Ukranian folk-rap group Kalush Orchestra came out tops with their song titled “Stefania” on Eurovision 2022 held at Turin, Italy last Saturday, May 14.
In an interview before embarking for the competition last April, the group’s singer Oleh Psiuk said, “we needed to leave Ukraine to promote our country and I feel I am being useful – then we will go back right away.”
Psiuk said that all of Kalush Orchestra’s concerts are there to raise money for their country’s relief efforts.
25 countries competed in this year’s Eurovision finals.
Russia was barred from joining this year’s contest.
“I think Russia not taking part in Eurovision is a very nice gesture from Europe. Maybe there are some Russians who don’t understand what is happening because of the information war. This way they will know something is wrong,” the singer said.
Sung entirely in the Ukranian, “Stefania” has a nostalgic theme. From the singer’s point of view, he is sharing his good memories about his mother. Basically an ode to his aging mother. The song mixes rap and a hook lullaby chorus. “Stefania” is said to be the first rap song to win in the Eurovision competitions.
The song also features heavily, two Ukranian woodwind instruments called the sopilka and telenka.
Kalush Orchestra members include core members Oleh Psiuk, MC KylymMen, Ihor Didenchuk, and an “orchestra” that includes Tymofii Muzychuk, Vitalii Duzhyk and Dzhonni Dyvnyy.
Kalush Orchestra were heavy favorites in the competition. The country previously won Eurovision back in 2004 and 2016.
UK singer and Tiktok sensation Sam Ryder came in second with his song “Spaceman.”