At the start of the week, Manizha soared to victory at Russia’s national final for Eurovision 2021. However, since then things haven’t been so smooth for the Russian-Tajik singer. Her song “Russian Woman” and her national final performance have attracted large criticism among certain people in Russia. Now, several Russian Eurovision stars, including winner Dima Bilan, have countered this criticism and publicly voiced their support for her.
Russia’s Eurovision 2021 singer was born in Tajikistan and moved to Moscow as a child. During her postcard before her national final performance, Manizha told the audience about how her country was a place with many different nationalities and people.
In the days after her win, which coincided with International Women’s Day, Manizha has faced criticism from several large public figures who called her song “not Russian enough”. On the other hand, people have also criticised “Russian Woman” for being sung partially in Russian, which “would decrease the chances of Russia at the contest”.
Russian Eurovision stars support Manizha
In a video on Instagram, Dima Bilan — Russia’s only Eurovision winner — spoke out in defence for Manizha. In a seven-minute video, he addressed her and said that it is a good thing she is going to Eurovision as Russia’s representative:
“Manizha, there is fire in you. You really say and do a lot in the direction of, let’s say, inclusivity of people. You are familiar with problems that not many of us think about. We are all busy with surviving, especially after these moments.”
Next to that, he later hit back at those who said she shouldn’t be Russia’s representative due to her Tajik origins, noting his own roots:
“Manizha is a very capable musician. Whoever wrote things on the internet didn’t know Manizha. You know, nobody knew Masha Katz [Youddiph] either when she went to Eurovision for the first time. What changed? The stakes changed. We have become angrier or what? What’s wrong? For example, I came from Kabardino-Balkaria. I am a real Russian and I was born in Karachay-Cherkessia. Why was that question not made when I went for example?”
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Other Eurovision stars have also supported Manizha. Among them are Yulia Savicheva and Dina Garipova, who represented Russia in 2004 and 2013 respectively.
Dina said to newspaper Izvestia:
“Viewers chose Manizha. That means, they fell in love, that she showed herself from a good side. We, who were sitting in the venue, liked the energy which came from Manizha.”
Yulia added in that same article:
“She thus amazed me with her charisma, thoughts, that I immediately fell in love with the singer and songwriter. The performance and song caught me, and also that it was about a strong Russian woman.”
United Nations congratulate Manizha
In addition to Eurovision stars, Manizha has also received support from the United Nations, specifically their refugee agency UNHCR. Manizha is a goodwill ambassador for the agency, having been a refugee herself previously when she moved from Tajikistan to Russia.
In a tweet following her win at the national selection, the agency congratulated the star:
“We’re proud to see that former refugee, Tajik-born singer and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Manizha has been chosen to represent Russia in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest after a national vote.”
We're proud to see that former refugee, Tajik-born singer and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Manizha has been chosen to represent Russia in this year's @Eurovision Song Contest after a national vote. ?? #ESC2021 https://t.co/kR4E4b1CPN pic.twitter.com/JAH4CHHMDZ
— UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency (@Refugees) March 10, 2021
What do you think about the thoughts of these Russian Eurovision stars? Are you glad that Manizha is receiving this support? Let us know in the comments below!
The song is fine, not a winner, but Russia will proceed to the final with this. She performs it well and it’s nice to see a song in a completely different genre and in Russian too.
So I finally love a Russian entry and then they themslves don’t like it. ridicoulus XD
Banning countries from participation in international competitions because you don’t like their politics is one dimensional and hateful.
criticising the song for being in Russian is so messy and stupid lol, i thought they would be happy to finally understand what their entry is about?
Even though i don’t like the song, i appreciate that it’s much different to the usual cliche English entries Russia usually sends (either penned by Kontopoulos or Swedes).
I want more Russian lyrics in ESC entries.
