Uzari & Maimuna: “During our performance we want to reflect the urgency and power of the song” (Belarus 2015 – Exclusive Interview)

ESC+Plus has exclusively talked to the powerful Belarussian duet Uzari & Maimuna. Check what they have told us below:

Hello guys! First of all thank you so much for giving us this interview as Belarusian representatives for Eurovision 2015 and congratulations on winning the national final!

ESC+Plus: What were your first feelings when you were named the winners of the Belarusian selection getting the right to represent your country in Vienna? What does representing Belarus at Eurovision mean for you?

Uzari & Maimuna: we were both amazed; it took a while to sink in. “We didn’t expect it, but we had certainly worked hard and hoped even harder for it to win. It can be the mood of the jury and the audience; the sort of music that’s popular at the time, other artistic influences, but luckily for us, we were in the right place at the right time. Yes, ‘Time’!”

E+: When did you meet each other? Had you already performed together before the contest?

Maimuna: 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, but it made a stronger connection and we decided to one day work together. ‘Time’ is what we came up with.”

E+: How did you decide to enter the Belarusian competition? Why did you choose “Time” as the perfect song for Eurovision? How was the composition procedure?

Uzari: Once we had decided that it was ‘Time’ to work together, things started to flow more quickly. I had composed the music and had the idea about time as an issue that affects everyone. Maimuna knew exactly how to contribute to the song with her violin – it becomes the ‘co singer’ perfectly.”

E+: Why did you decide to revamp your song for Eurovision? Can you explain the arrangements you have included in the final version?

Maimuna: “it’s what songwriters and musicians can’t help doing – we love to re-work and add new elements to our creations.”

Uzari: “they are only small changes, but it means a lot more to us and we believe that we’ve come up with the best version of our song that we can.”

E+: What are your plans to prepare your Eurovision performance? Will you show us an epic performance according to the song’s power?

Uzari: “Our video (released 12th March) may give you some clues: we want it to reflect the urgency and power of the song.”

Maimuna: “We also want our performance during Eurovision to be stylish and strong. There won’t be mopeds or burlesque dancers, but we’ll do our best to be ourselves and to enjoy every moment. Other than that, I’m not allowed to share any more secrets!”

E+: How was the making of the video clip? Do you have any funny anecdote you want to share with us?

Uzari: it was a very very long day – we didn’t finish until 5am the next day and were in a very large warehouse outside of Minsk. It was freezing cold, but I was luckier than Maimuna because I was constantly running (at 20km per hour on a treadmill) and flame balls were going off.”

Maimuna: “My dress was beautiful, but not too helpful against the bitter cold. I was very grateful for the hot water bottles that were hidden under and around my dress!”

E+: Uzari, you were backing vocalist of Anastasia Vinnikova at Eurovision back in 2011? How did you experience the whole contest in Düsseldorf?

Uzari: “It was an incredible chance to be part of Eurovision but not directly in the spotlight, so it gave me lots of opportunities to learn what it’s about, see how everything works and to meet a lot of people. I really enjoyed it.”

E+: In addition to this, you were the composer of the Belarusian entry for Junior Eurovision 2014 in Malta, how was your experience working with Nadezhda? What was the most special moment in the Mediterranean island?

Uzari: “Junior Eurovision in Malta was such an unforgettable week. Nadezdha and her dancers impressed me so much – their enthusiasm, willingness to try their best and also how much they enjoyed meeting the kids from the other countries, hanging out EuroClub and visiting schools and Malta itself. It was such a friendly, well-organised event. We also met Maraaya and her husband Raay Wolf, who were helping Ula Lozar with her song, so it’s becoming a small world.”

E+: Maimuna, you are a very talented violinist but, what did you choose playing the violin instead of any other instrument? What do you feel while playing the violin?

Maimuma: “I honestly can’t remember why I chose it, it was so long ago. It’s hard to remember my life without it, to be honest. I love the sound it makes, and the music that emerges from it. From seriously classical music to strong pop, it never fails to interest me.”

E+: Do you have any plan to travel abroad and promote your song in other participating countries as the Amsterdam’s Eurovision in Concert?

Uzari: “Yes, we’ll be at Eurovision live in concert in Amsterdam, which we’re both looking forward to. Other than that, we’ll focus on rehearsals and doing interviews and TV appearances.”

E+: Can you tell us about your musical career? What are the most important achievements you have reached until the date?

Maimuna: “I loved playing the violin, and graduated from the Belarusian State Academy of Music, before working as first violin in the Presidential orchestra for seven years. I then wanted to play other kinds of music, so I made my first album, ‘Queen of Africa,’ and most recently released my second studio album, ‘Showtime,’ as a modern classical crossover. The incredible Vitaly Sudin was invaluable during the making of my second album. Eurovision has always interested me, and when I met Uzari, it was one of the many things we had in common.”

Uzari: “I too studied; first attending the Republican College of Music and then the St. Petersburg University of Culture, and participating in the ‘New Wave’ contest gave me a lot of experience and lessons to learn. Being one of the backing singers for Anastasia Vinnikova at Eurovision in 2011 gave me an insight into the whole Eurovision world, and I wanted more of it.”

E+: Can you send a message for our readers and fans of Eurovision?

Maimuna: “Hello to ESC Plus readers – we hope that you enjoy our song and we’ll see you in Vienna!”

Uzari: “Ola ESC Plus – thank you for talking with us!”

E+: Thank you very much, good luck and see you in Vienna!

Uzari & Maimuna will perform the song “Time” in the first semi-final set on May 19.