Last night at the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham, UK broadcaster ITV held a live telethon Concert for Ukraine. Among the star-studded line-up, Jamala performed a moving rendition of her Eurovision 2016 winning entry, ‘1944’.
Concert for Ukraine
Yesterday evening stars from the world of music, the arts and journalism came together in a Concert for Ukraine to raise money and awareness for the plight of the people from Ukraine. The star line-up included Ed Sheeran, Anne-Marie, Emeli Sande, Camila Cabello, Snow Patrol and many more. As well as guest speeches from Billie Eilish and features documenting the lives of those displaced by the Russian invasion.
Jamala performs 1944
Of course the moment of the night was the emotional performance of Jamala’s Eurovision 2016 winning song, ‘1944’. Several weeks ago Jamala and her children fled Ukraine to stay with family in Turkey. Since then Jamala has performed in national finals and charity concerts across Europe. Now Jamala is using the power of her music to give a voice to her homeland and the people left behind unable to use theirs.
All the anguish and pain of a song originally about her Crimean-Tatar ancestors being displaced by Joseph Stalin, suddenly taking on new meaning as history repeats itself. Throughout the performance Jamala holds a Ukrainian flag, which she raises in proud defiance after. As she receives rapturous applause from the visibly moved audience.
Thank you so much to all musicians for supporting Ukraine, for standing with Ukraine, because it’s really important for us.
Jamala, (ITV)
As of this afternoon, the two-hour event organised by ITV has raised over £13.4 million for Disasters Emergency Committee’s (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. This included all tickets, advertising and sponsorship for the telethon. All of this helps in aid and support to the millions seeking refuge from Ukraine.
Jamala in the Eurovision Song Contest
Before winning the Eurovision trophy in 2016, Jamala competed to represent Ukraine in 2011 with her song ‘Smile‘. However, due to the controversies surrounding the national final, she withdrew her participation.
After five years, she returned to the national selection once more. This time with ‘1944’ and won the right to represent Ukraine in Stockholm. Thus becoming the first time the Crimean-Tatar language would be heard at the contest. During the contest Jamala finished as runner-up behind Australia in the Semi-Finals. However it was all change in the Grand Final, as Jamala won with 534 points and a margin of 23 points ahead of Australia. Currently Ukraine have two Eurovision victories, previously winning in 2004 with Ruslana’s ‘Wild Dances‘.
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