In an interview with , the Ukrainian group TVORCHI (Andrew Hutsuliak and Jeffrey Kenny) told what they lacked last time to win the National Selection, whether they are ready to “tear up” the stage in 2023, what they will sing about at the competition, and what victory will mean Ukraine at Eurovision is for them personally and for the whole country.

Guys, for the first time you were seriously talked about a few years ago, when you already participated in the National Selection. Then your song was devoted to environmental issues. What will you sing about this year?

Andrew: Heart of Steel translates as “Steel heart”. This song is about the indomitability of the Ukrainian people, hardened by trials. It is about a man who, despite all hopelessness, carries a steadfast heart in his chest and moves forward. And today it is all of us, Ukrainians.

Jeffrey: Our song has the line, “Don’t be afraid to speak your mind. Because no matter how bad it is, someone is listening.” We want our steadfastness to be heard everywhere.

Do you feel your superiority over other participants, because you are already a popular fan and you are not participating in the competition for the first time?

Andrew: We don’t think about such things, because we came with other goals.

Jeffrey: Everyone has an equal chance, whether you’ve competed before or not. All will be decided by the performances at the final of the National Selection.

What is your main goal at Eurovision?

Andrew: We have an important message to convey to everyone who hears the song. We sing about our strong people with hearts of steel. No matter what anyone says, no matter how hard it is, we move on, and no one can stop it. The lyrics include the following words: “I can’t explain. I’ll tell you how I feel: life is just a game. And I’m playing to win.” They said everything.

Jeffrey: We don’t want to push for pity, but we want to show that Ukraine is now an example of courage for the whole world.

Which of the finalists of the National Selection do you communicate with, who do you see as your competitor?

Andrew: We’re not in close contact with any of the finalists and we’re not competitive. This is art, not racing.

Jeffrey: I don’t see anyone as a competitor, because everyone has their own message that they put into the song that they want to convey to the listeners. Our only competitors are ourselves, because we set ourselves new challenges and try to meet our expectations.

Russia may join the Eurovision voting this year. What do you think about this?

Andrew: Russia has no right to anything in this world because it is a terrorist country.

Geoffrey: I don’t think they have the right to take a destiny or have the right to vote.

By the way Jeffrey, you are from Nigeria. How do you like living in Ukraine? Did you not want to return home before February 24?

Jeffrey: I liked living at home, but I wanted to be independent from my parents. When I was faced with the question: “Where to get a higher education?”, I chose Ukraine. It took a bit of adjusting at first, but it’s a normal process for anyone moving to live in another country. In Ukraine, I found myself in music, met Andrew and our entire team. I love working and making music here. I remain, I continue to live in Ukraine. This is my decision before and after the 24th of February.

Do you communicate in Ukrainian in everyday life? Is it difficult for you to study it?

Jeffrey: Yes, I communicate in Ukrainian with my friends, my team members and most of the people I work with. Every day I make an effort to learn to speak Ukrainian fluently. I want to speak as confidently as I speak English. I constantly think about the fact that I am making mistakes, and it bothers me a little. But when I drink tequila with friends in the company, the language flows like a native!

Geoffrey, have you ever felt pressured in showbiz because of your nationality?

Jeffrey: At first there was a bit of pressure, but definitely not because of my nationality, but because I was an inexperienced beginner. But it was not so bad. You know, as they say: “pressure makes diamonds”. I love what I do and I’m ready for any challenges if they come.

Many foreigners say that Ukraine has the most beautiful girls. do you agree

Jeffrey: Absolutely! Once he was walking through the city, having a video call with his twin brother who lives in Nigeria, and people passing by, among them, of course, girls, got into the frame. And he said to me: “What are the models there? Why do they all look like models?”. I say, “No, I’m just walking down the street!” (laughs). Ukrainian women are very beautiful!

Tell me, what do you, as individuals, do besides creativity?

Andrew: Right now, we only have an hour to rehearse and prepare the number for Eurovision. But when we have a freer schedule, I like to watch anime, read manga, and listen to a lot of music.

Jeffrey: I like to play video games, draw, cook and watch movies and of course listen to music.

What can fans expect from you in the near future?

Andrew: On December 23, we will release the mini-album “Heart of Steel”, which we dedicate to the insubordination of Ukrainians. It included a song from the National Selection, as well as the songs Freedom, Broken Heart and a song by Alyona Alyona called “Enough”. All these tracks are about our spirit, courage, invincibility, strength. They are all about us.

Jeffrey: Fans can expect new music and a new style of sound, something simple and something phenomenal, but also something with soul and good taste.

Aren’t you afraid that you can win at Eurovision not because of your talent, but because of the war in Ukraine?

Andrew: For us, the most important thing is that our message is heard by all of Ukraine…

Jeffrey: …But of course we would like to be judged on our talent, our music. Now there are so many talented musicians, I want the best to win fairly.

What do you think you lacked a few years ago to win the National Election? Are you ready to “break” the contest this time?

Andrew: Experience and knowledge.

Jeffrey: Now we are ready to do whatever it takes. To do our best to bring out the best in our song and best convey our message.

What will this victory mean for you personally and for Ukraine?

Andrew: This will mean that Ukrainian music will again be valued at a high level. That we managed to show progressive, modern electronic Ukrainian music and a show that will be appreciated by the whole world. Europe has already heard our ethnomusic, folklore – they were successfully performed earlier by Kalush Orchestra and Go_A. Now we want to show Ukraine as stylish, show music that can be listened to all over the world.

Jeffrey: We will feel proud for ourselves and for the country. And this will also mean that the competition will still be held in Ukraine in 2023, after our victory.

Diana Mogilevich