This week we have a passionate Swedish fan for our weekly Eurovision Q&A! A regular in the Twitter community - we welcome Sakaria (also known as @MahamedSakaria) and asked him a few questions.
What is your name and where are you from?
Hello! My name is Sakaria. I am born and raised in Sweden by Somali parents.
What do you do or tell us something interesting about you?
I’m 22 years old. I love Eurovision, music, food, football and learning new languages. I work at a cinema. When I dont work, I like to watch old editions of Eurovision and hanging out with friends.
When did you first get into Eurovision?
It was in 2006, when I first heard of the contest. Sweden was represented that year by Carola and there was a big hype surrounding her. I started watching the contest the year after (2007). My favourites that year were Russia. They were amazing. I wanted them to win.
Mid 2000’s is a great period to start watching Eurovision ~ Kyriakos
Which is your favourite Eurovision year and why?
My favourite Eurovision year is 2011. I thought it was a fun year with many good songs. We did not have a clear favourite prior to the contest, I felt like many countries had the chance of taking the trophy home.
Yes it was an interesting year, its awesome to watch a contest with no clear winner! ~ Kyriakos
Sweden is one of the more successful countries in Eurovision. What changes would you like to see from Sweden at Eurovision?
I think we should send something different, something else than a good pop song. I would like for us to send a song in Swedish. Singing in Swedish is really popular at the moment. I would like for us to send a woman, it has been 5 years since we last did it.
Totally agree female representation from Sweden is well overdue ~ Kyriakos
Which artist would you like to see represent your nation?
I have many artists I would like to see representing Sweden. Agnes, Icona Pop, Darin, First Aid Kit, Robyn.
If you could change one thing about Eurovision what would it be?
Change the jury system, there should be more people than 5. More diversity in terms of musical backgrounds and opinions.
A very popular opinion amongst the fandom ~ Kyriakos
Which artist would you like to see return to the competition?
I want Elina Born, Loic Nottet, Dami Im to return to the contest. These artists has released some good music after the contest. I would love to see Zeljko back at Eurovision. He deserves a victory.
Love to see them all return, but a huge yes to a Dami Im return ~ Kyriakos
If you could pick only three Eurovision songs to listen to for the rest of time, what would they be?
This is a tough question. I would pick Die For You, Goodbye To Yesterday and Say Yay. I think I will never not get tired of listening to them.
All great song choices ~ Kyriakos
Did you watch our national final Australia Decides? What are your thoughts on it? And who would you like to see in Australia Decides 2020?
I did watch Australia Decides. I thought it was an amazing show. A good bunch of songs and great hosts. I would love to see Delta Goodrem, Sam Perry and G Flip in Australia Decides.
Which Eurovision song:
Is the best winner?
Euphoria, no doubt about it. It changed the contest for the better.
Has the best live vocal?
Dami Im. Every time I see the performance, I get goosebumps, her vocals were fantastic. She should have won in 2016.
Yup! The Aussie powerhouse! ~ Kyriakos
Was robbed?
I cant believe how Je t’adore (Belgium 2006) did not qualify to the final. I loved that song back in 2006 and still do. Honourable mentions go to Highest Heights (Switzerland 2009), Horehronie (Slovakia 2010), Na Inat (Bulgaria 2011)
Is the best from this decade?
Euphoria, I know its a boring answer. I was hooked when I saw it for the first time at Melfest. The staging was both minimalist and powerful at the same time.
Its not a boring answer, I agree with you, it’s just a timeless song and seven years at the top of #ESC250 is testament of its legacy, but time will tell if Loreen can end the decade on top! ~ Kyriakos
Is your guilty pleasure?
Time (Israel 2012). I think the song is really good and so catchy.
Is your favourite National Final song (that didn't make it to Eurovision)?
Cry by Dotter. It was my favourite song at Melfest 2018. When i first heard the snippet, i said that it should win the contest. I cant believe it did not even qualify to Andra Chansen, let alone the final. She was robbed.
Any other interesting honourable mentions?
Spirit Animal by Kerli, Never Alone by Anja Nissen, Buna de iubit by Feli.
And finally...
Tonight Again, Sound of Silence, Don’t Come Easy, We Got Love or Zero Gravity
The best song: Tonight Again
The best staging: Sound Of Silence.
I cant choose I love all of your entries.
Thank you for your time Sakaria!