Maimuna & Uzari; The Miracle of "Time"
This year Eurovision Song Contest counts 60 years from the first competition in 1956 in Lugano, Switzerland, all these years the main course of this contest remains the same; “Building Bridges” among the countries of Europe, and not only. The participant countries share peacefully their passion for music, the one and only universal language that speak straight to the heart and know only one word; love! This is something that Maimuna & Uzari knows very well!
Maimuna was still in the cinema when the credits were rolling at the end of Lord of the Rings; in awe of the soundtrack music and not wanting to miss a note. She then noticed one other person in the nearly-empty theatre long after the end of the three-hour movie: Uzari. Their shared admiration of composer Howard Shore, Lord of the Rings and Eurovision led to a meeting of two musical minds from very different musical backgrounds.
With a Belarusian mother, Malian father and Spanish and Ukrainian connections contributing to her beauty and talents, Maimuma’s family found that it was the Belarusian climate and lifestyle that suited them best. Despite being raised by scientist parents, Maimuna showed a love of music from a very early age. Fondly known as ‘Moon’ to her friends, the violinist graduated from the Belarusian State Academy of Music and was the first violin in the Presidential orchestra for seven years. Seeking new challenges, she went on to record her first album, ‘Queen of Africa,’ and most recently released her second studio album, ‘Showtime,’ as a modern classical crossover with the help of composer Vitaly Sudin.
Uzari is a professional singer and composer, born and raised in Minsk by a very music-oriented family. His mother, Galina Gromovich is a celebrated soloist in the National Academic Concert Orchestra and his father also has a musical background. Uzari studied at the Republican College of Music and then the St. Petersburg University of Culture, with his participation in the ‘New Wave’ contest providing him with valuable experience and the determination to continue in the music world. The Eurovision connection began in 2011 when he enjoyed the chance to sing backing vocals for Anastasia Vinnikova before later participating in the Eurofest national finals in 2012 and 2013. In 2014, he co-wrote the haunting Junior Eurovision song ‘Sokol’ sung by Nadezdha Misyakova whilst also busy finalising ‘Time’ with Maimuna.
These two young artists are the proof of Eurovision’s true spirit; the union of the people under the music! We are something more than happy because we have the honour to host in our site one of the most incredible participations this year, the wonderful artists from Belarus; Maimuna & Uzari!
So, Maimuna & Uzari, thank you very much for this honour, we are very happy to host you both in our site!
Your chemistry on the stage is obvious! I wonder who made the first step for your collaboration. Who was the most courageous between the two of you?
Maimuna: I think it was me, but I would still say that Uzari is just as ‘courageous’ when it comes to music, in trying new things and making things happen. When I saw ‘The Lord of the Rings’ I stayed sitting while the credits were rolling because I loved the Howard Shore soundtrack and didn’t want to miss a single note. Then I noticed Uzari was there too, doing exactly the same as me. We already knew each other from being in the music business, but it made a stronger connection and we decided to one day work together. ‘Time’ is what we came up with.
You both are very young, talented and unique artists, was Eurovision always your dream or it was a spontaneous act?
Uzari: A bit of both, I think. It seemed like the right ‘Time’ for us to form a duo and try the song in Eurofest (Belarus National Finals) and somehow, it worked.
Do you remember your first “contact” with the Eurovision Song Contest?
Uzari: I’ve followed Eurovision for years. After being in the 2011 team for Belarus, I also participated in the Eurofest national finals in 2012 and 2013 and co-wrote ‘Sokol’ for our Junior Eurovision participant Nadezdha in 2014. However, I also loved the songs that won – Fairytale by Alexander Rybak; Euphoria by Loreen, Only teardrops by Emmelie de Forest and of course the unforgettable Conchita…..
Maimuna: I also have loved Eurovision for as long as I can remember. I agree with all of Uzari’s choices, and would also add Wild Dances by Ruslana and last year’s ‘Dancing in the rain’ by Ruth Lorenzo, ‘Undo’ by Sanna Neilsen and ‘Coming Home’ by Firelight.
Your song “Time” is a very special song, very dynamic with heart and soul! How “Time” speaks to your hearts?
Uzari: Time is very urgent: how do you make the most of it, how do you wait and when do you take action? It’s completely understandable that people mostly write and sing about love but we sing about time: something that we cannot see, but still deeply affects us. ALL of us.
What is your dream for your participation in the 60th anniversary of Eurovision Song Contest?
Uzari: Actually, just representing Belarus at the Eurovision Song Contest this year is a dream come true. It’s such an honour and the Belarusians have been so enthusiastic and supportive. We want to do our best for them.
Maimuna: I’m not sure it’s sunk in properly yet – maybe when I’m on stage in Vienna, but my dream is to just do my very best performance but also remember to soak up the experience and enjoy it.
And something for the end of this interview, do you have any “lucky charm” to bring with you to Vienna?
Uzari: The wishes of my family (but I’ll also keep in regular touch during the event) and, um, maybe a lucky earring?
Maimuna: My violin, of course. And arms for giving good hugs: our Aussie press lady has made special mention of Tasos from 12PointsGr, who deserves a big hug!
We like to thank you again for this wonderful conversation, we wish them the best and we like to give them a big hug along with our love because they deserve it!
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