She recently fled Ukraine with her children as Russia continues its brutal invasion of her country.
Now, in a powerful statement about perseverance and Europe’s unity with Ukraine, Jamala will travel to Berlin to perform her Eurovision winning song “1944” in the final of Germany 12 Points.
That performance will take place on Friday. The following evening, Jamala will also perform in Romania’s national final Selectia Nationala.
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The song, which recounts the forced deportation of Crimean Tartars from Crimea under Joseph Stalin, is deeply personal to Jamala, as her great grandmother was among those forced on that long march.
The song won the contest two years after Russia illegally annexed the region. Jamala tapped into the zeitgeist, but she also performed with a heart-wrenching sincerity that, she told us, left her crying every single time.
In looking back her song proved eerily timely – just as it remains today. This is how we reviewed the song in the run up to Eurovision 2016:
This is dark, direct and at times nihilistic: “They kill you all and say, ‘We’re not guilty’…everyone dies.” In lesser hands this would come off as melodrama. But Jamala delivers it with conviction and soul, resulting in a strangely intoxicating and other-worldly sound. “1944” defies convention, mixing traditional Crimean Tartar music with soul and R&B, and yet it somehow remains universal and accessible. At the end of the song she channels the pain of a thousand victims in one single cry. This is a gift that can’t be taught.
This weekend #Eurovision 2016 winner Jamala will sing “1944” during national finals in Germany and Romania.
— William Lee Adams (@willyleeadams) March 3, 2022
Her song, which recounts the forced deportation of Crimean Tartars under Stalin, resonates even more strongly today.
Here’s how she described it to me ahead of ESC 2016. pic.twitter.com/2LHTwLm55Q
Germany’s invitation to Jamala is its latest show of unity with Ukraine.
In recent days, the country has reversed its long-standing policy of not sending weapons to conflict zones, saying that Russia’s aggression now threatens the entire world.
Among other military aid, Germany announced it will send 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 500 Stinger anti-aircraft defence systems to Ukraine.
Romania has also been steadfast in its support of Ukraine. The country’s defence minister has said Romania can welcome up to 500,000 Ukrainian refugees. Ten of thousands have already reached the country.
She won because of politics and now is using it again to promote herself.
Her singing will not help anyone in Ukraine. People who will watch these performances already know what’s going on.
If they actually wanted her to sing, they’d invite her way before all this happened. Accepting this is just desperate.
Jamala won because she had a great song that people connected with emotionally. I’d say she’s doing a wonderful job at keeping Ukraine and the war visible out in the world through these performances, just like what Bosnia did by participating in the 90’s during war. We’ve clearly seen how short of a memory people have, with Russia’s “A Million Voices” placing 2nd a year after they started war in Ukraine, and we’ve clearly seen it with the ESC community mocking and hating Jamala for the Maruv incident in 2019, the war now being a distant memory. Show some respect,… Read more »
What’s worse is she got her ass out of the country the moment something happened while other Eurovision Ukrainian participants have stayed and are trying to help (Verka Serduchka, Ruslana, Go_A, etc.). And all while Jamala has always been the one screeming most loudly about Russia being the aggressor (which was and is true) and openly making the lives of Vidbir participants with ties to anything Russian as difficult as she could. So much for her patriotism.
I don’t understand those messages that say “both countries should be out this year”. Is like a teacher in school who doesn’t care who’s the bully and punishes all children involved. It matters who’s the bully.
Queen
In these days everything can be easily misunderstood, so please, guys, try to get my point without hitting the “down vote button” hard. I’m so happy for Jamala, her song really means a lot and describe the suffering of Ukraine, and we all should stand by; for all people claiming to have her as the interval act of this year’s Eurovision i think it may be risky. The contest should present every artist without any favouritism, and on top of that the host country should be able to present its artists and celebrate their territory – considering a victory after… Read more »
If Kalush wins – let it be. A bit of joy for a tortured country. But unfortunately I have such a strong feeling they won’t go. Spoke to Ukrainian guy at work, a lot of their cities are torn apart and all men are fighting. Doesn’t look like rehearsing and prepping for the show would be on their mind any time soon. But let’s hope I am wrong.
Some people here afraid of Ukraine winning the contest with Stefania…honestly, would still be a better winner than Believe.
I said what I said.
