Josephine Efendi Mata Hari Greek Version MAD VMA 2021
Screengrabs via Mad TV Specials

She’s the Greek pop star that’s long been on fan wish lists for Eurovision. And now, Josephine has rewarded her army of lovers and started a fire by releasing a Greek version of Azerbaijan’s 2021 entry — “Mata Hari”. And that’s not all, she also dueted with Efendi herself at the Mad Video Music Awards.

Josephine — “Mata Hari” Greek Version

The official press release from Panik Records describes Josephine’s interpretation of the Rotterdam bop as “explosive” and “unique”. The statement excitedly proclaims that the blonde songstress “seduces us as only she knows, in pop and ethnic rhythms”. She certainly captures the spirit of the number, checking all the boxes — mesmerising, fire and desire.

However, we don’t get to hear the lyrics as we know them. That’s because Josephine has reworked the song into Greek. Nonetheless, the iconic “Ma-Ma-Ma-Mata Hari” refrain remains the same in any language.

Josephine and Efendi — “Mata Hari” duet at the Mad Video Music Awards 2021

As we’ve previously reported, the recent Mad Video Music Awards 2021 were packed with Greek and Cypriot star power. Eleni Foureira, Stefania, Elena Tsagarinou and Katerine Duska were just some of the many familiar faces who performed. Josephine took the opportunity to debut her take on “Mata Hari” at the awards bash. And she made it extra special by bringing Azerbaijan’s Efendi along with her.

The duo performed a mashup of both versions. The Eurovision 2021 finalist starts things off with the original cut. Then Josephine chimes in with her Greek lines. They sing the chorus in unison. Their choreography is very much inspired by Efendi’s Eurovision performance — there are lots of the same hand and body movements. However, the wardrobe is more party. Efendi has ditched the shoulder pads in favour of a sparkling silver dress with lots of fringe — a style which was very much in vogue back in May!

Is Josephine a future Eurovision star?

Those with good memories will recall that Josephine has already tried out for Eurovision. In 2014 she competed in Greece’s Eurosong 2014 – a MAD show. Her entry was a collaboration with Mark Angelo called “Dancing Night”. Alas, they finished fourth in the four-song final. Instead, Freaky Fortune and RiskyKidd went to Copenhagen with “Rise Up”. That was arguably Josephine’s first brush with fame. And she hasn’t looked back since then. She now boasts a back catalogue that features six top 20 hits, including a number one.

Now that she’s more established, could Eurovision be back on the cards for Josephine? If history is anything to go by, the possibility is very real. Plenty of artists from the Panik Records’ stable have gone to the contest, including Elena Tsagarinou this year. Notably, many have entered after performing Eurovision covers at  MAD events. Eleni Foureira reimagined Israel’s “Golden Boy” in 2015 and three years later she brought the “Fuego” to Lisbon. In 2016, Demy dueted with Bulgaria’s Poli Genova on “If Love Was A Crime”. She was in Kyiv less than 12 months later. Tamta also went to Eurovision in 2019 after singing “Lie To Me” with Mikolas Josef at the 2018 MAD VMAs.

What do you think of Josephine’s “Mata Hari” cover? Should we expect to see her representing Greece or Cyprus in the years ahead? Let us know below.

Follow all of our Greece Eurovision 2021 news here.

21 Comments
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VESSLEY
VESSLEY
2 years ago

Yasss! Josephine is giving me Eleni Foureira vibes and I really hope she goes to Eurovision soon!! ???

justafan
justafan
2 years ago

Josephine always sings at the MAD video music awards…

Edu
Edu
2 years ago

Really hope Josephine represents Greece! Or Evangelia! both are amazing! 🙂

Ron
Ron
2 years ago

If you’re gonna hold a mic while lip-synching at least hold it by your mouth.

Rashad
Rashad
2 years ago

I love her dance moves. It’s already obvious that she’s going to be the next Greek or Cypriot representative. As much as I loved El Diablo, I don’t want another copy of Fuego for Cyprus just because it did well a few years ago. I have higher expectations from Josephine.
Also Efendi’s Mad Awards dress is stunning.

Alex
Alex
2 years ago

just like Elena Tsagrinou was supposed to be in the top 5 this year?

Sot
Sot
2 years ago
Reply to  Alex

Elena’s vocals were NOT good. Some believe Kateryna’s vocals were quite weak at the GF (which I don’t think so) but they still ended up 5th! The main reason why Elena did poorly is because of the song. Same old story, just like Replay, but even more generic. Still a solid song though

DripDrop
DripDrop
2 years ago
Reply to  Alex

Foureira can dance. Tamta can sing (even if she wasn’t good in eurovision). Tsagrinou can do a bit of both. Josephine can’t do either of them.

Alex
Alex
2 years ago

I think it sounds cheaper. Josephine is talented but she’s wasted with cheap songs that does not showcase her vocal range and her charisma.

She’s getting very nervous in every live performance so i can’t imagine her doing eurovision anytime soon.

Azaad
Azaad
2 years ago

She’s going to be Cyprus’s 2022 representative at this rate won’t she. The surprise will be if she represents Greece instead.

Aren’t actual Cypriots allowed to compete anymore?

Alex
Alex
2 years ago
Reply to  Azaad

Panik Records is the one working with RIK so Panik will be the one deciding on the act they want to promote.

Tul
Tul
2 years ago

Mata Hari could be sung in any language and it still would come as a empty package that has nice wrapping paper around it, hopefully Greece won’t go on that Azeri mentality on ESC and just order a song that is another outdated plastic pop from the shelf.

Joe
Joe
2 years ago

Nine times out of ten, this is usually a good hint about who might be going for Greece/Cyprus next. Except that guy who duetted “She Got Me” with Luca, he was a red herring

Joe
Joe
2 years ago
Reply to  Joe

Side note: the sheer insanity of Switzerland, the land of yodeling and alpenhorns, sending a quality Mediterranean bop good enough to fit in perfectly at a Greek awards show is something I’ve never totally gotten over.

esc1234
esc1234
2 years ago

Within the next 2 years, Josephine will represent Greece or Cyprus. I really hope ERT picks her before cybc, Cyprus needs to leave some greek singers for Greece 😛

DripDrop
DripDrop
2 years ago
Reply to  esc1234

ERT will never choose her thankfully. Cybc can have her if they want another flop.

esc1234
esc1234
2 years ago
Reply to  DripDrop

She won’t go for the Swedish fast food pop songs by barker. She is known for her ethnic Greek songs inspired by the 90s.

DripDrop
DripDrop
2 years ago
Reply to  esc1234

Even if she goes with a greek ethnic banger by Leonidas Sozos (which I’m not sure Cybc would allow), I doubt she could sing it well enough live under pressure

esc1234
esc1234
2 years ago
Reply to  DripDrop

If cybc is stupid enough to buy again a Swedish leftover then they need a new team

Danikos
Danikos
2 years ago

She will probably end up going with Cyprus !! And I hope so , Josephine is truly amazing . Hope she won’t finish 16th and at least score a good top 10 , her Greek songs are awesome.

Alex
Alex
2 years ago
Reply to  Danikos

She should not sing a Swedish produced song like Replay and El Diablo. She should get a song penned by a Greek songwriter.