The Global Media Site for Entertainment.
Menu
Kalush Orchestra are a Ukrainian hip-hop band that are tipped to win the Eurovision Song Contest which takes place in Turin this May. The band’s unique sound combines ethnic motifs with modern sounds using different folk instruments, and they are named after the Ukrainian city of Kalush.
Set in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, it serves as a mascot that inspires the band to involve different folk elements and authentic Ukrainian music within their songs. Moreover, it is the hometown of band member Oleh Psiuk. Their Eurovision entry, Stefania, is a tribute to Oleh’s mother, which she only heard for the very first time when she saw the band compete in Ukraine’s Eurovision selection show, Vidbir.
The band are an all-male line-up, which means they had to receive special permission to leave Ukraine due to the current restrictions – men of military age cannot leave the country while the Russian invasion ensues. The musicians have been able to represent Ukraine in the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest and are currently performing pre-Eurovision gigs internationally.
Speaking to the BBC, band member Oleh explained that they had been on tour when Russia first invaded Ukraine, and what followed was their efforts to support the country:
“The day that the war began we were returning from the tour from the city of Dnipro. And we were close to the explosions in Boryspil. We heard them ourselves.
One member of our band then joined the civil defence, defending Kyiv. I have created my own volunteer organisation. We help people find shelter, medicines, transport. We just help people with whatever they need.”
Speaking about the song itself, Oleh continued:
“Its lyrics are very heartfelt and in the situation we’re in, everyone misses their mum. It makes some people think of Ukraine as our mother. This song really became a super hit in Ukraine now.
It is important for us to show Eurovision, and, actually, to all the world, how cool our music is, how cool our national Ukrainian spirit is. We are definitely happy to have an opportunity to be this mouthpiece of Ukraine.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiEGVYOruLk
Mother Stephania Stephania mother
The field is blooming, but her hair is getting grey
Mother, sing me the lullaby
I want to hear your dear word
She was rocking me as a baby, she gave me a rhythm,
And you can‘t take willpower from me, as I got it from her
I think she knew more than King Solomon.
I‘ll always find my way home, even if all roads are destroyed
She wouldn‘t wake me up even if there was a storm outside
Or if there was a storm between her and grandma,
She trusted me over everyone else
Even when she was tired, she just kept rocking me
Lully-lully-lullaby
Mother Stephania Stephania mother
The field is blooming, but her hair is getting grey
Mother, sing me the lullaby
I want to hear your dear word
I‘m not a kid anymore, but she will always treat me like one
I‘m not a kid anymore, but she keeps worrying about me, anytime I‘m out
Mother, you are still young.
If I don‘t appreciate your kindness, I‘m moving towards a dead-end
But my love for you has no end.
Mother Stephania Stephania mother
The field is blooming, but her hair is getting grey
Mother, sing me the lullaby
I want to hear your dear word
Kalush Orchestra are the favourites to win the Eurovision Song Contest, and are gathering momentum and support from both Europe and the wider world as the final approaches. The band are currently raising funds for Ukraine with the concerts they are performing on the run up to Eurovision, which include gigs in London, Tel Aviv and Amsterdam.
Russia have been banned from the 2022 competition, following outrage and protests during the first week of the invasion. The events take place with the semi-finals of the contest on 10th and 12th May, with the grand final main event on Saturday 14th May, broadcast across Europe.
Accessibility At The Smith Center Series: Part One
James “Fitz” FitzSimmons Interview: The Boys In The Band On Netflix
Michelle is a musician and composer from the UK. She has performed across the UK and Europe and is passionate about arts education and opportunities for women and girls.
Read Full Profile
© 2021 TheatreArtLife. All rights reserved.
Thank you so much for reading, but you have now reached your free article limit for this month.
Our contributors are currently writing more articles for you to enjoy.
To keep reading, all you have to do is become a subscriber and then you can read unlimited articles anytime.
Your investment will help us continue to ignite connections across the globe in live entertainment and build this community for industry professionals.