I don’t understand this sudden commotion with the possibility of Ukraine winning, for 3 reasons: 1) There are still 2 months to Eurovision. A LOT can change yet. 2) “Stefania” was already considered an entry with good televote potential before the invasion. Most comments about it here were positive even before Vidbir. The song was already 3rd in the betting odds when Kalush were confirmed in Turin. 3) Though I would incentive people to vote always for the best songs, let’s not pretend other things don’t influence the televote. Some people always voted for joke entries because they’re funny, bops… Read more »
Me in 2016: Good song, but a bit too political, I’d say.
Me in 2019: Come on, why did she say that to Maruv? This is silly, just accept that Crimea is lost and go on with your life.
Me in 2022: Go, Jamala! Let her sing everywhere! Give back Crimea to Ukraine immediately!
It’s very unfortunate you had those thoughts in 2019. I’m happy you changed your mind. Don’t take this the wrong way but it’s a mentality like the one you had in 2019 that leads to severe situations.
You are right. The same today, some people think that guy will stop after Ukraine. Is no stop, understand already!
Now it’s when that song coming to life! #1944 #2022
I don’t like Jamala, but with this situation? I absolutely support her. What Russia is doing with Ukraine has NO excuse. And noone should leave their country and home. STOP.
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Russophobia is spreading. Be careful.
Thank you EBU for being neutral and strictly against political statements .
Being neutral towards occupation and being pro occupation is the same thing. I hope they pay you in rubles, you troll
i hope not for her, that currency has become pretty worthless thanks to putin !
Singing 1944 in Germany….
Don’t mention the WAR!
Das WAR einmal….. #toosoon
while EBU desperately talking about wanting Eurovision to be non-political ….
So predictable … LOL
Of course
Weird that Eurovision fans are now ode to jamala but before the invasion they were telling bad things for her… Hypocrites ?
People were in denial of the situation in Ukraine. They preferred not to hear about whatever beef is happening between Ukraine and Russia and pretend that everything is 100% fine and they hated her for disturbing their illusion. Now that this illusion has been shattered to pieces anyway, and the Ukrainian problems became everybody’s problems, they can’t be mad at her anymore.
Well people need to get informed on the both sides of the story. Theres good youtube channel called Graham Phillips. Ukrainian soldiers are not saints either and there has been a lot of killings in the Donbas region in the past years. Im sorry for every innocent Ukranian and Russian that are getting now the consequences and soon will follow for the rest of the world and especially Europe.
There were no killings in Donbas or anywhere before the invasion of Russia in 2014. So please don’t come here with your “information”. Literally nobody was hurting the Russian speaking population in Ukraine before Russia came nd started a whole mess, supported by their weapons and financing. If you think there are 2 sides to this very simple story you are getting information from the wrong sources.
So you dont deny anything, but just saying that the killings started after 2014 after Russia occupied Crimea 2014? The info im getting from tv is mostly from the point of view and in favour of Ukraine. I wanted to find out what was happening in these regions from videos and interviews of people living there in the last 8 years and seem like most of them dont want to be part of Ukraine, but Russia and Ukraine want to keep that region, because a big part of their industry is based there. Its a mess indeed. Im just curious… Read more »
I wish I could upvote this a 1000 times.
No. She’s rude and she’s more than often being asshole and nobody denies that. Which doesn’t change a bit that what happened to her is horrible. World isn’t black and white. Unless you’re living in North Korea
This should be one of the interval acts at the ESC final in Turin.
It’s a fluffy song contest not a political rally
Please Italy/Rai/EBU make this the interval act.
You could do a group song similar to Junior Eurovision where every sings it together alongside Jamala.
Jamala, yes. Everyone else singing with her – no. This is not their story.
A different song, maybe, but not 1944.
This has happened before, in 1999 – everyone came out at the end and sang Hallelujah.
I prefer LOVE LOVE PEACE PEACE as a duet by Sergej Lazarev & Ani Lorak (both populair in both countries) with NAVIBAND in the backings.
An alternative song could be ARIS’s song which the juries DESTROYED this year which means ‘Goodbye’ in RUSSIAN!!!
To keep it simple, i think 1944 would be the best choice for an ESC interval in Turin.
