The 20th edition of Junior Eurovision 2023 is getting closer, and the participating countries are starting to reveal their artists along with the respective songs they will perform at the contest. Estonia makes its first appearance at Junior Eurovision, becoming the last Baltic country to make its debut at the most junior festival in the Eurovision family, as both Latvia and Lithuania have participated in previous editions. It is noteworthy to mention that this year’s edition will see the premiere of the first song in the Baltic country’s own language, Estonian.
This is “Hoiame Kokku”
“Hoiame Kokku”, Arhanna Sandra ‘s song is composed in Estonian, the country’s official language, thus complying with EBU rules that tell us that at least 60% of the lyrics must be in the mother tongue.
This requirement forces countries to avoid a systematic abuse of English as the main language in the songs, a visible problem in the senior version of Eurovision, as well as providing diversity and authenticity when listening to songs in the languages of each country performing at Junior Eurovision.
The video clip has been launched on the official Junior Eurovision YouTube channel. Enjoy the official video below:
The production of this project is by Karl-Ander Reisman, while the lyrics are by Leelo Tungal . Reisman has extensive experience in the Eurovision sphere, having contributed to major successes at the festival, as well as to outstanding national pre-selections. His outstanding discography includes the authorship of memorable songs such as “Hope” by Stefan ( Estonia‘s representative at Eurovision 2022) and “Play ” by Laura Põldvere (UMK 2021).
Lyrics «Hoiame Kokku» (Desplegable)
Kui üksi tunned end, ei murest üle saa. Ja näib, et sõbrad sind. Ei hoia, armasta, usu, looda, tea, kõik saab korda veel. Tea, et sõber hea on su juurde teel. Uu-uu-uu-uu... Hoiame kokku, nii on meil lootust, et sõber on olemas, ole ole olemas! Hoiame kokku, nii on meil lootust, et sõber on olemas, ole olemas! Kui tuge vajad sa, sõber annab nõu ühes temaga. Leiad endas uue jõu. Uu-uu-uu-uu... Hoiame kokku, nii on meil lootust, et sõber on olemas, ole ole olemas! Hoiame kokku, nii on meil lootust, et sõber on olemas, ole olemas! Aa-aa-aa-aa-aa... Hoiame kokku, nii on meil lootust, et sõber on olemas, ole ole olemas! Staying together. Days will be better as friend is right there with you. Always there with you. Staying together. Days will be better. Staying together. Days will be better. I will stand by you!
Arhanna Sandra Arbma, a great promise in Estonian music
Arhanna Sandra Arbma, born in the city of Räpina, began her vocal and artistic training at an early age under the tutelage of the local music school and began to explore her talent at the age of 5. She possesses an extensive vocal range that is distinguished by her refined technique and an innate charm to captivate her audience.
All these elements have enabled the artist to accumulate a significant number of concerts, even though she is too young to undergo the hard work of performing on stage on numerous occasions. It should be added that Arhanna also possesses skills in playing other instruments, including the piano, which makes her a versatile and well-rounded artist.
Her next big performance will be at this year’s Junior Eurovision in Nice, which will mark a turning point in her musical career by giving her a unique platform in front of a European audience. Arhanna Sandra is well acquainted with the world of Eurovision, so it won’t take her too much effort to take on this new musical adventure. She has already participated in several competitions performing covers of songs related to the festival.
An example of this is her impeccable performance of “Kuula”, the song representing Estonia at Eurovision in 2012. With this performance, she was the winner in the voice category at the Odin International contest.
Estonia’s road to Junior Eurovision 2023
Estonia’s debut at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest was a big surprise for all Eurofans. After the absences of Serbia and Kazakhstan, the youngest representative of the Baltic countries has brought liveliness and enthusiasm to the contest, bringing the number of participants on a par with last year’s edition, along with the return of the German delegation. This edition is a historic one, as we witnessed for the first time the joint participation of all Big 5 members in Junior Eurovision.
Estonia’ s promising new Eurovision foray marks the reopening of the doors to Junior Eurovision for the countries of the Baltic region, following the joint withdrawal of Lithuania and Latvia at the 2011 contest more than a decade ago. It also represents a further step towards the musical contest from northern Europe, in a scene increasingly dominated by Mediterranean and central European presence, especially after the exits of Russia, Belarus and eventually Kazakhstan.
Although Estonia has so far been the only Baltic country not to have attended a Junior Eurovision Song Contest, the public broadcaster ERR has been following the contest closely, showing interest on several occasions. Until now, the financial constraints faced by the broadcaster have been the main obstacle, hampering the chances of any participation.