Ishtar

Formation and Background

Ishtar is a Belgian folk band formed in 2003. The group was founded by Soetkin Baptist (mezzo-soprano) and Michel Vangheluwe (guitarist and composer). Other members include Ann, Marleen, Els, and Hans Vandaele, who contributed to the band’s vocal harmonies and instrumentals. The name Ishtar comes from the Babylonian goddess of love, reflecting the band’s focus on historical and world music.

The group gained recognition for adapting medieval European love songs, using original manuscripts from the 11th century. Their multilingual repertoire includes songs in Dutch, Icelandic, Greek, Romanian, Bulgarian, Estonian, and Serbian. Ishtar is also known for singing in invented languages, using phonetics to create a melodic storytelling experience.

Debut Album and Early Career

In 2005, Ishtar released their debut album, “TroubAmour”, which featured folk adaptations in various European languages. The album was independently produced, and the band gained popularity through live performances at cultural events and folk festivals.

Their breakthrough came in 2008, when they entered Belgium’s Eurosong 2008, the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. They competed with “O Julissi Na Jalini”, a song performed in an imaginary language. The song won the Belgian final on March 9, 2008, after receiving the highest number of public votes.

Eurovision Song Contest 2008

As Belgium’s representatives at Eurovision 2008 in Belgrade, Serbia, Ishtar performed in the first semi-final on May 20, 2008. Their stage performance included traditional folk instruments, with a visually colorful presentation. However, Belgium did not qualify for the final, placing 17th out of 19 in the semi-final with 16 points.

Despite the Eurovision result, “O Julissi Na Jalini” became a number-one hit in Belgium. The song entered the Ultratop 50 at number 7 and reached the top spot in its second week. Following Eurovision, Ishtar released their second album, “O Julissi”, in April 2008, featuring new folk arrangements alongside their Eurovision entry.

Post-Eurovision Career and Albums

After Eurovision, Ishtar remained active in Belgium’s folk and cultural music scene. They performed at various festivals and cultural events, focusing on European folk traditions. In 2010, the band underwent lineup changes when Soetkin Baptist left to pursue other projects. New vocalists Hannelore Muyllaert and Isabelle Dekeyser joined the group.

In 2011, Ishtar released their third album, “Tussen Donker en Licht” (“Between Dark and Light”), a collection of ballads and European Christmas carols. This album led to a special holiday concert series featuring storytelling elements and live performances.

In 2012, they released “Balkanoia”, an album inspired by Balkan folk music, incorporating rhythms and melodies from the region. This album marked a new creative direction, expanding their world music influences.

Concerts and Lineup Changes

Throughout the 2010s, Ishtar performed at theater shows, folk festivals, and cultural centers across Belgium. Their performances often included choir collaborations and interactive storytelling. The band also introduced new vocalists over the years. In 2017, Kaatje Chiers joined as a lead singer, maintaining Ishtar’s strong female vocal presence.

Although Ishtar did not release new studio albums after 2012, they continued to perform live, focusing on holiday concerts and themed folk music performances.

Current Activities

As of the 2020s, Ishtar remains active in Belgium’s folk music scene. They continue to perform at Christmas concerts, heritage events, and cultural festivals. The band’s Eurovision entry, “O julissi” remains a well-known song, particularly among Eurovision fans.