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Folk rappers from Ukraine win Eurovision in musical morale boost
Kalush Orchestra beat out 24 competitors in the finale of the world's biggest live music event with "Stefania", a rap lullaby combining Ukrainian folk and modern hip-hop rhythms from an energetic, breakdancing band.
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Members of the band (AFP/Marco Bertorello)
U
kraine won the Eurovision Song Contest Sunday with an infectious hip-hop folk melody, as the embattled nation rides a wave of public support across Europe.
Kalush Orchestra beat out 24 competitors in the finale of the world's biggest live music event with "Stefania", a rap lullaby combining Ukrainian folk and modern hip-hop rhythms from an energetic, breakdancing band.
"Please help Ukraine and Mariupol! Help Azоvstal right now," frontman Oleh Psiuk said in English from the stage, referring to the port city's underground steelworks where Ukrainian soldiers are surrounded by Russian forces.
Following the win, Psiuk -- whose bubblegum pink bucket hat has made him instantly recognisable -- thanked everyone who voted for his country in the contest, which is watched by millions of viewers.
"The victory is very important for Ukraine, especially this year. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Glory to Ukraine," Psiuk told journalists.
Coming in second place was Britain with Sam Ryder's "Space Man" and its stratospheric notes, followed by Spain with the reggaeton "SloMo" from Chanel.
Ukraine beat out a host of over-the-top acts at the kitschy, quirky annual musical event, including Norway's Subwoolfer, which sang about bananas while dressed in yellow wolf masks, and Serbia's Konstrakta, who questioned national healthcare while meticulously scrubbing her hands onstage.
