A record-breaking 26 artists are returning to Eurovision this year. Following the cancellation of last year’s contest, the majority of the class of 2020 are back to finally get their chance on the Eurovision stage. But, as is standard Eurovision regulation, they’ve all got new songs.
Thus, comparisons to their previous entries are inevitable. So, we want to hear from our readers. We’re running a series of polls to ask — do you prefer the returning artists’ 2020 or 2021 songs?
Today, we’re saying ahoj and shining a light on Czech Republic. In 2020, Benny Cristo was set to take “Kemama” to Rotterdam. This year, he’ll be singing “Omaga” at Eurovision 2021. Two years, two tracks, both signature Benny. But which song is your favourite? Vote in our poll now!
Scroll down to vote in our poll.
“Kemama” (Czech Republic 2020)
Benny Cristo originally earned the right to represent the Czech Republic at Eurovision after winning Eurovision Song CZ. “Kemama” is a play on “okay, mama” — with lyrics about showing resilience, and Benny proving to his mother that he’s strong enough to fight his own battles. The Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — gave “Kemama” an average score of 5.43/10.
“Europe is a diverse place”, noted juror Jonathan. “With that comes a diverse array of music that should be celebrated, particularly at Eurovision. “Kemama” brings African-inspired instrumentation to the forefront, with the guitars, horns and percussion blending well in the final revamp. The track has a wonderful carefree vibe to it. It’s not here to make a big statement, rather put a smile on people’s faces and get them dancing along.”
“Omaga” (Czech Republic 2021)
Czech broadcaster CT were quick to confirm Benny Cristo’s return to Eurovision. His 2021 song “Omaga” — a play on “oh my god” — stays true to his signature style, combining elements from multiple genres with influence all over the world.
The music video features a myriad of references to pop culture, including The Simpsons, Rocky and Forrest Gump.
Poll battle — Czech Republic: Which Benny Cristo entry do you prefer?
In this poll, you can only vote for one song — so choose wisely. And as always, you can only vote once. Let the battle commence!
[polldaddy poll=10774770]
Which song did you vote for? How does “Omaga” weigh up against “Kemama”? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
2021
Benny’s adorable personality is the secret sauce – watching how much fun he has singing helps make Omaga one of my favorites this year. I like Kemama okay too, but compared to Omaga it feels a little tighter and claustrophobic. Omaga is a big, open party invitation. LOVE IT.
i actually love both, but kemama had more flavor
Huh… 26% is quite a lot. I guess Kemama was alright, but omaga is 6th in my top
Both are addictive to listen to! I love Benny!!
Totally agree , we know Benny is a great singer, last years song wasn’t my cup of tea, this years song is so addictive , this deserves a place in the final , it’s original, very different , very catchy and I like the line he has in Czech
Kemama was more outstanding for sure. Omaga is in my top10, maybe even top 5 this year. It’s beyond me how low people rate this.
Anyone remember last year how Benny actually listened to the fans and revamped “Kemama” twice? And the last one was successful? I really appreciated that.
I mean, you can clearly see that he put a lot work both into song and music video. It’s not just him singing with guys/girls dancing around him *cough* Poland *cough*. It’s not made by some foreign producers – just him and his friend. He deserves more love from fandom, really.
Dislike this comment
no
Just in case you wrote it to get likes, I’ll ignore it.
No I literally wanted to see if people would dislike it, I want you to dislike it, not like it!
Kemama was alright, but Omaga is one of my favorite songs this year. It’s a feel-good bop with a line in Czech. What’s not to like?
Kemama was in my Top 3. I’m waiting for the live version of Omaga before the final verdict as I have a feeling it will be massively elevated on stage.
At first I didn’t really like Omaga and actually preferred Kemama, but after listening to Omaga a few times I started to absolutely love it. It’s actually my 2nd place atm!?
First of all, Benny seems to be a person, you‘d absolutely like to hang out with. And what I‘ve seen last year, he cares for his fans/listeners and takes feedback seriously. But we are also here to talk about the songs. I have to say that both are on a similar level but head-to-head, I appreciate the african elements in Kemama which honors his angolan roots. This is a thing, I miss a bit in omaga. But as I already said, both are on a similar level and Benny is in the competition to at least qualify. Performance and staging… Read more »
I didn’t really like Omaga at first, I thought it was missing something, however it grew on me over the last few weeks. Benny is a great artist and if there is anyone in the class of 2020/2021 who would be likely to succeed in an international career after Eurovision, I’d probably put my money on Benny Christo. He has that star appeal.
Bodyyadieyadieeeee
I still remember how humble he was about the revamp of Kemama, and that he really listened to the feedbacks he got, he seems like a great person, and this year, he has an amazing song as well. Omaga is in my top 10, and I really hope he gets a nice result in Rotterdam.
Both are brilliant. Omaga is probably slightly better just because Benny seems to have had a much more positive time making it. It really comes across well.
Omaga is better
Really and I mean really love both!
Both are good, but I like Omaga more, as it offers more variation and a catchier tune. Still, both songs have clever wordplays and Benny is incredibly charming either way. I think that Omaga likely will be in my top ten entries of 2021. I Hope that he qualifies.
I take your top ten….and RAISE you. 😉
I take that! Benny deserves to be appreciated! 🙂
Omaga is THE feel-good song of the year.