TURIN, Italy -
Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra's upbeat, melodic entry for this month's Eurovision Tune Contest was written as a tribute to the frontman's mom.
Because the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it has change into an anthem to the war-ravaged motherland.
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"Stefania" is the most-watched track on YouTube among the many 35 nationwide entries which might be slated to compete when the Eurovision contest takes place subsequent week in Turin, an industrial metropolis in northern Italy.
Whereas some oddsmakers and information analysts have predicted different contestants will win, the track by Kalush Orchestra is shortly turning into a sentimental favorite.
"I will at all times discover my manner house, even when all roads are destroyed," Kalush Orchestra frontman Oleh Psiuk wrote within the lyrics for "Stefania."
His phrases have change into extra poignant as missiles pound Ukrainian cities and villages, forcing over 11 million to flee since Russia invaded the nation.
"Certainly, some stuff in right here was written lengthy earlier than the battle, and it was devoted to my mom," Psiuk instructed The Related Press at his lodge in Turin.
"After it began with the battle and the hostilities, it took on extra which means, and many individuals began seeing it as their mom, Ukraine, within the which means of the nation. It has change into actually near the hearts of so many individuals in Ukraine," mentioned the songwriter, who wore a shiny bucket hat that may make him immediately recognizable to anybody who has streamed "Stefania."
Kalush Orchestra's Eurovision efficiency could have an added political message, representing the distinctiveness of Ukrainian tradition towards Russian President Vladimir Putin's bellicose declare that the previous Soviet republic was at all times a part of Russia.
"Stefania" incorporates outdated Ukrainian melodies and distinctive musical pitches from a primitive, difficult-to-play woodwind referred to as a telenka, performed by lead singer Tymofii Muzychuk.
The band members combine break dancing with Hopak, a Ukrainian people dance, in an brisk efficiency punctuated by Psiuk's rap interludes. Costumes characteristic embroidered Cossack shirts and vests blended with up to date streetwear.
"We ourselves present that Ukrainian tradition and Ukrainian ethnic code exists," Psuik mentioned. "Our function is to make Ukrainian music standard, not solely in Ukraine however throughout Europe. And Eurovision is the perfect platform for that."
Psiuk and 5 bandmates, all males between the ages of 21 to 35, obtained particular permission from Ukrainian authorities to journey to Turin to take part in Eurovision, touring by land to Poland after which flying to Italy. One authentic band member stayed behind to struggle.
Psiuk, 27, left behind a community of volunteers he organized two days into the battle to assist mete out logistical assist to individuals throughout Ukraine searching for shelter or transport.
All will return to Ukraine when the track contest finishes.
"We really feel an enormous accountability," Psiuk mentioned. "It is essential for us to be as helpful to the nation as potential. We need to symbolize our nation decently."
Kalush Orchestra is greater than only a musical group. It's a cultural mission that features folklore students and purposefully combines hip hop with conventional Ukrainian music, dance and costumes, some long-forgotten, in keeping with Psiuk.
The 6-month-old mission takes its title from Psiuk's hometown of Kalush, which is tucked within the Carpathian Mountains, south of the western metropolis of Lviv. It is an evolution from the unique Kalush hip hop group that Psiuk additionally fronted.
After Russia's Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine, Russia's entry to the Eurovision was kicked out of the competition in a transfer organizers mentioned aimed to maintain politics out of the massively standard occasion, which was seen final yr by 183 million individuals.
Psiuk mentioned Russia's exclusion from Eurovision, together with different cultural and sporting occasions, may ship a message to Russians "who might say they don't perceive the scenario in full ... that there's a cause that the entire world, Europe, is banning them."
Ukraine first joined the Eurovision Tune Contest 19 years in the past. It has gained twice since, each occasions with songs carried out primarily in Ukrainian: by Ruslana in 2004 and Jamala in 2016.
Psuik attributes Ukraine's success to "the peculiar character that our music has."
"I actually hope that after we carry out it on the Eurovision Tune Contest, Ukrainian music can be much more standard and heard," Psiuk mentioned.
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