Dozens of public figures are urging the state broadcasting corporation CyBC to withdraw Cyprus’ entry JALLA from the Eurovision song contest, citing concerns about its portrayal of the nation.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
- Dozens of public figures are urging the state broadcasting corporation CyBC to withdraw Cyprus' entry JALLA from the Eurovision song contest, citing concerns about its portrayal of the nation.
- Cyprus, he concluded, remains committed to participating in the Eurovision song contest with professionalism, a tradition it has upheld for years.
In an open letter addressed to the president and board of directors of CyBC, 40 signatories expressed their shock over both the song and its accompanying video clip, labelling it an “unacceptable image” for Cyprus on the international stage. The letter described the participation as “insulting to Cypriot history, traditions and aesthetic.”
The criticism particularly focused on the video for JALLA, performed by Antigoni, which features scenes of young boys performing dangerous wheelies on mopeds on public roads. The group argued that such depictions are inappropriate for a publicly funded representation of Cyprus.
The letter outlined three specific demands: the withdrawal of the video clip, the total withdrawal of the song from the Eurovision competition, and full transparency regarding the production costs and the selection process.
Among the prominent figures who signed the letter are former foreign minister Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis, former MEP Takis Hadjigeogiou, and several academics and cultural professionals. They collectively voiced the need for accountability from CyBC, calling for the disclosure of the selection committee members and clarification on who proposed and approved the video’s concept and production.
In response, CyBC’s general director, Thanasis Tsokos, defended the broadcaster’s choice to participate with JALLA, stating that the criticism did not resonate with the positive feedback received online. He highlighted that the song and video have been well-received by Eurovision commentators and fans, with many appreciating the contrast between traditional and modern Cyprus.
Tsokos emphasised that the Eurovision song contest, celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, is fundamentally a music event designed to unite audiences across Europe and should not be conflated with cultural institutions or political roles undertaken by Cyprus.
He noted that the participation aims to showcase Cyprus’ traditions and contemporary realities through a modern lens, referencing the deliberate choice of Antigoni, a representative of the Cypriot diaspora, to perform the song. Tsokos remarked that diaspora Cypriots often embody a strong connection to their cultural heritage.
Addressing the concerns regarding road safety portrayed in the video, Tsokos assured that any scenes not adhering to road safety principles would be removed from the clip. The revised version is set to be reposted by the European Broadcasting Union, ensuring compliance with necessary standards.
Cyprus, he concluded, remains committed to participating in the Eurovision song contest with professionalism, a tradition it has upheld for years.
