Following the grand reveal of the seven acts competing in Finland’s Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK) 2023, Finnish broadcaster Yle is dropping the lyrics videos for each entry one by one. Next up is Käärijä with the song “Cha Cha Cha”.
The boundary-breaking Käärijä makes his UMK debut with an electro-pop, rock-rap song with an unforgettable hook.
Unabashed and unpredictable, the multi-faceted Käärijä released his debut single “Urheilujätkä” in 2016. He has followed Eurovision since he was a little boy, citing Verka Serduchka’s “Dancing Lasha Tumbai” as a memorable performance. After following UMK for many years, Käärijä knew it was time to throw his hat in the ring.
He said: “Finland is a party country, a heavy metal country and a pop country – this song brings all of those together”.
Käärijä — “Cha Cha Cha”
Coming tonight at 00:00 Finland time!
UMK 2023 song release schedule
The UMK 2023 songs are being revealed one per weekday until 20 January. They’re set to be released at 00:00 EET on the dates listed below:
- Keira — “No Business On The Dancefloor” (Thursday 12 January)
- Benjamin — “Hoida mut” (Friday 13 January)
- Robin Packalen — “Girls Like You” (Monday 16 January)
- Lxandra — “Something To Lose” (Tuesday 17 January)
- Käärijä – “Cha Cha Cha” (Wednesday 18 January)
- KUUMAA — “Ylivoimainen” (Thursday 19 January)
- Portion Boys — “Samaa taivasta katsotaan” (Friday 20 January)
UMK 2023 will take place on Saturday 25 February at Logomo Arena in Turku, starting at 20:00 CET / 21:00 EET.
The winner will be chosen jointly by Finnish television viewers and international juries. The public will account for 75% of the vote and the juries for the remaining 25%. The finalists were chosen from 362 applicants by a jury of music industry professionals led by Tapio Hakanen, YleX’s Head of Music.
What do you make of “Cha Cha Cha”? Do you think Käärijä could win UMK 2023 and represent Finland at Eurovision? Let us know in the comments below!
lol The jury will bury this.
And many thanks to the jury for that!!! This was also only a video, live performance will be horrible bad. He cant sing and it will not work at all. Thank god for that! This is also typical hate song towards different people, this is male toxicity song and that is not cool and does not belong to eurovision and it does not belong anywhere. Putin would like that!
He performed it live at his concert and vocal part was fine. No one was ever pretending that he is Celine Dion. He is a rapper after all. And this part was delivered perfectly. Male toxicity? Do you even know what the song is about? It is about how people have difficulties dealing with their emotions and to open up and that to do that they use alcohol. It is with a winkle in the eye but it refers to a serious problems. And based on his social media he is far from representing toxic masculinity. Having aggressive vibe is… Read more »
As long as they don’t jump into bed with Ukraine again. This is the winning song with the public. The French girl la Zarra will be a unique performance I think.
LOL
Dude, it literally won the Jury vote at UMK lol
I didn’t get the hype when I listened a couple of times on the day it got released, but I went to the gym this evening and I put my Spotify on shuffle and this one randomly started to play and NOW I GET IT!
This is amazing. The music in the first half of the song reminds me of “Satisfaction” by Benny Benassi. If this gets through UMK (as it should) then this is solid Top 10 in Liverpool.
The hook is so memorable as well, it’s not “Cha cha cha” said in the style of Craig Revel Horwood, it’s “Cha, cha cha, ch cha cha chaaaaaa” and that makes all the difference!
Interesting but really not my kind of thing
This song is horrible bad! If Finland is really going to send this song to eurovision it has zero change to qualify. This is way too weird and song is musically very bad.
It’s got a shock factor which alone makes it qualify sadly. It’s similar to how Hatari managed to get 10th. That entire entry was 99% shock factor too, and they got 10th in the final because of said shock factor
This should win Eurovision 2023, but too bad it won’t because we already know who’s going to win.
Who’s winning then? If you think it’s Ukraine sorry nope that song is terrible.
If this should win ESC 2023 then the standards became really low
Question to dancers: Can you actually dance the “Cha Cha Cha” to this song?
You can dance cha-cha-cha to anything that is 4/4, so the answer is yes. Even the tempo is close enough.
