The preparations for the Malta Eurovision Song Contest are in full swing. The show is scheduled for Saturday 18th February. Today, newcomer Janice Mangion has spoken to us about her entry Kewkba (Star).
Hello Janice
First of all thank you for your time talking to us. How are you ? Can you introduce yourselves ? What can you tell us about yourself?
Hello everyone! I’ve started singing at the age of 12, taking singing lessons before turning my attention to the piano. In 2007, I took part in “L-Isfida”, a talent show in Malta which featured dancers, actors and singers, reaching the latter stages.
Since then, I never looked back and took part in “L-Għanja tal-Poplu”, “The Summer Hit Song Contest”, the “Konkors Kanzunetta Indipendenza” (where I finished in 3rd place back in 2011) and the “Malta Eurovision Song Contest”.
I am also a member of the Animae Gospel Choir, under the direction of Pamela Bezzina and Glen Vella (who represented Malta at the Eurovision in 2011).
Your song that you will be presenting for the Malta Eurovision Song Contest is “Kewkba”. What can you tell us about the song?
“KEWKBA” is a powerful modern ballad written in Maltese by Emil Calleja Bayliss, and Mark Scicluna. The story behind the song started off with the title, which in this case came first. It is a song that can be seen on two different levels, on face value the song speaks about a star being the guiding light in someone’s life, while on a figurative level, the star is there representing the person who is in our life ready to provide a helping hand whether physically or spiritually.
Your song is the only song that is not in English in this competition. What do you think about this fact? Do you plan to release an English Version of this song? If you win, will you sing this song in English?
I am singing this song in Maltese and not planning on singing it in English. The concept is to showcase our beautiful language all over Europe, and we are already receiving a lot of feedback from other European countries. But If you would like to know what the song is about log onto my Facebook Page (Look up Janice Mangion!) and you will be able to find a full translation of my entry which was done by Emil, the song’s author.
What was the inspiration for the song, and did you write it specifically for the Malta Eurovision Song Contest and Eurovision?
It is no secret that the Malta Eurovision Song Contest is an opportunity for us artists here in Malta. Just a couple of months before the regulations for the Malta Eurovision Song Contest came out, I was already working on other projects with the same team, and that’s when we decided to give the Malta Eurovision Song Contest a shot, working on something bigger and better! “Kewkba” was specifically written for the Malta Eurovision Song Contest.
What is your impression of the Eurovision Song Contest in general? Do you watch it every year? What is your favourite entry?
I am a huge Eurovision fan. As a matter of fact, just to make sure that I watch and listen properly, I always choose to watch it at home, so that no one can interrupt. My favourite song from the history of Eurovision has to be Marija Serifovic’s Molitva.
Apart from the Eurovision Song Contest, where would you dream to do a performance?
I think I’m already living the dream, but if I am to aim for something bigger I would choose the O2 Arena in London.
Do you think performing at the Eurovision Song Contest will have a positive impact on your career?
I consider this experience as another stepping stone in my career. I`m already grateful. Whatever comes next it`s a plus.
What’s the one thing that might surprise people about you?
I am quite strict with myself when it comes to singing, and truth is that I take quite some time to take decisions in life.
Where do we find you on a Sunday Afternoon?
Studying a new song, at the gym, at home relaxing with my family or out with friends.
What is the best bit of advice you have ever been given?
To never give up and to continue working hard!
If your life was a song title, what would it be?
Kewkba
What is a typical day like for you?
I would wake up, go to work, go the gym, go to rehearsals, meet friends, study a new piece of music or song, it`s always busy.
You can listen to Janice’s latest version of the entry “Kewkba” on this link below :-
