Meet the ESCXTRA team! Part 22 – TIM

This summer, we are running a series of feature articles that is slightly different to the norm. We think this is the perfect time for you (and us!) to find out more about the ESCXTRA team! What is our personal Eurovision story? Why did we want to be a part of this website? What are our favourite Eurovision songs of all-time? How can you get in touch with us on social media? Read on to find out!
TIM JUMAWAN
I am 22 years old, from Cambridge in the United Kingdom. I am currently working in admin, I joined ESCXTRA in June 2017. You can follow me on the following social media handles:
Twitter:  @eurovisiontj
Instagram: @eurovisiontj

Your first Eurovision memory?

My earliest Eurovision memory is from 2007. I was just watching BBC then I heard something about Eurovision and I thought to myself (what is Eurovision?). The first Eurovision song I have ever heard is Flying the Flag (For You) when they promoted it when the Lotto Numbers were announced one Saturday night. I watched it and thought they gave a stellar performance (oh boy was I wrong)

Your Eurovision journey?

It was a slow realization and process to get into the show. In the beginning I just supported the UK, especially in 2009 when the UK got its 2^nd Top 5 result in the 00’s. I  did not even bother knowing about the other countries existence except whoever the winner was at that year.

But everything changed since 2012. When I heard Euphoria by Loreen I instantly fell in love with it and more with Sweden. That was then when I started looking more into the contest how it worked in more detail.
In 2013 onwards I started to watch the Semi Finals and Melodifestivalen and in 2016 I started to watch as much national finals as I could and ended up going to my first ever Eurovision in Stockholm. There I met my first ever Eurovision contestant (it was Laura Tesoro and it was awesome!!!)

Why is Eurovision special to you?

It is special to me because through Eurovision I am able to gain more knowledge about other cultures. Without Eurovision I wouldn’t have met so many people, whether  I meet them queueing up in the national selections or at the pre parties or in Twitter I never felt so included in a fandom.

What attracted you to ESCXTRA?

The main thing that attracted me to ESCXtra is that I am able to experience my love for the contest in a completely different point of view. With what attracted me to ESCXtra specifically is that they’re always active, whether this is through social media or on the website and the fact that they collaborate with other websites (I really loved the XtraVoix Podcasts)
I look forward to working with an awesome bunch of people and I cannot wait for the year ahead.

And finally, your top 5 Eurovision songs of all-time?

1. Anouk – Birds (The Netherlands 2013)
   
   It’s 2013, it’s the first time I’m watching the Semi Finals and I have listened to the songs and looked at the running order and stuff. By this time I know that The Netherlands has not qualified for 8 years.
   When it came down to the nail biting announcement I knew it had to be her like c’mon. Ever since Eurovision I listened to the album she released Sad Singalong Songs and fell in love with her music instantly.
2. Greta Salome – Hear Them Calling (Iceland 2016)
   
   I love this song, but I am very bitter about the result (like literally!!) I am one of the people who are still seeking #Justice4Greta. Greta had everything right with this performance, it was just a shame that it did not translate very well on to the Eurovision stage.
3. Lucie Jones – Never Give Up On You (United Kingdom)
   
   You might think I’m biased for even having this in my Top 5. But this is the first time where I followed the journey of our entry in great detail. I am a very big fan of Lucie and the fact that she got kicked out of X factor (against FRIGGIN JEDWARD MAY I ADD!!) was horrible.
   I love her work, so when she got announced I instantly knew she would win plus the song was co-written by Emmelie de Forest and she performed in the same spot! It might not have been the result the majority of fans wanted but I am very proud that this represented the UK.
   2.Dami Im – Sound of Silence (Australia)
   
   You guys might think I am a very big fan of last year’s contest (well I am) this is no exception even the rumor that Dami Im might be the representative got me really excited!! Her performance of Sound of Silence was awesome and she nails it every single time, especially that high note near the end!!!
4. Loreen – Euphoria (Sweden)
   
   You must think that this is so cliché but if it wasn’t for Euphoria I wouldn’t even be here making my profile as we speak. It sparked my detailed fandom with Eurovision and fell in love Sweden in the process.
   This entry will always be remembered regardless of whether you love or hate it.
   Stay tuned for the next part in our Meet the ESCXTRA team series. On Sunday we will meet Aaron! Remember you can share your Eurovision stories with us in the comments section below or via the comments sections on our Facebook page @ESCXTRA. We would love to hear them!