People calling this winner potential in ESC is a disrespecf towards Lxandra
Käärija sent a song that, if selected, can create a unique and wonderful moment, and it’s also BELIVABLE, AND AS THE BEST CHANCE TO CONQUER IT’S NATIONAL, AND POSSIBLY, THE ESC 2023. His song has an experimental taste. To some, might be a joke, however is a well written and performed joke. In my opinion, the Robin’s song is a bit clichè, already done and won’t add anything relevant. For now, jan 18th, any song released (i.e., Keira, Benjamin, Lxandra) have better chances of having a good placement than Robin.
I agree: all the other entries are so calculated and polished, it’s such a breath of fresh air to have something raw and unpreditable!
But to me something that was made without due respect and effort, would be a joke song. So I don’t see this as a “joke” at all: some serious thought and work has been put into writing and producing this song. However, there’s bit of lightness added to the show, which I think makes this even more memorable.
We need this
It’s entertaining but feels a bit too much like a meme for the sake of being a meme…
FInland please send Käärijä and not the overrated Robin !
Finland honestly has the best national final format, they focus on quality and not quantity and they pick songs that are all very different to make sure that each artist can stand out in their own way. I think other countries could learn a lot from Finland when it comes to having a national final!
The song itself is good, but the voice change sound effects ruin it for me..
This song is great. I mean it is a decent song for a national final and for Eurovision. It reminds me of UNO (Russia 2020) in a way, like it is very catchy and memorable. Also with good choreo, it can slay. I also want to add that UMK this year is on fire. Literally it is 5 out of 5 for me at the moment. I would be happy with each song on the Eurovision stage. The way of teasing each day, the concept videos and so on. I am literally waiting each day for the Finnish song haha.… Read more »
My top: 1. Benjamin – what can I say, I just love it, a fantastic song that refuses to get out of my head for a few days now, amazing production, will be very successful in my opinion. I really liked the vibe of the song and he is an excellent performer. I can’t wait for the karaoke version of the song.. It will be my rington for sure! FANTASTIC! 2. Robin – I don’t really like the song, but yes the production is good and the singer has a great voice! It can also do well in Eurovision. 3.… Read more »
Can we have this AND Benjamin at Eurovision? I mean, both are just so good.
I like it. But at this point, I don’t see anything dislodging Benjamin from my top spot.
This is the new Shum. Finland has only job if they wanna come top 5. Just send this song.
This entry is now the shiny new thing and the eurofans are once again going overboard, but already comparing this Finnish meme to an all-timer? It’s absolutely no match for Shum, which is miles ahead in terms of concept, cohesiveness, tastefulness, just about anything.
Cha cha cha has now become an all-timer
I mean shum is actually quality production, this would just be fun for the insanity
Not sure how I feel about this – wouldn’t be my go to – but feels like the first song I’ve heard so far this year that could be a contender for the win in Liverpool.
Well… I laughed a lot. 😀 Caution: Some of you aren’t going to like this comment; you may look away now. This song has one really catchy hook and the development from rapping to melody; all of this matches the intention of the lyrics really well. However, it comes across as a gimmicky idea to me. It is perhaps unique, yes, but still a gimmick. The video a few things in it that I personally dislike (boxing, childish dancing, even that stereotypical hair), all of which adds to my feeling of distaste. Please forgive me for my comment, and enjoy… Read more »
I’m right there with you! I definitely laughed a lot, and think Käärijä probably has the biggest personality of the artists we’ve gotten so far! You just can’t help but watch him.
That said, this song just doesn’t do it for me as a whole. Finland will definitely qualify this year with any song they send, but I can’t see this being higher than 10th at most in the final. Perhaps I’m wrong! Either way Finland is killing it with their UMK entries this year!
Nothing to be mad at. Just a respectful opinion on music : )
The Finnish artist Käärijä will be a guest during the fourth evening of the Sanremo Festival in Italy
Rly?
It’s a good song but I don’t find myself listening to this. I love heavy metal music so it’s not because of my taste, but I find this a little bit Andrew WK as in something that’s good at a party not listening to alone.
Will this go down well at Eurovision? Perhaps as Eurovision is a party so it’ll be nice. But sadly that’s where this song will end. At the competition, not the new SNAP.
SNAP was a mediocre and safe song that only got popular because of TikTok. You’re right that this song will likely do well in Eurovision, but keep in mind this type of music is popular at the moment
This one’s addictive!
First one of the season that I can see winning whole ESC
Definately not! You forget the judges.. the song may qualify for the final but in the final the judges will rank it very, very low..
