Since Manizha won Russia’s national final and with it the ticket to represent Russia at Eurovision 2021, she has faced criticism, including from some who say her song “isn’t Russian enough”. But now the “Russian Woman” singer has responded with a hilarious video that discovers just what Manizha is made of.
The video takes the form of a mockumentary, in Russia but with optional English subtitles. The show is presented by an elegant lady (played by Manizha) rocking a blonde power bob. She’s determined to get to the bottom of how Manizha won the Russian national final.
The presentation mocks the idea that Manizha somehow “bought” her national final victory, selling it as an opportunity to escape Russia’s border closures — and with the offer of a free set of steak knives.
Then an expert, a Dr Veniamin, is called upon to answer the question “What is Manizha?” After breaking into her house, stealing her skeleton, and conducting scientific tests, the good doctor reveals the shocking truth.
The video concludes with a teaser for part two, jokingly promising to reveal how much Manizha paid Little Big to give up representing Russia at Eurovision 2021.
Russian stars support Manizha
While Manizha is facing criticism from some in Russia, former Russian Eurovision stars have given their support.
In a live stream, Dima Bilan said, “Manizha is a very capable musician. Whoever wrote things on the internet didn’t know Manizha.”
Russia’s Eurovision 2013 singer Dina Garipova said, “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.”
The United Nations‘ refugee agency UNHCR have also offered their congratulations. The agency wrote, “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.”
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Manizha’s Eurovision 2021 song “Russian Woman” will be released on all platforms this Friday, 19 March.
What do you think? Were you surprised by the scientific analysis? What other topics should Manizha explore? Tell us your thoughts below!
Go girl, f*** the haters and win the contest! 12 points from Albania!
Can I just say how much she looks like Jessica Mauboy from Australia 2018?
There are like 25 songs this year that classify as “cringe.” This is not one of them.
This is one of them. Awfull
Probably my favourite this year! Can’t wait for it to be available on streaming platforms!
Awful song
Yes. Awful
Loved it! Such a creative way to mock her haters and use them as a punchline for some self-promotion.
Do you have translation of the lyrics? The title makes me wonder.
Since the lyric is important in this song. I would like to understand what she says before I can say if I like it or not.
It’s available on LyricsTranslate.
I love this woman.
This makes me wonder a lot about how different topics are covered in Russia. They show a sign of BLM when stating us capitol was stormed. Is that a joke in itself or is that a common concept in Russia?
It was an illustration for public riots, snapshot with Capitol came later.
Ok. It still seems a bit misplaced. Wasn’t there some of the largest protests in Russia in decades during 2020? I’m not sure they were included
Ahahah ofc they weren’t
The media in Russia portrays the BLM the same way as Gay pride parades, it’s “quirky joke” or “embarassing”. Fellow russian here Kpow here said in the previous article (the one about Efendi) how he sees cultural appropriation and it pretty much shows how some people think about these things, and it’s mostly because these movements come from western countries.
It is sad to say but many people close their eyes because national pride is seen as the only thing that matters. 🙁
i’ve been a huge fan of manizha for years and she’s been my top choice for russia since 2017 so i’m over the moon that she’s finally representing them. i think this is really going to surprise in may. she is a beautiful person and an amazing artist, i love her album manuscript but i honestly wish that her song at ESC was more like her song “about you” … it’s absolutely ethereal
Me toooooo!!! I love her!
“Song” what a laugh it’s mostly screaming and literal shouting, absolute garbage rot in the semis.
I assume you can translate the lyrics for us and outline all your problems for us, thank you.
Manizha song was way better then the other songs in the National final the fact that it was even close because all the other songs was because they were a song and that’s it
We don’t deserve an icon like Manizha. If the song itself wasn’t already proof that she has a razer-sharp wit, this solidifies it.
I watch ESC since early 90’s and I think that the golden era is 2016
Same
One of the worst full of generic songs except the winner.
Such a good year with so many high-quality songs <3
It was so “unpredicted” decision to choose song named “Russian Woman” on the national final that was running on… hmm 8 march – international woman day :)) all the ladies and drunk men ofcourse voted for this song…
I hope you’re joking. Women’s rights concerns everyone. Normal men support human rights. Drunk men can act stupid
Go Manizhaaa.. I support you!!!
Nobody hates Russia’s Eurovision entries more than the Russian people.
Alas, that’s true. #Samoylova
she will be a dark horse when the rehearsals start
100%, I feel same too
agree but i see this year 2 more – latvia & portugal. 🙂
*reads Portugal*
*rolls on the floor laughing*
She will qualify and place top 15. She slayyyyy
Whats the golden era of eurovision?
I think he means the era of ethnic bops? Qele Qele, Apricot Stone… etc
Exactly
The era of the ’00s and early ’10s. When the contest was full of ethnic bops and diversity.
You are the golden era of Wiwibloggs !
Off : pls write about Tornike’s latest post on his personal FB account. He’s a total j*rk lol
Good job Manizha. I enjoyed how she fight back the stupid arguements instead of apologizing with a teary eyes. It shows guts. She is as strong as her song claims Russian Women are.
why are the comments blocked on the previous post? we want to show our support for vasil!
Probably some stupid nationalists from Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Greece started a fight somewhere… That’s why they blocked the comments.
This is why we can’t have nice things.
Good job girl, show them what you’ve got
She’s in my ever changing top 5
That was actually really funny.
They broke into her house and stole her skeleton….
Nice touch. Hope she’ll polish her perfomance and pull it off.
as she should