February is well underway, and the selection for the Serbian representative of the Eurovision song contest in March is approaching, while the excitement is steadily growing. Fans of the competition have been listening to the released tracks for quite some time, and social networks are sweltering, and for good reason.
In an ocean of these diverse tracks, where the great effort and work of the candidates is clear cut and well-recognized, there is a particular one that stands out, with her appearance, as well as her song that really attracted the attention of the Eurovision fans. Her name is Zejna, with her song Rumba!
Zejna Murkić was born in Loznica, Serbia, and has been singing and dancing since early childhood. This multi-talented lady has a colorful career behind her, she is well versed in composing and writing songs both for herself and her colleagues, and was also the lead vocalist of the famous Serbian group Luna, with whom she recorded two albums. Zejna launched her solo career in 2010 and songs like Tonight, Nabolja and Kriva sam are just some of her hits that have garnered a lot of attention from the audience.
Today we had the opportunity to sit down with Zejna and talk about her participation in PZE, plans, and expectations.
First of all, hello, Zejna, and welcome to the ESCUnited! It is our honor to host you and introduce you to our international audience.
Hello everyone, I’m really glad you have contacted me!
Of course, we wouldn’t miss it! You have been involved in music since childhood, however, we all know it is not an easy job and the industry can be quite ruthless. What has always attracted you to music, and what inspires you to continue doing it?
All my life, and from my early childhood, I’ve been programmed to have one goal in mind, one mission. When I was very young I used to make my own songs like it was easy, and my parents like to say that I’ve always had a voice that was more mature than I was.
Can you describe your musical style in three words, and who are your musical role models?
In three words: demanding, rhytmical and diverse. I’ve always listened to Whitney, Celine, Beyonce and Tina Turner, but also many other genres because I’m initrigued by many things. I prefer trying and learning new things, because I like merging many musical styles and many different types of singing into one.
I love that! I think it demonstrates your range quite well. Are there any challenges when it comes to performing, do you have stage fright or is it something you thoroughly enjoy? The reason I’m asking is that Eurovision is the biggest and most watched musical event in Europe. Does that worry you in any way, or are you the type who has complete confidence in yourself?
I am someone that trusts and confides in music, in its energy. When the song begins I forget everything and I am fully there to perform to the best of my abilities. I don’t have any stage freight anymore, what’s left is some sort of an adrenaline rush.
That’s a huge advantage among performers. When it comes to Eurovision specifically, you were also a candidate last year with your song Nema te. It was a gorgeous ballad, and your performance was one of the gentler ones. However, it seems to me that you have completely changed your approach this year. Rumba is a type of song that simply calls for a dance, and seems to have the best of both Spanish and local influences. What prompted you to make this change?
I was entirely made of song Nema te, the same way I am Rumba. At the same time, too. The style and the rhythm don’t change my energy while I’m singing. To me, it’s all the same ardor and strength.
When it comes to Rumba, is there a particular message behind this song, and what does this song mean to you?
The song represents strength, confidence in yourself, sexuality and all the best parts of a woman. She’s a lioness at the same time as a gentle, beautiful flower. The message of this song is that there are no limits and that we are all the same tribe in music and in love.
That’s truly a touching message. You recently released a beautiful acoustic version of the song. Can we perhaps expect another version, maybe in another language?
Surely! It would sound amazing in English and in Spanish. But somehow it’s the best in Serbian!
While on the topic of Eurovision, have you always wanted to represent your country or is it something that has caught your attention recently?
Forever and always!
Do you have any Eurovision favorites (not just specifically Serbian representatives, but in general), someone with whom you would like to record a duet?
I really think Qele Qele (Sirusho) is a great song, I also really love the song Heroes (Måns Zelmerlöw), and Euphoria (Loreen) is amazing!
I can relate to all of those choices! Finally, is there anything you would like to share with ESCUnited readers, perhaps a thing or two about your upcoming performance?
My performance will be energetic. I am going to sing and dance as much as I can in order to do justice to this song. I will have 4 girls that will be dancing with me, and I hope that you will get to feel this energy and love that I carry with me while I’m performing Rumba! Big kiss for you all!
Sounds like we are in for a whirlwind of a show at PZE 23!
Zejna performs in the 2nd semi-final of PZE on March 2 at 21:00 CET. You can follow her on Instagram here.
What do #YOU think about Zejna and Rumba? Let us know on social media @ESCUnited, on our Discord, or on our forum page!
