Belarus: Galasy ZMesta are preparing a new song for Eurovision 2021

Belarus: Galasy ZMesta are preparing a new song for Eurovision 2021
Friday, 19 March 2021

  • The Belarusian Eurovision 2021 act, the group Galasy Zmesta, are preparing a new song for Rotterdam after EBU's reaction to the initially submitted song Ya Nauchu Tebya (I’ll Teach You).

    Just a couple of days before and after months of silence regarding the country's Eurovision 2021 entey, BTRC, announced Galasy ZMesta for Rotterdamm who will be performing their song Ya Nauchu Tebya (I’ll Teach You)

    As soon as the song was released a massive wave of reactions flooded the social media and the media in general with voices asking from EBU not to accept the Belarusian song due to its politicial content. 

    EBU taking in mind the song's lyrics and whether they comply with the EBU's rules for the contest which forbid enties with political content in their text, has called on Belarus requesting the amendment of the lyrics , removing any political content otherwise they country will be disqualified. 

    Here is EBU's whole statement: 

    "As part of the regular procedure for all songs submitted to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC), the EBU has carefully scrutinized the Belarusian song, Ya Nauchu Tebya (I’ll Teach You) by Galasy ZMesta to ensure it complies with the rules of the competition.

    It was concluded that the song puts the non-political nature of the Contest in question. In addition, recent reactions to the proposed entry risk bringing the reputation of the ESC into disrepute.

    We’ve written to the broadcaster BTRC, which is responsible for Belarus’ entry for the Eurovision Song Contest, to inform them that the song, in its present form, is currently not eligible to compete.

    Furthermore we’ve requested that they take all necessary steps to submit a modified version, or a new song, that is compliant with the ESC rules.

    Failure to do so could result in disqualification from this year’s Contest."

     

    Following this reaction the head of the national broadcaster, Ivan Eismont, has confirmed that the group is has already started to prepare the country's new song for the competition that must be handed in by end of March.

    Ivan Eismont specifically stated: 

    "Taking into account our cooperation with the European Broadcasting Union, we suggested the Galasy ZMesta group to provide us with some other option. And now, as far as I know, active work is underway on this."

    Eismont also insisted on the non political character of the old song :

    "This is understandable to any person who is familiar with the Russian language. Everyone interprets in the way that suits him."  

    And went on saying:

    " I think in a few days you will hear another millionaire song that will be listened to throughout Europe."

     

    A few words for Galasy ZMesta

    Galasy ZMEst is a rock group from Baranovichi in western Belarus. The group is formed by Dmitry Batukov, Evgeny Kardash, Maksim Ponomarenko, Evgeny Artyukh and Irina Sorgovitskaya. The group came into the spotlight when during the pro-democracy protests in Belarus, the band  supported  Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus since 1994 critisizing the protestors. The band have also been criticised for transphobic lyrics in some of their past songs. “Ya nauchu tebya” has also been criticised for lyrics mocking the Belarusian pro-democracy movement.

    Belarus is set to comepete in the 1st half of the first semi final on May 18,2021 in Rotterdam Ahoy. 

     

    News Source: Tut.by/eurovoix