Perticipation of Greece in the Eurovisition Song Contest
Greece’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest is a tale of evolution, characterized by a diverse array of musical styles, memorable performances, and significant achievements. Since its debut in the competition in 1974, Greece has become one of the most vibrant and enthusiastic participants, embodying the spirit of Eurovision through its dynamic entries and captivating stage presentations.
The journey of Greece in Eurovision mirrors the broader narrative of the contest itself, evolving from the traditional ballads of its early years to the dynamic, pop-infused performances that later defined its Eurovision identity. This transformation is not just a testament to changing musical tastes but also reflects Greece’s ability to adapt and innovate within the Eurovision framework, making it a perennial fan favorite and a competitive participant.
In the early years of its participation, Greece focused on showcasing its rich musical heritage, often selecting songs that highlighted traditional Greek melodies and themes. These entries played a crucial role in introducing the wider European audience to the depth and diversity of Greek music. However, it wasn’t until the turn of the century that Greece began to experiment more boldly with its Eurovision entries, embracing contemporary pop, dance music, and even elements of traditional Greek sounds, creating a unique and engaging blend that resonated with both the juries and the public.
One of the most significant milestones in Greece’s Eurovision history came in 2005 when Helena Paparizou won the contest with the song “My Number One.” This victory was not just a triumph for Paparizou but a defining moment for Greece, marking its first and, to date, only win in the competition. “My Number One” exemplified the perfect Eurovision formula: a catchy tune, an engaging performance, and a charismatic artist, all of which captured the hearts of viewers across Europe. Paparizou’s victory propelled Greece into the Eurovision spotlight, setting a new standard for the country’s future entries and elevating the expectations of Greek fans and the European audience alike.
Following this landmark win, Greece continued to deliver high-energy performances and achieved consistently strong results throughout the late 2000s and early 2010s. Songs like “Shake It” by Sakis Rouvas in 2004 and “Secret Combination” by Kalomira in 2008 showcased Greece’s ability to blend pop sensibilities with a distinctively Greek flavor, securing top-tier finishes and further establishing Greece as a Eurovision powerhouse.
However, Greece’s Eurovision journey has not been without its challenges. Like many participating countries, Greece has experienced its share of ups and downs in the contest, with fluctuating results that often reflected the changing tastes and trends within the Eurovision community. Despite these variations, Greece has remained committed to the contest, continuously striving to innovate and captivate with its entries.
Greece’s impact on Eurovision extends beyond its competitive achievements. The country has played a significant role in shaping the modern Eurovision aesthetic, often pushing the boundaries of staging, choreography, and performance. Greek entries are known for their elaborate staging and dynamic presentations, which have influenced how other countries approach their Eurovision performances.
The 3 candidates of Greece for the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest in Belgrade Serbia was: Kostas Martakis (never heard of him, only just now after his election as candidate from ERT)with the song ‘Always and forever’ (always and forever.. the same prescription…. with attractive blue eyes but without the dynamic on-stage presentation of Sakis Rouvas, one of the best singers that Greece has sent to the contest in the last years), Kalomoira or Kalomira Saranti a Greek American singer and former reality show celebrity,with the song ‘Secret Combination’ and finally Chrispa (real name Chrisanthi Pagona) another recent Greek pop star (never heard of her either)with the song A chance to love.
Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest 2014
The song that will be performed by Marina Satti representing Greece at the Eurovision 2024 is characterized as beyond expectations and is expected to make Europeans dance to ethnic rhythms and in the Greek language. Of course, the Greek language can be considered a risky choice, but Eurofans have been asking Greece for an ethnic proposal for years, and ERT is giving it to them after entrusting Marina Satti with the Eurovision Song Contest 2024.
In fact, Marina Satti is a perfectionist, completely cooperative both with the record company Minos-EMI/Universal and with ERT. Also, he is described as a man who works very hard, not letting even the smallest detail fall down. After all, internationally renowned actors work with her.
In contrast to last year’s disappointing year, ERT aims – initially – for a solid stage performance and a place in the top 10 of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, as happened in 2021 with Stefania and in 2022 with Amanda Georgiadis-Tenfjord .
The competition, however, is characterized by the Greek mission as “high” in terms of the required artistic and televised result, but also the entries of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 that have been selected so far as “special”, with the hope of course that the European public to react positively to ERT’s participation with Marina Satti.
In particular, in a related interview on the English-language website Wiwibloggs regarding the Eurovision song contest, Marina Satti – among others – said: “I believe that traditional music from everywhere – apart from the country you come from – has something very common from behind her. Experiencing people’s lives and evolution – people celebrating or mourning or dancing or connecting with nature is something more spiritual. So, for me, this is the root of all traditional music in the world.”
Shortly before her concert in London on February 7, Marina Satti reiterated that she had been in discussions with ERT about the Eurovision Song Contest for many years, but she felt she was not ready. “This year, they proposed to me again and I said ‘why not?'”, she said later.
About the Song “Zari” for Eurovision 2024
With the backdrop of iconic locations of Athens, such as the Acropolis, Plaka, Monastiraki and the Herodes Atticus Conservatory, the filming for the video clip of the song that will be performed by Marina Satti, representing Greece in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, has been completed. For the filming needs, the camera also focused on other characteristic areas of Attica, among which were Omonia, Lykavittos, Rafina and the “Eleftherios Venizelos” airport.
Under the direction of the Australian director, Zac Wiesel, who has undertaken the editing of the video clip, the rich cultural heritage, history and modern landmarks of our country are highlighted.
Furthermore, according to the official announcement of ERT regarding Greece’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, the artistic direction of Marina Satti’s appearance on the stage of the musical institution has been undertaken by Fokas Evangelinos, the choreography and movement direction by Mecnun Giasar ( Majnoon), while the art direction is NMR.
My opinion as a Greek musician
The song is yet another failed attempt by Greece to give something characteristically Greek, the melody is a mix of oriental music with a few Greek elements. Like similar efforts in the past, it is almost certain that the song “Zari” will fail and once again Greece wont receive any Eurovision award. Of course, all this does not mean that Greece does not have good music and songs, unfortunately the songs that are chosen to represent our country are connected to the interests of music producers and record companies.
George Synodinos