The song “1944” by Jamala will remain the entry for Ukraine at the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest. The Reference Group of the European Broadcasting Union has concluded that the title and lyrics of the song do not contain political speech and don’t breach the rules of the contest.
Check out the official statement below:
@Refshaleoen The Ref. Group concluded that the title & lyrics of the song don’t contain political speech and don’t breach @Eurovision Rules.
— EBU (@EBU_HQ) 9 maart 2016
With English lyrics and a chorus in Crimean Tatar, Jamala’s song tells the story of the Soviet Red Army’s deportation of nearly 250,000 Crimean Tatars in 1944. In different media, Jamala noted that 1944 is not only about the past. When she sings it, she said, she remembers her own family. “Now the Crimean Tatars are on occupied territory,” she said. “And it is very hard for them. They are under tremendous pressure.”
Below you can see a video of Jamala’s winning performance: