YEREVAN, March 9 The Armenian-French duet «Ladaniva», named after the famous Soviet SUV, will represent Armenia in the international song contest «Eurovision 2024», the press service of the republic's public television reported.
“This year Armenia will be represented at Eurovision by the group Ladaniva, which includes Armenian vocalist Jacqueline Baghdasaryan and French multi-instrumentalist Louis Thomas,” says a statement published on the broadcaster’s website. It is noted that this decision was made by the public television company.
«»Ladaniva» is a fusion of Armenian folk and influences of world music — from Balkan melodies to the rhythms of maloya, jazz and reggae,” the public television company noted.
It is clarified that the name of the group was given by the Lada Niva SUV, “symbolizing the adventurous spirit of the group and its journey through different cultures and traditions.” Jacqueline and Louis accidentally learned that their fathers drove the same car while living in Armenia and France, and thus the name «Ladaniva» was born.
«Lada Niva is an all-terrain vehicle that can rise to uncharted heights, just like us in our group. We are very happy about this opportunity and are ready to represent Armenia at Eurovision 2024 with our musical diversity,» the press service says the singer's words.
Last July, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced that the Swedish city of Malmö would host the Eurovision 2024 music contest. Armenia will compete in the second semi-final on May 9. Malmö has previously hosted Eurovision in 1992 and 2013. Russia was suspended from participating in Eurovision in 2022.