Even though Russia deserved to be withdrown from the contest, it’s still horrible to see people saying bad things about Russia (not the president), but the very same people say nothing about Israel and Azerbaijan who should be treated the same as Russia. Hypocrisy on its max level! If Russia is banned from ESC, so should be Israel and Azerbaijan! When Armenia was attacked by Azerbaijan, they didn’t think about ESC, they pulled out and focused on their country. On the other hand, Ukraine is using TV propaganda heavily, despite accusing Russia of doing the same. Nothing justifies invasion of… Read more »
Once again, israelo Palestine War, armenia vs azrbadijan War and Ukraine vs Russia War in the Donbass are all horrible “small scale” Wars. ESC and EBU or even sports did nothing about that though these 3 “small scale” Wars were very active for many years. But since last thursday, this is a “higher scale” War, with the WHOLE Ukraine being invaded by another country, threatening to make this country disappear. And threatening the entiere Europe. I deeply hate what is happening between Israël ans Palestine, in the Donbass and between Azerbaïdjan and armenia. I dont know if anyone could know… Read more »
Again. Countries are represented by their broadcasts, not their government. This is why Russia should have been banned because the Russian broadcast Pervyy Kanal are used for the propaganda of the Russian government to spread misinformation (as Belarus) about Russia not bombing Ukraine and being the victims of the attack and make Poutine the good one. I know it seems unfair in front of Palestine or Armenia for example but their broadcast are not used by their national government to spread their ideas and their ideology.
This is not a normal conflict neither is politics anymore, it is a genocide against a language and a culture that has been around for centuries. A song like Stefania being performed in front of 200m of viewers is indeed very important because visibility is important. Why do you think Picasso painted Guernika?
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RIGHT, because nobody ever criticized Israel. Everybody is absolutely silent whenever Israel does something. Common. Also the reason and the scale of fighting in Israel is on a whole different level. So.. The comparison is starting to be really dumb
Everybody? Madonna and Hatari weren’t exactly silent.
It could be one of the interval acts of the 2022 contest. Nobody will be mad for that.
EBU would not like that, the still think Eurovision is non-political….. Wake up
Music is the expression of the soul. I think now more than ever it’s important to listen to the voices of those who are suffering and to use music as a mode of sympathy, empathy, and empowerment. Best of luck, Jamala, and to Ukraine as well. I hope peace can come soon. <3
It’s important that Eurovision stands with Ukraine, just like the IOC, UEFA, Formula One and other bodies have. The more awareness raised the better, and across whatever platform.
I’m voting for Ukraine this year. (Hopefully they can go to Turin). I expect that moment when Kalush take to the stage will be quite emotional. It will definitely be a must watch moment and bittersweet for everyone. However politics is not just why I’m voting Ukraine in May, but also, human rights, the key human right being the right to exist. I always say, and even in the years to come I will continue to say, that politics has no place in Eurovision, but human rights and the right to exist with dignity should definitely be celebrated at Eurovision.… Read more »
I agree and i have to say Eurovision is one of the most important things in my life. Its obvious that Putin wants to erase Ukraine´s culture and language with fire and bombs so a song like Stefania needs all the visibility it can get. It will be a challenge to have them on stage but i think they realise the magnitude of it and will try as hard as they can.
Btw guys, Sergey Lazarev’s account on IG just dissapeared after voicing opinions against the invasion. I read it may have been the Police as they are starting a campaign against him and other artists that do no follow the official line. Does anybody know if it’s true?
I don’t know if it is true that they do that put I got told by my good friend that they do that if you don’t agree with is thinking
Going to be AMAZING!! And poignant.
Can the EBU swing it so that she sings as part of the interval act during the live final?
Can we petition them or send correspondce somewhere? I mean, I know this is about Italy this year, but have some heart EBU.
Looking back, probably the most historically significant victory, ever.
She will also sing in the Romanian NF on Saturday. #StandWithUkraine
Honestly, best of luck to Jamala.
On the matter of the ESC, everyone I know is going to vote for Ukraine in May. So at the moment, the “song contest” is no longer a contest, because there is no other right way to do it.
And how many of those are casual viewers, and not fans following everything?
My friends don’t even think about ESC, yet alone voting for Ukraine..
Obviously they are all ESC fans, because those make up the core viewership.
I think you’re quite wrong there. Only around 5% of viewers follow all Eurovision related events actively. Most of the viewers hear the songs (or at least majority of them) for the first time during the semi finals.
