Destiny Chukunyere will represent Malta at Eurovision 2021 with “Je Me Casse”.
Destiny was originally due to sing “All Of My Love” at Eurovision 2021. However, the contest was cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. But, just like several other countries, Malta rested its selection process for one year and internally selected Destiny instead.
And now we’ve compiled 10 facts you need to know about this young Maltese diva. Let’s do this!
Malta at Eurovision 2021: Facts about Destiny
1. She’s a Junior Eurovision champion
The most notable feat in Destiny’s resume to date would be her Junior Eurovision victory in 2015. Aged just 13, she scored Malta’s second JESC victory in three years with the explosive “Not My Soul”. Her 185 point win set the record for the most points scored under the old voting system.
2. She’s a music festival staple
Eurovision events have not been Destiny’s only notable feature. The Maltese powerhouse participated in various singing competitions all around Europe. She took part in the junior portion of Kanzunetta Indipendenza in 2014, where she sang “Festa t’Ilwien” and placed third. In addition, she won the Asterisks Music Festival in North Macedonia.
3. She’s a Sanremo Junior winner
One of Destiny’s biggest competition achievements was to represent Malta in Sanremo Junior for the International grand finals in 2014. She managed to emerge victorious, winning the overall grand prix of the fifth edition.
4. She had a stint on Britain’s Got Talent
In 2017, Destiny brought her brand to Britain. She showcased the golden voice and attitude we all know and love on the popular Britain’s Got Talent. She blew away the judges and easily got herself a spot among the top 40 acts. And although she didn’t qualify for the grand final, everyone had nothing but praise. She was called a future star and someone who needed to be signed up to a record label as soon as possible. Simon Cowell said “there are probably five, ten West End producers watching this show now, like the guys who produce Motown. If I was one of those guys, I would hire you tomorrow to put you on a show like that to kick-start your career. Because your talent, your voice is exceptional.”
5. She received one of Malta’s highest honours
On December 13 2015, Destiny and the Maltese team behind “Not My Soul” were awarded the Midalja għall-Qadi tar-Repubblika (Medal for Service to the Republic), one of the highest of Maltese civilian honours, for their astounding victory at Junior Eurovision.
6. She’s a daughter of a football star
Destiny is the daughter of Ndubisi Chukunyere, a Nigerian footballer who BBC once named one of the most prolific African scorers in the 2001 European season. He also won Best Foreign Player at the Malta Football Awards. He even came pretty close to being called up to Nigeria’s national football team.
7. She was honoured by the Igbo
Since Destiny’s father comes from the Igbo tribe in Nigeria, she was presented with a recognition award for winning Junior Eurovision by The Igbo Development Union in Malta. The organisation’s patron Nnamdi Ahunanya said that Destiny had become an inspiration to all of the Nigerian community in Malta. Building Bridges!
8. She won the X Factor
Destiny originally got her Eurovision gig by winning the second season of X Factor Malta. The top prize was the ticket to Eurovision. On the show, we got to see her tackle hits by some of her favourite singers, including the likes of Jennifer Holliday and Whitney Houston. Destiny says that her musical inspirations come from various artists, but she especially cites Beyonce and Aretha Franklin as the ones who kickstarted her dream to venture into the world of music. There’s no doubt it’s where her talents shine, as she won the Maltese national final for Junior Eurovision with her cover of “Think”.
9. She has two loving siblings
Destiny does have someone to give all of her love, as she has two younger siblings — a sister named Melody and a brother named Isaiah.
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10. She already has a taste of Eurovision
Before she won the right to go to Eurovision 2020, Destiny already had a taste of the Eurovision experience, when she formed part of Michela’s team in 2019. In her role as a backing vocalist, she helped to push Malta to one of its best finishes of the decade. But that wasn’t Destiny’s first time on the main Eurovision stage. After her Junior Eurovision victory in 2015, she was invited to appear at Eurovision 2016. There she got to speak with host and Eurovision 2015 winner Måns Zelmerlöw.
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Could Destiny bring Eurovision victory to Malta at last? Do you have “Je Me Casse” playing on loop? Let us know below.
My parents always told me that if you haven’t anything good to say then it’s better to say nothing. And if you really need to say it then be sure to be kind and polite while being assertive. I thought that it would be nice to share this knowledge with you. Hope it helps ?
A copy of Netta, not too original.
Destiny’s vocals are way better than Netta’s. I love Netta’s voice, though.
Fact 1. She’s a Queen.
I would like to see your face instead when Destiny receives a massive points of votes from the public. That would put a stop to foolish comments like yours.
I’ll be here to read Im so fab and Doris salty comments if Destiny wins the competition.
I think you are right Chris but wonder if anyone else in Malta thinks Not My Soul is the best of these three songs? And it’s homemade. If she wins I will feel sad for Mary Spiteri, Chiara and Ira Losco (2002).
Awful song. I think Israel should be favourite not Malta
The link of your comment with that article ? I don’t see any
I mean… Come on! This article deals with 10 facts about Destiny. Not about what you think of her song, Malta’s place in the odds or Israel’s entry. What I just see here, is an Eden’s supporter being salty about Israel place in the odds and Malta being at the top of them. If you have nothing but repetitive and useless things to say, then just keep them for you. I don’t like Serbia’s entry but you don’t see me out there commenting my disliking on every post about Serbia.
Ngl but this song is growing on me, y’all haters just stay silent if you don’t have anything good to say about her
That’s just so rude
Netta 2.0
So true lol, It will be worse than Ingrosso we didn’t his face see with now the new vote system announcement.
These the type of comments and users, wiwi needs to get rid off. Absolutely disgusting
Dont understand how she is number 1 now in the odds
Because she has the biggest chances to win out of the 39 entries seeing her musical career and her several victories already acquired and she is already very Eurovision related as a Jesc winner. She’s not the obvious and assured winner of this year like we have seen the last 2 years but she has more chances to win than the others. It doesn’t mean that it’s done and the others can’t win, they have only less chances at this moment, but remember it’s not the BookiesVision but Eurovision ask to Mr Gabbani 😉 Bookies are not musical experts or… Read more »
Well i dont think she will win but good luck to her any way
It’s kind for her, it’s not often easy to be among the big favourites pre contest.
Here’s a good person. Disagreeing with something but still being respectful. Kuddos to you Dan! Some people here should take seats and take notes from you.
i love destiny and think she would be a great winner. I wonder if Malta would be able to host if she wins
Of course we will, we are as capable just like any other EU member state ! We already produced some strong shows and we are more than ready to host.
While this is not my personal winner for 2021, (that would be Switzerland), I’m OK with Malta winning because there’s a A lot of history that could be made if destiny proves victorious. 1. She could be the first singer to win both Junior and Adult Eurovision, Or at the very least be the most successful junior alumnus. 2. This would be Malta’s first victory exactly fifty years after their debut, which would be the second longest time between debut and victory. 3. On a representation basis, she would be the first black female solo artist to win Eurovision, although… Read more »
Since Cyprus didn’t get it in 2018, it is time that a small nation rightfully wins…
Great list, WoolfGirl!!
Love HER! such a lovely woman and powerful as well.
“Je nais sais quoi”
“Je me casse”
Looking forward to seeing her on the stage, this is gonna be lit<3
There’s something really warm and likeable about Destiny. She seems sincere and kind. Je Ma Casse isn’t necessarily one of my favourite songs this year but Destiny is certainly one of my favourite entrants.
I hope she does her duet with James Newman too!