Australia's song made Eurovision history: what is One Mikali (One Blood) by Electric Fields, which did not make it to the final, about

On Tuesday, May 7, the stage of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Malmö, Sweden, was lit up by the Australian duo Electric Fields, who performed the song One Milkali (One Blood). Its peculiarity is a mixture of two languages - the national English and the aboriginal language Aṉangu: Yankunitatjara. And although vocalist Zaakaraya Fielding and keyboardist Michael Ross did not make it to the grand final of the song contest, they undoubtedly won a place in the hearts of the audience.

Interestingly, Australian fans weren't sure that the country's representatives could win the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, but they wanted the Euro fans to understand the message of the song, which is even in its title - one blood. "When we perform, we hope to make an impact and share a model of love and respect, that we are more alike than different," says Michael Ross, according to The Guardian.

During the Electric Fields' performance, the audience saw an Australian aboriginal man and a wind instrument similar to a small trembita on stage. It is called a didgeridoo (yidaki) and is one of the oldest musical instruments in the world. The yidaki is made from a piece of eucalyptus trunk, which can be from one to three meters long. The interesting thing is that no one cuts out the core - it is eaten away by termites.

"We are representing one of the oldest Australian languages and didgeridoo on the Eurovision Song Contest stage. This is a great victory for Australia," says Zaakaraya Fielding.

Interestingly, ABC News writes that the word "milkali" does not actually exist in English, and the translation as "blood" is an approximation. "The film is about indigenous and non-indigenous people working together, learning and sharing two different cultures through Ngapartji Ngapartji (an Australian Indigenous Language Support and Revitalization Project)," said Robert Fielding, the vocalist's father.

Moreover, the song was written back in 2019 and was supposed to represent the duo at the Eurovision Song Contest - Australia Decides.

"The Eurovision Song Contest resonates strongly in Australia because people can connect with contemporary music from their ancestral homes, and they have the opportunity to compete and promote Australian music to such a large European market," said Lachlan Woods, president of the Australian Eurovision Fan Club.

In the comments below the performance posted on YouTube, fans are enthusiastic about the number, but disappointed to be eliminated from the song contest:

• "I think this song was bigger than Eurovision for us - as a nation, it was important to express something in language, especially now."
• "They had incredible chemistry in their performance. Australia should be proud of them."

• "It's not often I get angry when a country doesn't qualify. You guys deserve it."
• "Such a beautiful display of their indigenous Aboriginal culture!"
• "We're proud of you legends, regardless of the outcome tonight, you showcase the true Australian music, people, culture and instruments."

Although Electric Fields did not make it to the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 final, which will take place on Saturday, May 11, the Ukrainian representatives will be seen there. It is not yet known under which number the singers will perform, as they chose the "producer's choice" in the draw, so the show organizers will choose the order of performance after the second semifinal (May 9).

Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote that two members of the Big Five and the host country performed in the first semifinal. According to the old rules, the audience would have been able to watch the performances only partially in the recording, and the participants would have performed their tracks live only in the final.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!