Destiny: “My show is going to be very colourful, no dancers, just me having fun rocking the stage” (Interview – Malta at JESC 2015)

We are starting the week before Junior Eurovision with an interview from the sunny island of Malta, host of last year’s competition!

Check what Destiny has told us below:

Hello Destiny! First of all, congratulations on having been the winner of the Maltese national selection for Junior Eurovision 2015, MJESC!

E+: How did you feel when you were named the winner of the MJESC? Did you expect such an awesome ending?

The show itself was already an amazing experience. To be honest at first I wasn’t going to take part in the Maltese selection, but then I changed my mind because I wanted to experience the Maltese Junior contest, but I did not expect to win it. I could not believe that I had won the title to represent Malta in Sofia.

E+: What did your schoolmates and teachers tell you when you returned to your hometown after winning the national final? What does it mean for you to represent Malta at Junior Eurovision?

Everyone was really happy. They had supported me all the way. I feel grateful that I have such wonderful school mates and teachers. It is a great honour for me to represent Malta. So far it’s been amazing. I am going to carry all Malta with me right inside my heart. I hope I can make the Maltese proud in Bulgaria.

E+: Tell us what your song is about. What is the thing most like of “Not My Soul”? How was the composition procedure? Did you consider any other options regarding the song selection?

I wrote the song together with Muxu and Elton, a popular duo that wrote the junior songs for Gaia and Federica and recently they also wrote “Warrior”, Malta’s entry in the adult Eurovision. It took us just over one week to draft the first version of my song and to come up with the lyrics. The song “Not My Soul” is really about me. It carries a strong message. It talks about the inner strength that everyone has. Something so unique and personal that no one can take away. They can take away the rhythm, they can take away the gold, but they can never take away my soul. That unique factor that gives us personality and character.

E+: Your song was premiered through an official video. How was the shooting of the clip? Do you have any funny anecdotes to share with us?

I had fun shooting the video of the song. I couldn’t stop dancing. This is my first music video, and I am sure it’s not going to be my last. The video is very colourful and transmits energy and happiness.

E+: Can you reveal us anything about your staging for Junior Eurovision? How about the costume?

The show is going to be very colourful, no dancers, just me having fun rocking the stage. I want to make all crowd happy. I want everyone to feel a good vibe. I’d like to keep the costume as a surprise.

E+: What do you expect from the upcoming experience at Junior Eurovision? How are you preparing your performance?

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I am working very hard to give a good performance. I want to make my country proud. But most of all I want to give a good show. This experience is going to give me so much exposure abroad, and that is what I want. In future I want to travel a lot and perform in many countries.

E+: Have you talked with the former Maltese entrants Gaia Cauchi and Federica Falzon? Have they given you any advice?

Oh yes. We meet quite frequently. We are good friends. They keep telling me to go to the contest “stress free” and to enjoy the whole experience.

E+: Last year, Junior Eurovision took place in your country, it was also the first Eurovision event held in Malta. Did you attend the show? What does it mean for you to have watched the first Eurovision event ever in your country?

Yes certainly. I was in the audience. It felt like I was part of the big party.

E+: Do you usually watch the senior Eurovision? Do you see yourself in the competition in the future?

I believe Junior Eurovision and the senior Eurovision are an important international platform with no borders. It is an amazing way to bring people together to discover new friendships, discover new bonds with people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds and to discover diversity and cultural differences. As regards to my participation in the senior contest, I am still too young to tell what the future holds. I’d love to grow as a music artist first. I am sure there will be many opportunities knocking on my door in the years to come. Who knows, may be the senior Eurovision will be one of them.

 

E+: If you had to choose a Maltese singer to compete at Eurovision, what would be your choice?

Malta is small but it is full of talented singers. It is not easy to tell. Many of my friends are excellent singers.

E+: Tell us more about yourself, your favourite music style, favourite school subject, hobbies, musical career….

I am Destiny and I’m 13 years old. I come from the islands of Malta, right in the middle of the Mediterranean. I am half European and half African. My mother is Maltese and my father is Nigerian. My mum is my role model. I look up to her. She helps me develop, not only as a singer but also in my personal life. She gives me sound advice. My dad is a very popular professional football player. He used to play for the Nigerian national team. Today he coaches one of the best football teams in Malta. I also have a younger brother. He is 10 years old. He is also a footballer. My grandfather in Malta is an integral part of my immediate family as he is the person that looks after me all the time.
I am a singer and an actress. I love music especially soul and gospel. My favourite subject at school is music. I enjoy taking part in school musicals. I have already played several characters. My favourite was the part of the dragon in the musical Shrek.

E+: A word which describes yourself:

Humble

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

Hello fans of ESC+Plus,

I hope you like “Not My Soul” and that you will vote for me on Saturday. Visit my Facebook page and give me a like:

www.facebook.com/destinysinger.chukunyere

#Discover #JESC2015 ‪#‎NotMySoul‬‬‬ ‪#‎JESC‬‬‬ ‪#‎Malta‬‬‬ ‪#‎TeamMalta‬‬‬

www.facebook.com/EurovisionSongMalta
www.twitter.com/EurovisionMT
www.tvm.com.mt/eurovision

E+: Thank you very much for your time and see you in Sofia! 

Destiny Chukunyere will represent Malta at Junior Eurovision 2015 with the song “Not My Soul” after winning MJESC, the Maltese singer selection: