The Dutch song was released on March 4th, with a live performance on youtube followed by a press conference and Q&A session. Jeangu Macrooy who had been internally selected to represent The Netherlands last year was reselected again for 2021 edition. The song he will sing is "Birth of a new age".
Although the reveal was done using a live band and choir, I will also use the video performance to judge the song's potential. In the live show Jeangu is front and centre wearing uniquely cut white and silver suit and his hair tried back. Behind him are a band, and behind them a line of backing singers. Behind them is a video screen which comes up with some of the lyrics they are singing. The staging is generally dark and blueish in tone but as the song nears the end the backdrop and light show is injected with all colours of the spectrum. The video version takes place in what looks like a marble palace and is really a celebration of his home culture, with symbols of water, fire and some great dancing. It also uses an injection of colour during the final part of the song to mirror the change in backing track.
The verses are rather meaty and create a steady build up to the euphoric chorus. The verse is uniquely crafted with Jeangu singing s line then the "your rhythm is rebellion" chant as a kind of call and response. This then ends with Jeangu putting a full stop at the end of the part with the name of the song. The backing track softens to just a single repetitive piano note while the choir and Jeangu sing the chorus which is in Sranantongo - an English based creole language from Suriname. The beat comes back in and the rhythm of the verses begins again but instead of going into another chorus a carnival type percussion starts up as Jeangu sings the bridge. In the final rendition of the chorus the beat stays in and is much more full and optimistic than the first time round.
Jeangu is originally from Suriname, came to live in the Netherlands in 2014 and has had a recording career since 2016. Although not the most high profile singer in terms of sales, he regularly played the club scene in The Netherlands and was a supporting artist to singers on tours abroad, However he was probably more famous in his adopted lasnd as a regular contributor to the recently wound-up Dutch show "De Wereld Draait Door" which saw him showcasing his own music along with covers. Also, his twin bother, is in his backing band!
First of all this song shows off a different part of Jeangu's style compared to "Grow" from last year although I must admit his 2020 entry was a much 'easier' listen than this. The song is obviously inspired by Jeangu's home country and culture as well as touching on themes of colonialism and the Black Lives Matter movement. Eurovision fans always embrace a brand new language to the contest! I have to be honest and say I was slightly bewildered if not taken aback by the the live performance. There was A LOT going on and felt like a lot to take in. Afterwards I did not feel at all positive about how this would be perceived. However the studio version is much more polished and sonically full. Putting both parts of these two performance - the live vocals and the studio based backing track - there is no doubt this is going to be a moment of the night. That said, I think this song may churn up quite the debate (before and during the contest) about how political a song it is. This is going to be a strong performance on the night and the host country will be pulling out all the available stops to sell this. Not sure if this is a winner but it is a solid and individual host entry.
ARTIST - Jeangu Macrooy
SONG -Birth of a new age
WRITING CREDITS - Jeangu Macrooy, Pieter Perquin
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