EBU calls on Belarus to edit Galasy ZMesta's song lyrics to avoid disqualification

EBU calls on Belarus to edit Galasy ZMesta's song lyrics to avoid disqualification
Thursday, 11 March 2021

  • The EBU has made a call on Belarus to edit the country's Eurovision 2021 song lyrics in order to avoid disqualification. 

    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 nto to accept the Belarusian sonds 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.

     

    It is really interesting to see the Belarusian repsonse and how will the acts and officials rect to such request. Belarus is set to compete in the first half of the first semi final on May 18, 2021 in Rotterdam.