If you can read in Russian you can go and read comments from locals under official video on Eurovision channel,thousands comments full of hate and xenophobia its really disgusting, they hate Manizha for her ethnic, for her lgbt support and of course for her being a feminist…
Russia is showing her real face here, and it’s not pretty, though I’m not surprised at all
That is an interesting claim. If Russians are so xenophobic and hate Manizha so much, who do you think voted for her?
they didn’t, if you know how First channel is operate…
Strange. I see more positive comments than negative. and most negative Russian-language comments come from Ukraine.
They criticise her of not sung in Russian enough? Do they remember when was the last time they send a song in Russian language?
Curious how Russians critize the choice of a song in Russian while in other countries they despise songs written in other than the local language (like France, Spain, Italy, Portugal,…). Here in Spain it was an absolute drama when Barei won the NF with “Say Yay!”. Some political figures even adressed the topic in the Parlament.
It was with racist undertone too, cause Barei was not born in Spain, instead in Ukraine i think…
I am not part of the Kremlin and have never in my life voted for Putin and still I support Manizha nonetheless. So you want just out of spite to ban my country? What’s wrong with you, mate?
You poor thing (
Being Chechen myself, I immediately recognized the racism in Russians’ reactions. So it’s okay for Russia to dominate minorities with violence? But a minority member or an ex-Soviet country member is not Russian enough for you to sing a song about a culture they know so well? You considered their land part of Russia for centuries, their culture took elements from yours during that occupation and it gives them the right to speak about aspects of that culture. I have so much respect for both Dima: good on him to speak out while he knows he’ll be criticized for it,… Read more »
Many thanks! I am Tajik, and I had been living in Russia for 4 years. That time I found out a lot from Russia, a huge multinational country. I was so rich to learn about different culutures there. I don’t understand, why this is happening on this contest, because I saw a completely different sight of people in Russia.
Manizha is a famous singer in Russia and there is no problem with her nationality. The main reasons for the dislike are the mixing of styles of music and the very controversial text, which was perceived by many as propaganda and offensive. What is this shout in the warped language worth? Russian woman vote for me. I really want to believe that she did not mean anything bad, but the text can be interpreted very negatively in relation to Russian women.
You see, this is what people call satire. Herself being Tajik, she’s angrily making fun of the stereotypical derogatory image of a Tajik person with this line.
I also thought the line was a polítical reference but if i understood well It refers About the fact that in Russia most of women decide not to vote. Mere especulation here, im waiting for that wise reply to confirm or negate what i wrote.
Russia’s PR campaign is opportunity-driven, not ideology-driven. Send an LGBT-friendly feminist singer to Eurovision to impress the international audience, while bashing gays and spitting on women’s rights at home 365 days a year. Despite the hypocrisy, I wish her the best in May.
You can see a reaction of Russian society for her. Perhaps the Russian authorities use her to show “modern” Russia abroad but her personality and her message are cause a discussion about women rights, racism, LGBT support inside the country and it is very important
no hate towards Manizha herself, but… Is this even a song?…
This is in my top 5
Best Russian entry since 2010
Shame on Russia, finally they sent something innovator and in their own language in years and they react this way. The song is amazing and for the first time since I started following the show I support the Russian representer.
Its my fav Russian entry in the longest time. Finally not a peace song in English or Sergey lol. Russia was getting very stale at esc. She shook it up <3
When comments focus on the performer rather than the song itself , you know it’s trolling. How come a song completely in English is “Russian enough ” and one with a major chunk in Russian is not ?
I can understand why some people don’t like this song, it’s a “peculiar” entry, but I think Manizha is amazing, she has a lot of energy and charisma. Russia can be really proud of her and her team.
What did they want to happen? You want “Sugar” or something to represent you?
I’ve always wanted to go to Dushanbe
This is one of my favourites this year. A sure qualifier, and if Manizha plays her cards right, a probable top 10. The hate needs to stop, but I take comfort in the fact that the most people hating on the song are Russians, and they cannot vote/not vote for themselves.
