When Hip-Hop Came to Eurovision – The Most Notable Live Performances

The Eurovision Song Contest is just a couple of years away from celebrating its 70th anniversary. It’s now one of the oldest and most colourful singing competitions in the world, bringing together some of the most talented performers from across western and eastern Europe.

It’s an event that’s now famed for its diversity, both in its musical genres and the outlandish live performances, pushing the boundaries both musically and theatrically.

From dazzling pop acts to eccentric heavy metal bands like Finland’s Lordi, who won the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest dressed as monsters, it’s easy to see that the competition has continued to defy convention. In fact, Lordi has gone on to become a global sensation. This year, Mr Lordi confirmed the band was readying its 19th studio album, which is slated for release in Q1 2025. It’s a mark of how powerful Lordi’s Eurovision performance was that the band now has their very own licensed slot game too. Released in 2022, it’s listed within the slot library of PokerStars’ online casino, whose collection features a string of classic slot titles, as well as progressive jackpot games and those powered by live dealer studios.

One genre that’s typically struggled to gain a foothold at the Eurovision Song Contest is hip-hop. Despite being at the heart of pop culture, the genre’s presence has been thin at best. Hip-hop has even recently snubbed in the U.S. when Lil Wayne was overlooked for a Super Bowl halftime performance. Below, we’ll look at the most memorable Eurovision acts where hip-hop elements have come to the fore.

2014 – Moustache (Twin Twin, France)

The French entry of Moustache from Twin Twin in 2014 showcased the more playful side of hip-hop. It’s a feel-good track, inspired by a man’s desire to grow a moustache. It fuses elements of electro and funk, as well as a driving hip-hop beat and tempo. The live performance was extremely colourful, with hectic dance moves, as well as epic rap verses delivered in a somewhat tongue-in-cheek style, dipping in and out of French and English.

Although it was somewhat entertaining, Moustache didn’t curry favour with the judges or the voting public, eventually finishing in last place. Nevertheless, their infectious energy and zest for life made it a big moment for hip-hop on the Eurovision stage.

2016 – Fairytale (Eneda Tarifa, Albania)

Two years later, Albanian performer, Eneda Tarifa, brought her own take on hip-hop, pop and R&B influences with Fairytale. Although it was marketed as a pop ballad, a hip-hop beat is maintained throughout. There’s also plenty of rap-inspired vocal deliveries. It was yet another example of the ‘hybrid’ songs being written and produced for the Eurovision musical palette.

Although Tarifa’s song failed to crack the top ten at Eurovision 2016, Albania’s song was praised for Tarifa's vocals and contemporary production.

2017 – Origo (Joci Papai, Hungary)

The following year, Hungarian Joci Papai entered into Eurovision representing Hungary with his song Origo. It was a clever fusion of Hungarian folk music with hip-hop elements. Papai, who is also of Romani descent, incorporated a powerful rap section in Romani which was well-received.

The song itself is about the struggle of identity and conforming, themes which are often front and centre in hip-hop songs. Unlike some of the other hip-hop-inspired Eurovision efforts, Origo was a more serious song, telling a deeply personal and socially conscious tale throughout.

2022 – Give That Wolf a Banana (Subwoolfer, Norway)

Norwegian duo Subwoolfer incorporated many hip-hop elements in their electro-pop song, Give That Wolf a Banana. Despite its rather strange song name, the rhythmic, rap-style delivery of the vocals helped it become an immediate crowd favourite in the arena.

As a matter of fact, Subwoolfer became an overnight sensation, showcasing their successful fusion of multiple genres, proving to the continent that hip-hop can be absurd and serious in equal measure.

It’s great to see these recent performers show that hip-hop can still make an impact in unconventional environments like the Eurovision arena. It has the ability to transcend cultural and language barriers, which will surely mean more hip-hop performers are selected to represent their nations.