Martina Barta is not only a jazz singer and a horn player, but also a contestant at this year’s Eurovision in Kyiv, where she represents the Czech Republic, her native country.
The contestant performs in the first semi-final on May 9 with her song “My Turn.”
It’s Barta’s first time in Kyiv, and she says it is nothing like other cities she has visited. Czech singer was impressed by it’s architecture and size.
“I was traveling lately around Europe – Riga, London, Tel Aviv – and Kyiv is completely different. It’s a monumental city, it’s so huge and wide,” she told the Kyiv Post.
Even though she has spent only several days in Kyiv, Barta said she felt she has got to know Ukrainians a little bit closer and was surprised by their friendliness.
“We were in a small restaurant, there was a group of Ukrainian teachers, they offered us hrenovukha (Ukrainian vodka with horseradish) and invited to visit their school,” she said. “I love open-hearted people no matter what culture they come from.”
The singer has prepared a short bucket list for the trip. She hopes to visit a jazz-club, where Ukrainian musicians gather and try some traditional food. She looks forward to tasting typical dishes with cabbage – based in multinational Berlin, she has many Ukrainian friends, who acquainted her with the culture and cuisine.
Being open to all cultures, Czech participant supports this year’s motto of the Eurovision: “Celebrate Diversity.” She believes that the song contest represents the message as all performers are different and offer different songs.
She also thinks that any country can be either completely ready for such a motto or not, since one size can’t fit everyone.
“Diversity is about your own attitude, not about the country you live in,” she said.
Among all contestants her favorite singer is Salvador Sobral, the representative of Portugal. Barta finds it touching that the song he will perform with “Amar Pelos Dois” (“Love For Two”) was written by his sister.
“He’s a great musician and a good person,” she added.
Barta’s song “My Turn” is also very personal. While singing it she’s thinking about people, who are important to her.
The performer hopes to win the Eurovision, but more important – she wants to know she did her best and impressed the audience.
Barta says she is happy to participate in the Eurovision as it is the biggest project she has ever taken part in.
“It’s a great life experience and I am honored to represent my country,” she said.