I fell in love with this song the first time I’d heard it, which is very rare for me when it comes to Eurovision songs, and it’s one of the most authentic songs we have so far in this year’s contest. The song is catchy as hell, and you can easily connect to it even if you don’t understand the lyrics. Many people forget that Russia is a very diverse country, with over 100 ethnicities and languages spoken in it, and having chosen Manizha, a Tajik, to represent them at ESC showcases this diversity. Those critics have no idea what… Read more »
I am a 53 year old man from France, and I love Manizha and her song! “Russian Woman” is so much full of good vibes, energy, enthusiasm!
I am filled with joy when I listen to it and I can’t stop listening to it!
I’d like to meet the people who say this is “not russian enough”
Not sure exactly how it could be more russian.
Maybe she should be wrestling a bear while drinking borsch?
I am very upset at Manizha. Unacceptable this bop isn’t on Spotify yet ?
Tell me about it! I’ve been checking every day, hoping to find it there but no luck…
bc there will be a revamp
Love this song. Her performance is so energetic and powerful
This is actually one of the best songs this year!
And one of the best songs Russia’s sent in the last decade or so.
Her song has even elevated on me from 23rd place to 3rd after I first heard it. The only problem is that is noisy at times
This might not be one of the best Russian entries in the ESC in terms of music (maybe the worst after Julia Samoylova), but the power in 3 minutes of her singing-rapping-dancing is magnificent. This is totally a bop we will not easily forget, especially the fans who will shout in the arena (hoping there will be fans though)
Julias song was so mutch better than this crap
I don’t know whether it was better , but this one definitely stands out. A middle of the road song would never win. A song that takes risks will either flop or go big and I’d rather countries do take risks while not comprosing quality. Could the song be better ? Yes . Is the current song bad ? No.
The fashion also works so well as part of the story to the song, for me — discarding the traditional coat to reveal the striking red jumpsuit, as if she’s marched out of a factory or about to do a parachute jump; the hair done up, ready for action. The all-black uniform styling for the backing singers makes them look like bystanders or as the society that exists around her, representing those who would unironically think about the lyrics of how a Russian woman should be but also chanting in support of her when the beat drops.
I really like Manizha’s entry, particularly the song’s complexity and her fierce performance at the NF. Didn’t realise she’s a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, wonderful!
Indeed. She’s really amazing! And I love her song!
Poor girl. The Russian music industry is toxic as hell. They praise tacky and outdated creeps like Kirkorov and can’t handle an authentic entry?! This is excatly what kind of Russia people would love to see, not privileged Moscow-born artists singing Swedish export.
Her song shows that she is the exact opposite of a poor girl. She’s a woman, strong enough to bounce against the wall.
If Sweden have this song. Nobody should like it
That’s because women in Sweden live in a different reality compared to the women in Russia.
Sure. Moscow-born Buranovskie Babushki with Swedish Party for Everybody – that’s ideal.
Maybe the true reason is not her birth country but the meaning of the song??
Are they afraid of strong and independent women? Do they want strong and independent Russian women? This song ‘scares’ some people…?!
You say totaly dumb thing. The whole Russian history builded with a strong russian women. We have woman in goverment, medicine, travel, army, art, etc. even in early XIX century.
The song itself is very risky, and I cannot say whether it wins or not. Manizha is a very interesting artist and it is interesting to look at her, how she acts on the stage, but the song creates such controversial feelings in me. Some parts of the song are really catchy. The whole performance looks like a theatrical one. I really wish her to ignore the hates around her. She has already made such good memorable songs in Russia and she got appreciance and respect as a good vocalist. Her main advantage is uniqueness and her genre is not… Read more »
Song ‘not Russian enough’ LOL. Yeah they do prefer when a Moscow born sing in english.
The song will be totally ruined if the russian is removed or just even partially.
There are already english lyrics and it is already enough.
I think some russians have missed totally the point of Eurovision. This is maybe why they have sent so many bland generics songs in english.
Have they forget that Tatu finished 3rd ?
This is actually a very good entry. I am not a fan of Russia and its ESC music, but this year I am going to vote for that
I echo other sentiments here and say that the Russian is indeed the best part of the song so please don’t change it at all, Manizha!
Also these criticisms, make it make sense!
