Bzikebi

Bzikebi is a Georgian musical trio that first captured Europe’s attention as children and is now set for a major comeback. The group will represent Georgia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna. Bzikebi originally rose to fame by winning the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2008, giving Georgia its first-ever Junior Eurovision victory. 

Formation and Junior Eurovision 2008 Triumph

Bzikebi formed in 2008 specifically to compete in Georgia’s Junior Eurovision selection. Georgian producers decided to unite three talented 10-year-olds – Giorgi Shiolashvili, Mariam Tatulashvili, and Mariam Kikuashvili – into a trio with a fun bee-inspired concept. The children donned black-and-yellow costumes and even performed their song while “buzzing” in a made-up language on stage. Their quirky entry “Bzz…” charmed everyone. Bzikebi won the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2008 in Limassol, Cyprus, scoring 154 points for Georgia. This victory was historic: it marked Georgia’s first win at Junior Eurovision. Bzikebi became the first group ever to win the junior contest. The trio’s imaginative performance and catchy tune made them one of the most memorable junior champions of that era.

National Success and Musical Releases

After their 2008 triumph, Bzikebi became national celebrities in Georgia. They returned home to a hero’s welcome. A huge celebration was held, and they were even gifted bicycles as congratulations. During interviews, the young members expressed hopes of one day representing their country at the adult Eurovision Song Contest, showing ambition beyond their years. Following the win, Bzikebi released an album titled Zabuzey featuring upbeat children’s songs, which proved hugely popular among kids across Georgia. They also remained visible in the immediate years after their victory. The trio appeared on Georgian TV, performed at concerts, and even returned to the Junior Eurovision stage as special guests. Notably, Bzikebi performed in the JESC 2010 interval act and made a guest appearance during the 2011 Junior Eurovision show. These appearances kept the group in the public eye and further solidified their status as teen pop icons at home.

Hiatus and Members’ Musical Journeys

As the trio grew into their teens, Bzikebi gradually stepped out of the spotlight. The group went on a lengthy break starting around 2012, effectively disbanding to allow its members to focus on school and personal growth. Each member pursued their own path in the intervening years. For instance, Giorgi Shiolashvili devoted himself to music studies. In 2017 he enrolled at the Tbilisi State Conservatory to study piano. He later earned a scholarship to continue his musical education in Norway. By 2025, he was honing his skills in Sweden. Giorgi became an accomplished classical pianist (and even took up jazz vocals), performing in various countries such as Germany, France and Norway during his training.

Meanwhile, Mariam Tatulashvili and Mariam Kikuashvili led more low-profile lives. They remained in Georgia and stayed connected to music in informal ways, but largely moved out of the public eye. Notably, a children’s music school in Tbilisi named Bzikebi Studio was established in homage to the group’s legacy. This academy nurtured new young talent. Even Georgia’s 2016 Junior Eurovision winner attended Bzikebi Studio as a student. Although the band was on hiatus for years, the trio did reunite on rare occasions. They delighted fans by appearing at the opening ceremony of Junior Eurovision 2017 in Tbilisi, where they were interviewed on stage nearly a decade after their win. They also took part in the JESC 20th anniversary celebrations in 2022. These brief reunions showed that the “wasps” never truly lost their sting, even as the members grew up.

Comeback and Eurovision Song Contest 2026

In late 2025, Bzikebi officially buzzed back to life with a special performance that hinted at a new chapter. The trio reunited to perform a brand-new pop single called “We Don’t Sleep” during the interval of Junior Eurovision 2025, hosted in Tbilisi. This surprise performance thrilled the audience and immediately sparked speculation that Bzikebi might be eyeing a return to the limelight. Sure enough, on January 14, 2026, Georgian Public Broadcaster GPB announced that Bzikebi will represent Georgia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna. Bzikebi’s much-anticipated Eurovision debut brings their journey full circle: from winning the junior contest as children to taking the Eurovision stage as experienced young adults.