"Teresa & Maria: A pop anthem that draws on Ukraine's cultural roots
Ukraine sends a powerful message to Eurovision 2024 with " Teresa & Maria" a unique collaboration between artists Yana Oleksandrivna Shemaieva, better known as Jerry Heil, and Aliona Olehivna Savranenko, aka Alyona Alyona.
Ukraine bets on a new duo with Jerry Heil and Alyona Alyona
Real name Yana Oleksandrivna Shemaieva, Jerry Heil is a popular Ukrainian singer, songwriter and YouTube artist born on 21 October 1995 in Vasylkiv, a town near the capital Kiev. Jerry Heil launched her career in 2012 with the creation of her YouTube channel. She posts vlogs and covers of songs by Ukrainian and international artists. Her talent and infectious energy soon won her audiences over. In 2018, Jerry Heil tried her luck in season 9 of X-Factor Ukraine. Although she did not win the competition, her appearance was noticed and helped to raise her profile. In 2017, she signed a contract with Ukrainian label Vidlik Records and her first studio album "Ya, Yana » was released in 2019.
In 2019, the single "#OKHRANA_OTMYENA »" became a real hit in Ukraine, ranking among the country's top five songs. Jerry Heil also tried his hand at writing songs for other established artists such as Vera Brezhneva. As well as singing, Jerry Heil is an accomplished artist who can play several musical instruments.
Alyona Alyona is the queen of Ukrainian rap. Born Aliona Olehivna Savranenko in 1991, Alyona Alyona's background is far from conventional. A graduate in education, she worked for four years as a nursery school teacher. But her passion for music has been simmering inside her since she was an adult, writing rap music as far back as the mid-2000s. In 2018, under the pseudonym Alyona Alyona, she released her first video, "Rybky » ("Little fish »), which was a huge success. Her unique style, combining committed lyrics with a hard-hitting flow over modern instrumentals, is shaking up the traditionally male-dominated Ukrainian rap landscape.
Alyona Alyona's texts tackle subjects such as feminism, the social situation in Ukraine and the search for happiness.
Towards a historic Eurovision for Ukraine?
In 2024, the association of Jerry Heil and Alyona Alyona for "Teresa & Maria » marked a turning point in the careers of the two artists. This brand new duet offers a powerful and positive Eurovision song, which gave us goose bumps on first listen! And the live version from the national selection, Vidbir 2024, makes it even better!
"Teresa & Maria » is inspired by the figures of Saint Teresa of Calcutta and the Virgin Mary. In several interviews, however, they have made it clear that this is not a religious song, but rather a song about the Virgin Mary. a universal message of hope and love. They use these two figures as symbols of charity, love and unity, reminding us that sanctity resides in the depths of humanity and that these holy figures were above all women.
"Teresa & Maria » is above all a hymn to hope and individual responsibility. The message is clear: we must take our destiny into our own hands and not let others dictate our path. In the current context, it is clearly an ode to the resilience of the Ukrainian people and their desire to build a better future.
A pop melody that draws on Ukraine's rich cultural heritage
Once again, Ukraine has produced a powerful entry that draws on the country's rich culture and traditions. Jerry Heil's clear voice blends with Alyona Alyona's energetic rap to create a unique pop rap track in the 2024 selection. The song builds in intensity with Jerry Heil's deep, powerful voice before Alyona Alyona's rap passage. Jerry Heil delivers an impeccable vocal performance, capable of singing flawlessly in both the low and high end of the spectrum! The arrangement is impeccable. Choristers, traditional instruments, all the space is occupied as it should be.
The message is inspiring, bewitching even, and universal. At the national final, Alyona Alyona and Jerry Heil's performance on stage was full of energy and positivity, which contributes to the strength of Teresa & Maria.
Towards a fourth victory for Ukraine?
"Teresa & Maria » has the potential to make her mark on Eurovision 2024 with a Top 10 place in the Final. With her universal message of hope and unity, as well as her impeccable vocal and musical potential, she should touch the hearts of the public and give Ukraine a symbolic victory.