Eurovision is viewed by 200M people, meanwhile Eurovision channel on YouTube has just under 5M views, and most songs get around 1-2M views before the actual live shows.
That sounds very out of character of you.
Yes it is. I’m sorry. I feel very angry about what is happening. It seems that my love for ESC only remains when the peace it exists for is genuine. But without peace, I struggle to care about the contest. There are more important things, like saving Europe.
I understand what you mean, but think that music is not just about being entertained. It can be crucial to mental health, it is a force for good.
If I may, i suggest we do not try to predict anything that could happen in 2 months. Especially when it Comes to the participation of Ukraine to ESC. The country is being invaded, people are being killed, and there is a far from zero probability that russia Can win this, erase Ukraine and make it a part of Russia. Yes, this is possible. It’s the horrible and disgusting reality, Purple Mask. The reality is that participation of Ukraine under ukrainian flag is not sure and certainly not a subject we should adress right now. Really. I deeply Hope Ukraine… Read more »
Thank you. I have listened, and I will stop posting about the topic on here. The future is indeed not a certainty. I will consult with those in charge of the contest directly if I have any suggestions.
I can forgoe the “contest” for one year.
I disagree. Even if what you say came true, Ukraine would still be a valid winner. The song with the most power should win, the one that people will remember.
You described how you give your own points recently, and I was surprised to see that only a quarter of them come from the actual song. If you are judging vocals, staging, what the performers are wearing… it has already stopped being a song contest.
Indeed. It’s a song contest made for television, and the scores reflect that vision. The great thing about different scoring categories is that there can be different “winners” each year per category. 🙂
Don’t forget that the contest is also broadcast on radio…
To me, your way of deciding just means that winners are only winners for one night. Take away the tree, 1944 stops being a Eurovision winner. Take away the balloon boy, Heroes stops being a Eurovision winner.
I can not tell you how to mark the songs for your own enjoyment, obviously – I just would not want the juries and even televoters to do it that way. I want the trophy to go to the songwriters, not whoever did the staging.
Thanks Jonas. Actually I wasn’t aware that radio stations still transmitted the ESC live. I know they did historically, but not that they did presently. The radio angle is a really good idea for an article on Wiwi; just a thought. 🙂
About the tree and the balloon boy, both of those are key reasons why I love those entries so much, because they add visual context to the songs. I know it seems silly, but they made me “feel” a bit more.
But let’s not forget how good Ukraine have been in the Eurovision Song Contest in peaceful times. They don’t need a sympathy vote.
Yes, that is a very good point.
There is a literal war going on and people are dying. I think if Ukraine wins because their people are dying, then that should be okay. At the end of the day, it is just a song competition.
My suggestion would be to allow Ukraine to perform without competition.
Apllaud for minutes to send positive energy to the people in both Ukraine and Russia who don’t want this war. But let not a contest be ruled by pity-votes.
This gives some credibility to one of the worst national finals ever
Germany? Nahh. There have been a lot worse quality national finals than that in the past. 😀
Year, the German final from like every season.
The one that sisters won had at least Ally Ryan in it. Every song in this selection is impossible to come beyond 20th place
It must be devastating for her. Writing this song to pay tribute to her ancestors and now re-living similar events herself… Stay strong, slava Ukraini!
Yes, because this three-minute performance has a chance to go viral and really stop the war. Well from that perspective, it’s better than doing nothing at all. But there will be no “contest” this year if Ukraine participates, since everyone will vote for them; that’s a certainty.
What do you mean?
As stated above, Jamala is doing the right thing for the right time. What will now happen in May is everyone will vote for Ukraine, because it is the only right thing to do. As a result, the “song contest” no longer exists as such. It is now a symbol instead.
Only this year.
Listen, I get what you mean, but there have been instances in the past, 2014, 2016, and 2018 included, where sending a message was just as important as voting for the best song. This year, we have about 7-8 excellent songs already, but that objectively includes Ukraine (Stefania is a pretty good song under any circumstances). And if their voices being heard across Europe will assure them that little push from 5th or 6th place they would’ve normally get to actually winning, why not? It’s hopefully only for this year. In that case, a runner-up can be just as happy… Read more »
Thanks Colin. You have my love.
Likewise. 🙂
You really need to calm down and take a break from this site.