful, cause I’m like you, an hateful drama queen”.
Moderate you first of all, and this comment section will be less toxic and pityful.
Switzerland and Azerbaijan couldn’t be more different this year.
I would love this song if it weren’t for that lame chorus: having a bunch of la-la-la’s instead of an actual chorus just sounds lame (that’s the same reason I can’t really get into the Lithuanian song). Too bad, because the buildup of the song is pretty great and the production values are good too.
Yeah, there are certainly a lot of la la las
Will not scroll too far down here. All I’m saying is Azerbaijan have pulled off a rare feat indeed and impressed me two years in a row. Amazing vocalist, amazing production, and holy crap they just mentioned being gay or bi in a POSITIVE way! I’m very pleased with this entry and it shuts down any conversation about this being another X My Heart.
I have an uncomfortable question for you: Between San Marino and Azerbaijan, who would you pick? 😉
San Marino, of course!
You know what, shockingly, me too. Turns out, after 40 released entries, ‘Freaky’ seems quite fun to me.
Don’t fall for the gay baiting. Congratulate the delegation not Azerbaijan. Local media and the Azerbaijani ppl (non fans) are trashing her for “gay propaganda”.. no words
You rather they send a gay-bashing track instead?
I think it’s a good song and I will support it. Perhaps this will nudge the whole country to be more accepting towards LGBT if it really does well.
Lol, where are they trashing her? It’s one of the few entries that most non fan Azeris actually liked from what I have seen. It’s just so easy to throw out a fake rumor and say no words, huh?
An arabic song. Azerbaijan taking advantage of its culture, in a good way.
But for whatever reason I feel underwhelmed at the end of the song. Im not feeling it, despite the interesting mix of beats and influences.
But Azerbaijan is not an arabic country, not even their people. The ONLY thing they share with arabs is the fact of a majority is muslim.
Yes, Turkic and Semitic languages are two completely different languages groups. But Turkic languages are influenced both of Indo-European and Semitic languages. Languages are not isolated from each other. For example Arabic word for a book is used in several other languages.
In just the most recent 100 years the people of Azerbaijan has used Arabic, Cryllic, and now Latin letters. Of course Turkic is not the same as Arabic, but they are not entirely isolated. Same goes with influence from french for example. Also influence from Russian of course.
Egypt is not Turkik dear.
It is not Arabic either when we speak about Cleopatra. It is rather Coptic and Hellenic. As for Arabic and Buddhist vibes, well they may be exotic for Azerbaijan, but don’t forget that the territory of today’s Azerbaijan was under Arabic rule in the 8th-11th centuries ann in the Middle ages the Silk road from China was crossing Azerbaijan. So Azeris have experienced both Arabic and Oriental influence on their culture.
I am shook!
Like this.. Will be epic on stage
I quite like this!
Sure the lyrics are a bit meh but it can’t be denied that this will be a crowd pleaser and liven up a relatively mid-tempo semi.
The “Gay, Straight, in between” line feels a bit random and forced but it’s still not bad.
Still better than “Luna Moon Me Up” which still sends shivers down my spine.
I liked it until I heard the word Cleopatra. I guess many will love it as a female queen and the potential choreography, but in my case it goes directly to my bottom 10.
Hm, you didn’t like it for long then…
This is ridiculous…and I love it.
This is amazing!!! Didn’t expect it.
Bravo Azerbaijan! Fingers crossed in Buenos Aires 🙂