“Despite the discomfort, I continue to resist. The planet is engulfed in flames, but you must act.”
600 people crammed into a nightclub in Lviv sing along with the defiant lyrics of Tvorchi, the Nigerian-Ukrainian musical duo that will represent Ukraine at the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool.
Before the nightly wartime security restriction begins at midnight, the band is performing their song Heart of Steel live at the club.
Jeffrey interacts with the audience in English and Ukrainian during his performance, while Andrii accompanies his soulful vocals with a booming, electronic sound from the DJ turntables.
The duo tells us backstage that Russia’s invasion “is always in the back of their minds” whenever they take the stage.
Andrii and Jeffrey were tasked with defending Ukraine’s crown after they won the public vote on the country’s Eurovision selection programme the previous year.
Heart of Steel, which Andrii penned as Ukrainian defenders were besieged inside the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol last year, is described by the duo as a song of “strength, confidence, and responsibility” They do not precisely lack stage presence when delivering the performance.
“It’s about resilient people who maintain a positive outlook in adverse circumstances,” explains Andrii.
“It is crucial for us that our nation defeat the invaders who have invaded our country. And if we were to win Eurovision, we would also appreciate it.”
As you observe Jeffrey inviting some supporters on stage, you ponder the lack of home advantage Ukraine has this year.
Stefania, the winning melody performed by Kalush Orchestra in 2022, could have provided Ukraine with the opportunity to host the competition for a third time.
Due to Russia’s persistent aggression against Ukraine, Eurovision organisers have relocated this year’s competition to Liverpool.
A philosophic Jeffrey asserts, “No harm done.” “We understand the reasons, and we thank the United Kingdom for hosting on our behalf.”
Tvorchi acknowledge that preparing for Eurovision has been difficult at times. Occasionally, air raid sirens disrupted their rehearsals and costume fittings.
“Like all Ukrainians, we go to shelters but then continue on,” says Andrii.
A portion of the audience desires to see Ukraine as more than a country at conflict with Russia.
In the throng, we meet Kyryl, who believes that “the nation needs to create something new.”
Last year, everything was about the conflict. Now we must demonstrate that Ukraine is more than this – that we are a culture with a language and a society.”
The history of Tvorchi begins in 2016 in adjacent Ternopil.
Jeffrey, who had travelled from Nigeria to Ukraine three years prior, relocated to the beautiful lake city to study pharmacy.
Andrii had enrolled in the same course, so when he saw Jeffrey walking past him on the street, he stopped him in order to rehearse his English with someone.
Jeffrey describes how surprised he was by the query as he leads us down the same path. However, he agreed because he had no companions with whom to practise Ukrainian.
“I agreed, and the following day we went out for a beverage. It began along this street.”
A series of circumstances that would lead the duo to the largest stage in music.
They have published four studio albums since 2018 and even participated in the national Eurovision selection a few years ago.
As they stroll through their former neighbourhood, the couple receives a few looks. However, it appears that not everyone will be riveted to their screens in May.
This year, I’m not following Eurovision, says Maria, whom we encounter in the town. “The news from Ukraine is now more significant. I’ll watch it when I’m in a better mood, after we win the war.”
Jeffrey is uncertain whether even his parents will watch the show that evening.
He explains, “Back in Nigeria, nobody watches Eurovision.” “When we were chosen, they hadn’t even heard of the competition, so I had to explain everything to them. However, they are pleased for us.”
Last year, when Russia initiated its full-scale invasion, Jeffrey decided to remain in Ukraine, primarily due to his musical collaboration with Andrii.
Now, the duo’s music compels them to flee the country for Liverpool.
The pair has stated that they will return, preferably with the glass Eurovision trophy in their luggage.
