After placing sixth and second on their first two attempts, Kazakhstan is looking for its first win at Junior Eurovision 2020. Karakat Bashanova will represent the country with “Forever”.
Scroll down for “Forever” lyrics
Kazakhstan in Junior Eurovision 2020: Karakat Bashanova “Forever”
Karakat (Qaraqat) Bashanova is a 12-year-old singer from Talgar, Kazakhstan. Bashanova won the Kazakh selection for JESC 2020 on 26 September with her song “Forever”.
Despite being the 12th and last qualifier from the semi-final, she went on to beat the other eleven finalists in the grand final. Finishing third with the public vote, a comfortable first place with the juries was enough to guarantee her the win.
Reacting to her victory, Karakat told wiwibloggs: “All the participants were very talented and they had great songs. For me it was important to be heard, not to win”.
Karakat has a rich background in music. The Kulyash Baiseitova School of Music student reached the final of The Voice Kids two years ago, and plays the piano and the violin.
What do the “Forever” lyrics mean?
“Forever” is a song written from a seven-year-old child’s point of view, about a father who went to war and never came back. It’s dedicated to Karakat’s late father, who passed away a few years away.
Speaking to the Junior Eurovision website, Karakat reveals that her favourite line from the poignant ballad is: “Father, you are the one I trust, you have been my supporter, father, […] you are in my heart”. She says: “The author wrote the exact same things that I wanted to say to my father. Also, it says “I remember those days” and I do remember everything, I will always keep the memory of my father”.
In a wiwibloggs interview, Karakat elaborated on the song’s message: “The first time, it was really hard to perform this song. This is a really emotional song. It means a lot to me. But at that moment I thought: ‘What if my father could hear me?’ and how proud of me he would be”.
The Kazakh singer said: “It’s really important to move on. Even though they are not with us, they are watching us, looking after us, and they are helping us and supporting us”.
The stunning music video presents pictures of fathers dying untimely deaths at war and children waiting for them to come back, reflecting the meaning of the song. It was directed by esteemed writer and director Malik Zenger, who led the project production team.
”Forever” lyrics – Karakat Bashanova (Kazakhstan JESC 2020)
Written and composed by: Abulkhair Adam, Ardak Yeleusiz and Khamit Shangaliyev
Khamir Shangaliyev previously composed Kazakhstan’s JESC 2019 entry, “Armanyńnan Qalma” by Yerzhan Maxim, which came second in the final and first in the jury vote.
Kazakh Text |
English Translation |
| Remember days I hoped you stay I never really want to go away Your way From your way Another day, I didn’t stay I think I did it ’cause my heart can’t say I love With love Äke senerim, sen eding sen eding tilektesim Hide away, I keep it on forever Äke senerim, sen eding sen eding tilektesim Qalyqtatqan boī̆daghy än qusyn |
Remember days I hoped you stay I never really want to go away Your way From your way Another day, I didn’t stay I think I did it ’cause my heart can’t say I love With love Father, you are the one I trust, you have been my supporter Hide away, I keep it on forever Father, you are the one I trust, you have been my supporter Your singing bird is flying above |
What do you think of “Forever”? Let us know in the comments below.
This beautiful song “Forever” is my big favorite this year and Karakat sings beautiful. I can feel her pain for the lost of het dad. I will vote for her and wish her all the best.
Kazakhstan is my ‘dark horse’ this year and I can’t predict how it will finish in the JESC this year ….maybe the juries will love and push it forward.
It’s unrelated but it seems hooverphonic has changed its lineup.
Luka is out and Geike is in!
So Luka won’t represent belgium?!
Please tell me you’re kidding!
Edit: yes you’re right. I just saw the article. Shame on Alex Callier. He made Luka the scapegoat of their 2020 entry’s failure, eventhough she’s absolutely blameless.
Alex is just a complete douchebag through and through.
Poor Luka 🙁
I love geike arnaert’s voice. She’s phenomenal but Luka absolutely deserves to go to eurovision.
But who knows. Maybe Luka herself didn’t want to be in hooverphonic anymore.