Here we go again. Another year, another series of conspiracy theories, another stab at the language issue, another case of friends and enemies.
MPs are once more calling for a ban of this prime example of western liberal corrupt values, and a return to national cultural identities. In fact, one MP got so het up, he got up in parliament to sing about it. In his best baritone voice he informed colleagues, “Black raven, why do you circle above my head?”
No, don’t worry, you haven’t missed anything. The MP in question was Russian (although one cannot blame some Maltese MPs for being tempted to join in the chorus, karaoke-style).
Oleg Nilov burst into song, a Russian folk song actually, the day after the trophy was held up high by drag queen Conchita Wurst.
But he didn’t stop there, Nilov was so incensed by the winning entry (and by the fact that the following year host-country Austria had to install anti-booing technology for the Russian entry, following the invasion of Ukraine), that he has created his own festival.
‘Goodvision’ is being described as a family-friendly international song festival. Countries are asked to compete in their national language and, yes, Nilov informs us, “the songs will be folk-style with national instruments and national costumes”.
He has high hopes: “I’m sure this will get more viewers and be more useful.”
Meanwhile back in Stockholm, all eyes, and efforts, are on poor Ira Losco. It’s an open secret that the government is crossing its fingers that Malta may actually pull it off - feel-good factor and all that.
The arts find themselves intertwined with politics as politicians try to cover themselves in others' glory
And let’s face it, Anton Attard, PBS’s head honcho has had the Eurovision in his sights for some time now. Having had two successful practice runs at winning the Junior Eurovision (and putting on a very expensive shindig which was watched by... well not a lot of people outside Malta really), he has been focusing all his energy and ‘diplomatic’ skills on this year’s entry.
Which means that it has been 'all change' from day one. First it was 'all change' for the song. Then just this week it was 'all change' for the costume Ira is to wear. And then 'all change' for the projections and light effects. You almost begin to fear whether it will be 'all change' for Ira herself. You may say all well and good, after all, in for a penny, and so on.
But there are a couple of things that niggle me. Firstly, it is depressing to think that so much money and effort go into this one event, and yet we cannot find money and space for some rehearsal rooms for the many excellent bands and singers this island manages to produce (I’m looking at you, Willie!).
Secondly, and even more depressingly, is the way the arts find themselves intertwined with politics as politicians try to cover themselves in others' glory. We’ve seen this time and time again - the photo op, the taking credit where no credit is due, and suddenly the artist is no longer a singer warbling a silly three-minute ditty - but a symbol of a nation.
Which may explain why during last year’s Eurovision Song Contest, Austria felt the need to install anti-booing devices for the Russian entry, just in case the audience disapproved Russia’s entry into Ukraine. In the end, they needn’t have bothered, Polina Gagarina charmed the socks off the audience.
So perhaps the idea of the Goodvision Song Festival, organised by (ironically) a socialist Russian MP may not be a bad idea. At least it wears its political heart on its sleeve. In alarmingly bellicose style, Oleg Nilov spoke of his ambition: “To conquer any country now, you don’t need weapons — culture is the key. The minds of our young people are coming under the influence of TV, which is trying to impose a fashion, a certain kind of music.”
But if he has ambitions of Russia ‘conquering Europe’ perhaps he shouldn’t have bothered. Apparently Russia's Sergey Lazarev is the favourite to win Eurovision 2016!