photo: EBU/İctimai
Azerbaijan has officially announced that the band Mamagama will represent the country at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. This selection marks a notable choice for Azerbaijan, as Mamagama is recognized for their distinctive fusion of rock, pop, and traditional Azerbaijani musical elements.
Formation and Musical Style
Formed in 2021, Mamagama comprises three members: Asaf (vocals), Huss (guitar), and Arif (drums). The trio has quickly established themselves as a vibrant presence in Azerbaijan’s music scene. Their sound is characterized by a blend of powerful modern influences and the deep-rooted musical heritage of Azerbaijan, creating a unique auditory experience.
International Recognition
In 2022, Mamagama gained international attention with their performance at Albania’s Kënga Magjike Music Festival, where they were honored with the Best International Song award for their entry “Dreamer.” This achievement highlighted their appeal beyond Azerbaijani borders and showcased their ability to connect with diverse audiences.
Selection Process
The Azerbaijani broadcaster İctimai Televiziya (İTV) conducted an internal selection process to choose their Eurovision 2025 representative. Out of 154 submissions, 12 entries advanced to the assessment stage, evaluated by both Azerbaijani and international jury members. The national jury included figures such as rapper Elşad Xose, Eurovision 2017 representative Diana Hajiyeva (Dihaj), and composer Faig Sujaddinov. Through anonymous voting, Mamagama emerged as the selected act to represent Azerbaijan in Basel.
Anticipation for Eurovision 2025
As of now, the specific song that Mamagama will perform at Eurovision 2025 has not been publicly disclosed. However, the band has expressed their commitment to delivering a performance that authentically represents Azerbaijani culture. Lead vocalist Asaf stated, “It’s an honor for me to be representing Azerbaijan on such a big stage with our culture. I deeply love the land where I was born, and this is a chance to share its beauty and spirit with all of Europe.”
Azerbaijan’s Eurovision Journey
Azerbaijan has a notable history in the Eurovision Song Contest. The country debuted in 2008 and achieving victory in 2011 with Ell & Nikki‘s “Running Scared.” They have often opted for internal selections to choose its representatives, a strategy that continues with Mamagama’s selection for 2025.