Kazna, who submitted the song “Braids” for Belarus, also supported her on an Instagram post.
Awww, that’s so kind.
Imagine living in the largest country on Earth, assimilating numerous ethnicities into yours, having territorial claims outside of your borders, and still complaining about being represented by a minority person. The nerve!
Btw this is Russia’s most original and overall best entry in a long time.
Unfortunately, that’s something what most of the superpowers or largest countries do, aka China as well.
Idk maybe they should remember that last time Russia “lost” the top spot it was to a minority woman showcasing her culture
I don’t understand this comment at all ! When did Russia gain and lose the top spot ?
Sergey losing to Jamala in 2016
But Sergey had come 3rd , he never lost to 1 woman. He lost to two guys once and two girls once. Based on the comment I kept thinking since when did mans become a minority woman
You’re right, in 2016 he came third to TWO minority women: Jamala and Dami Im
Indeed. And Jamala was wonderful!
So u think u know something about China now? I’m telling you what you’ve learned from some media coverages of China are not objective. Ethnic minorities living in China today still receive education in their own language from an early age, rather than learning Chinese. In terms of population growth, the growth rate of ethnic minorities in China is much higher than that in other western countries. Therefore, when it comes to ethnic assimilation or suppression of ethnic minorities, what western countries have done is really excessive!
Are you a Chinese troll dismissing an ongoing genocide?
Indeed, why want to take everything and everybody, and then to want just blond persons to represent your country, and singing in english. Manizha is more Russian than all those english singers from past years.
Totally agree!
Please do not get rid of the Russian either partially or completely! That’s the best part!
They won’t. Manizha said that she insisted on the song to be mostly in Russian language on an interview, as the language itself sounds beautiful and lyrical.
I like Dima Bilan more than I realized.
I don’t understand why he is told to be the worst winner in modern Eurovision, the song was good and had a very nice performance. Azerbaijan is the worst winner, didn’t even deserve to win.
As a guy, he seems alright. Kind of the OG “nice guy with a bad song.”
This is for me better than Sergey’s Songs…
#nohate
Well, they should realize that Russia is not only about Russian people. Being the largest country in the world, it shouldn’t be surprising to hear sounds from different ethnicities as well. For instance, there are lots of Turkic ethnicities in Russia and showcasing music of these different ethnicities would not necessarily harm the image of the country. While Russian Woman may not be the strongest song this year, it’s growing on me and I really appreciate the fact that Russia has made a step towards a different direction, far from the usual dated Kirkorov ballads/pop songs. This is exactly why… Read more »
So you’re basicly saying that Manizha’s song is bad? Bad behaviour from you, shame on you!
Remember this. You cant say anything bad about Russia, its ESC little baby.
“Dated” ballads/pop songs?
Absolutely!
This is one of Russia’s best ever entries. What, would it be more Russian to send an English-language song where virtually the only Russian involved is the singer?
Let’s throw in an ice-skater, that should do it.
Only if there’s also someone miming playing a Stradivarius
(bad joke alert)
To bring a dated boring song which reminds us entries in mid 2000s composed by Philip Kirkorov, Dimitris Kontopoulos and Ilias Kokotos and Sharon Vaugn with the staging by Fokas Evangelinos
So proud of others standing up for her! The people chose HER, Little Big didn’t participate in the NF. All of the sudden its her fault… sigh
It is also in my top 7
I do not understand the hate towards Manizha and the song. I must admit it is not the best song ever but it’s in my top 3 because it is different. And I love the russian part. It is for sure more unique than million voices or thunder and lightning but unfortunately it seems that there is little to no place for unique ethnic songs anymore.
They are mostly hating because she isn’t ”pure Russian” but a Tajik woman who left her country as a refugee because of a civil war, with the country she lives having a piece of responsibility for the war.
This is much worse than being hated because Little Big will not represent Russia (which I didn’t prefer at any place)
That is really stupid of them since there are over 190 different ethnicities in Russia.
Little big is a fun act but it would get barely any votes from juries to be honest.