Kalush Orchestra - Ukraine's representative at Eurovision 2022 - has touched the strings of the heart, although few understand the text. Singer Oleh Psiuk raps for his mother Stefania - the song's main character - and praises her strong hands that encouraged her in good times and bad. Written before the Russian occupation of Ukraine, the song has taken on a new meaning now in wartime. She now reads like Mother Ukraine protecting her children at the same time they try to protect her.
Ukrainian folk-rap song has no English. But viewers can understand that "mamo" - repeated in the chorus - means mother. The staging makes visible the pain contained in the song. On the LED screen we see big eyes, watering from the lost spring, and on the LED floor wrinkled hands - a mother embracing her children in their most difficult moment.
In recent months members of the Kalush Orchestra have been involved in Ukraine's combat efforts - from helping people relocate to actively participating in the country's territorial defense. They received special permission in advance to leave Ukraine for Eurovision and the promotional tour. This is mainly due to the prestige and importance of Eurovision in both Ukraine and Russia.
There is an assumption that the artists will receive overwhelming support from the televoting public. The world has seen horrible images coming out of Ukraine. Also, voting countries, including Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, will be particularly more likely to vote for Ukraine, due to a common understanding of repression from Moscow.
A victory seems possible, but it is not guaranteed. The professional jury - which makes up 50% of the results - has a tendency to vote professionally and not with their heart.
Only a few hours separate us from the announcement of the winner, so we have to wait!
Adapted from Wiwibloggs
