Omar Naber: “My song is about innocent and unconditional loving relationship between two very young people” (Swiss candidate – Eurovision 2016)

ESC+Plus has talked to Omar Naber, the 2005 Slovenian representative who is taking part in the SRF’s selection for the Swiss national final 2016!

Hello Omar! First of all, thank you so much for your time.

E+:  What impelled you take part in Swiss national selection for Eurovision 2016?

O: It was actually an idea of my friend from Greece Nikos Sofis, who is the author of the lyrics for our song. We recorded a song half a year ago and then decided to apply for Swiss pre-selection few days before the deadline, and I agreed, we had nothing to lose. I think four times in the Slovenian national pre-selection has been quite enough for me, let the others get the opportunity in my country

E+: What it would mean for you to represent Switzerland as a Slovenian singer?

O: It would be a huge privilege and honor, as none of the Slovenian artists have ever achieved anything similar.

E+: Would you like send your song to others national selections? Maybe Slovenia?

O: Yes, I intend to do that again, but not in the next few years, as I said, I think it’s been enough for me for some time with the Slovenian pre-selection.

E+: Can you tell us about your song “Take Me Far”? What is the story behind the lyrics?

O: The lyrics were written by my friend Nikos Sofis, it’s about innocent and unconditional loving relationship between two very young people, who believe in true love. I think the lyrics are nice and light, many people can easily identify with it.

E+: Why do you think your song has to be selected for Stockholm?

O: Well, it doesn’t have to be, I just think it’s nice for artists to try to introduce themselves to a wider audience. And Eurovision is the perfect opportunity for that, as it is the oldest and most recognized music festival in the world.

I will not force myself to do anything just to get there, I still think people have the last vote. I just hope people will genuinely like it, because I think it’s a really nice song. If they do, it will be my priority to promote it as much as possible.

E+: Although is too early, have you thought about your stage performance for the national final?

O: It’s true, I think it’s too early to be thinking about that already. But if I get selected, I do not think I will complicate much. The song is not too dramatic, I don’t think it would need a special drama on the stage. But in any way, I think the most important thing to do for an artist is to give an honest and truthful performance that moves people watching it. I will do my best in this regard.

E+: In 2005 you represented Slovenia in Eurovision. Can you tell us about the experience in Kiev? How has your musical career changed since then?

O: That year was a special year for me. I still thank Eurovision for giving me the opportunity to start with my music career. Those three minutes on the stage were magical. Since then I recorded four albums and recording the fifth one. All thanks to Eurovision. It also gave me an opportunity to perform in more than 20 countries all over the world.

E+: Would you like to represent your country again in the future?

O: I would love to!

E+: What is your opinion about the last Slovenian representatives at Eurovision?

O: I always take things as they are, I never complain. I think our choices have always been quite good, but not always the best songs win. It’s the same all over Europe.

E+: Besides Eurovision, what are your plans for the next year?

O: I’m recording my second English album now and will be trying to launch it outside of Slovenia as well. This is my plan for the coming year.

E+: Finally, can you send a message for our readers and Eurovision fans?

O: I wish to all fans life, surrounded with good, inspiring music. And let the Eurovision song contest only get better and better.

Omar is taking part in SRF’s selection for the Swiss national final of Eurovision 2016. You can listen the song below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqb1AwBJ7so

You can follow Omar on his Official Page in Facebook and vote for him here.