ESC+Plus has talked to Maliibu, finalist of this year’s Georgian national selection for Eurovision. Maliibu will perform “We Live Once” in the Georgian final set to take place on January 20th.
ESC+Plus: Hello! First of all, thank you so much for your time and congratulations on having been selected to take part in the Georgian national final for Eurovision 2017!
Can you tell us about you, your musical career and important achievements?
Maliibu: I’m a Georgian singer and songwriter born on April 15, 1998, in Batumi. At the age of 17, I decided to start living independently, so I moved to Tbilisi. My Mom stayed in Batumi and my father died when I was one year old.
I am definitely focused on music. I began writing my own songs when I was ten years old. I went on to study music, and in particular, I studied at music college until 2013. I can play guitar and piano.
My life wasn’t easy , I had to work very hard until I was lucky to take a part in the project ” X Factor”. Unfortunately, after a few live concerts, I left the project. I was very disappointed but this experience had its positive sides. I was given a great opportunity to come my dreams true, to realise my work.
Instead of listening to a speech, you’d better listen to my songs to guess who I am.
ESC+Plus: What impelled you to take part in the Georgian final for Eurovision 2017?
Maliibu:Â The only reason why I decided to participate in the Georgian final for Eurovision 2017 is that I am just a girl with the stage name ”Maliibu” who writes songs for people to underscore the charm of life, and give them the strength to be who they want to!
ESC+Plus: What would it mean to you to represent Georgia?
Maliibu: We are a small country, but at least we are all the same. It doesn’t matter who you are, white, black, gay or disabled, we are all human and we have our choices. Exactly those choices must be the first thing in every human’s life. If I represent Georgia, it will be the biggest win for my country because my song is very deep and, if people understand my message they will see that my country is strong enough, we have to win and prove it.
ESC+Plus: Can you tell us about your song? What is the story behind the lyrics?
Maliibu: This song is very important to me because when I was writing it, I felt that I could do everything for my little country. My song is about human freedom, decisions, opportunities and their feelings. That’s all I can say now, you will see the rest.
ESC+Plus: Why do you think your song has to be selected for Kiev? What are you strengths to reach the top in the competition?
Maliibu:Â Because nobody from country has never sang about that we are all the same. I think that reason is enough.
ESC+Plus: Can you tell us anything about your final’s stage performance?
Maliibu:Â Well, I think it will be cool.
ESC+Plus: Do you usually watch Eurovision? What is your favorite song in the history of the competition?
Maliibu:Â Yes of course, and my favourite artists are Nina Sublatti, Jamala and Conchita.
ESC+Plus: If you could choose a Eurovision former participant to sing along with, who would it be?
Maliibu:Â It would be one of my favourite artists.
ESC+Plus: Finally, can you send a message for our readers and Eurovision fans?
Maliibu: Guys, I’m so thankful and I hope you will be with me at this difficult moment.