Not particularly, the jury can award if the staging is done well, like Toy for example.
Toy was a “feminist anthem” with an excellent vocal performance and a very, very catchy song, it included “Israeli” elements in the song, Hebrew words and oriental touches that the judges appreciated. It was also a time of #MeToo which really helped the song win. The song won and I definitely understand why.
I found Toy very annoying lol
Excellent vocal? LOL
I really thought dat Benjamin would stay my winner of UMK this year. But this is even better. It’s so different and it’s a combination of multiple styles but done in a very good way. I think this could end up very high in the ranking of Eurovision if Finland decides to send this!!
This needs to win.
But considering Finland has previously chosen acts like Aksel over Erika Vikman, I’m not sure if it will win.
Public was more in favour of Erika, while juries were more interested in Aksel.
Man Finland don’t stop serving us QUALITY! Soo catchy and uplifting this one
Finnish people are usually less social and that shyness goes away with alcohol, and that’s what this song is about. He doesn’t want to be shy and stiff, but wants to go out, dance and get crazy without a worry; as the song starts to shift to another sound another side of him takes the control and he gets relaxed and ready to dance.
Party song with a good meaning behind it, we should all be able to relax without a worry.
Winnner vibes!
Though I knew his back catalogue, I was shocked last night. But now, I am LOVING IT! It has the potential to be bombastic on stage.
Also:
It‘s a breath of fresh air among the other four, super slick entries released so far.
Musically I love this! But I wanna know more about the meaning of the song. Is it about battling Alcoholism? And what’s with the custom and the blonde wig in the end..?
The song describes what happens when after a hard week one goes to party. First he needs to keep his stamina and serious face, then after few pina coladas he starts to relax and open up. The long haired character is the liberated ( and drunk) version of the same guy.
Also what is a cha cha cha? Isn’t that a dance?
According to the artist himself, cha cha cha is reference to this mysterious character Mr Cha cha that is a happy-go-lucky dancer. He wished Mr Cha cha would appear more often with everyone, but in this song, I requires a lot of Pina Coladas. This is a song that encourages people to go out and dance if they feel like it, you don’t need to get drunk.
Awesome! Thanks!
Amazing, only Finland can make cha cha cha sound like this!! Paarty
between this and benjamin, finland is making it really hard for me to pick a winner. they’ve really pulled it together and every single song that has been announced i believe would stand a strong chance to qualify and place top 15 or higher at ESC
I feel that this put Hoida Put in the shadow
I would not be surprised if the televoting was very high for this at the Eurovision if it did represent Finland. It did kind of made me think this is a Scandinavian version of The Prodigy ‘Firestarter’
Darling, finland isnt in scandinavia. We are nordic country not scandinavien country
Apologies if I have offended you with my geography mistake and thank you for letting me know.
I think you’re onto something here. I’m much more of an “Out of Space” fan when it comes to The Prodigy. When Firestarter came out, it didn’t really click with me as there was an underlying aggression I couldn’t really get on board with although musically I still appreciated the genre. I’ve got a similar feeling with this. If they’re anywhere as near as popular as Firestarter though, they are onto a winner.
Funny enough “Firestarter” was a huge hit around Europe and the world. So if it did go to Eurovision I think it’s could be one of those songs that are super popular in the charts like “Snap” and “Arcade”. Also “Firestarter” was number one in the Finland chart when it came out. So there is an audience for this music in Finland.
Its interesting that the first 3 songs previewed were of dance pop then the contemporary yesterday and now alternative. I’ve enjoyed everyone this is different can’t wait for the remaining two
OMG this banger !!! Frankly if the Finns choose Robin because it’s the most popular and known with all these songs that are bangers (but not Robin…) I think it would be the worst waste of a super strong national team!!!!
I hopeeee !!
OMG Benjamin, Lxandra, Kaarja & maybe Portion Boys…. CRAZY !!! yeahhhh
This is it folks! The best song of UMK so far! It’s got a bit of everything, rap, EDM, pop AND Finnish rock! To me it’s miles above the rest. The other songs have pop elements but this is SOMETHING DIFFERENT and that’s a good thing! To me, the chaos of the song is the energy of Finland, why we love Finland in Eurovision, since at least Lordi, is the chaos they bring. And this is chaotic good!
OMG this is Epic!! This + Sasha Jean Baptiste = I would be cancelled
However – I need to see live performance
I think this, Benjamin and Keira are the best so faar
The hype this already made reminds me of time when Cicciolina was released and how everyone was into it. I like Hoida Mut a lot, but this got something Hoida Mut lacks, the key change moment.
okay this is addictive and memorable. this is a surefire top 3 televoting material and it has everything to win the national final unless the popularity of 2 other artists brings it down.
This song feels like you had ecstasy, I have no words to describe how I feel after the first listen…
Finland, if you choose this song, you might score low with juries but the televoting score will be HUGE.
my only concern is that some ESC critics will call it a joke entry and find an excuse to mock Eurovision
UMK’s lineup was already very good, but it was missing something out of the box and… here it is! I still don’t know how much I like it (for now, I would put Käärijä behind Lxandra and Benjamin), but the fact I immediately wanted to listen to it a couple of times more is probably a good sign.
Question. Is this glorification of binge-drinking? Or the opposite?
it’s definitely a song that make you feel drunk without drinking alcohol..
It seems like a real party song, but maybe it’s not.
Alcohol u when I am drank haha
If Google Translator isn’t lying to me, I would say that’s the case. But I’ll take it’s in the spirit of “I’ll party as hard as I can”. There’s even a “I’m not this man on a daily basis, I’m not, but today I’m that man”.
“This icy shell is something I have to demolish” and “mess my head up, free my mind of fear” suggest to me that it is about using alcohol as a crutch, to ease their social anxieties, a release from stress. Something that a lot of young men do. The whole boxing thing seems like a metaphor for battling your demons. Of course maybe I am reading too much into this. It has been said I take lyrics too seriously.
As someone that puts so much importance on the lyrics, I’m actually happy that you care so much about it too! For example, I agree with what you said abou Robin’s song and “She Got Me”.
The lyrics here are indeed a little graphic about how drunk he wants to get, but I think if he claims it’s a “one time thing”, it’s more about how he needs a release than an ode to alcohol. Or at least that’s what I hope he means. But I understand your concern.
At first listen I was under the impression that he’s battling his alcoholism in the ring but then I began thinking maybe he’s battling life and he turns to alcohol at the weekend for release.
I’m very curious about the blonde wigged outfit at the end too.
The artist explains the blond wigged guy is Mr. Cha cha, a happy go lucky fellow who is sure of himself and has fun and loves to dance. Main character of the song is envious to this side of him and hopes he would come out more frequently and so that he doesn’t have to get wasted for mr Cha cha to appear.
I see it as more of the opposite, especially considering the music video shows him repeatedly getting beaten up. The way I interpreted the lyrics was more exploring self-destructive tendencies and coping methods, specifically drowning all one’s sorrows in alcohol, which of course ends up making things worse– all in all, the lyrics are really interesting to me and I don’t think I’d like the song as much without them tbh
If the English translation is correct, I read it as neither. It’s descriptive and a little ambiguous with a critical undertone. I actually quite like the lyrics. In my opinion, this is not a mindless party song, but I already made that clear, haven’t I?
I don’t view this as a mindless party song either. I really wanna know more about it’s meaning cus musically is fantastic!
In my opinion this is heavy laden with irony, especially when you watch the video. The artist himself says that people should dance if they feel like it, one does not need to get wasted.
I’m feeling uncomfortable about this one. It should be right up my street but something hasn’t quite clicked – I think it might be the repetitious shouting in the chorus that creates a sense of weird aggressiveness that I have quite connected with yet. I will give it time to grow on me as the electro and metal elements should be things that immediately appeal to me.
I also had an awful feeling creeping over me as it was playing that maybe I am getting old.
If Go_a can get 2nd in televote and Hatari can get 5th this can absolutely get top 5 televote. It is catchy as F, lots of fun and the viral potential is through the roof!
CHA CHA CHA CHA CHA CHA CHAAAAA
Oh wow. This is actually brilliant.
So many things they could do with this in regards live performance. Definite contender for me.
Okay, this is totally bonkers and totally not my kind of song …. But it’s also great fun… Wow …
my new number 1 omg :0 and Robin still my last place.. I would’ve never thought that 😀
Just listened to it, I didn’t expect anything like this! This is such a special banger!
He could win the televote in May. Please Finland send him omg I’m obsessed
I love this kind of thing. I don’t expect it to win, but I’m going to have a lot of fun with it.