ENTERTAINMENT
London Cypriot singer-songwriter Antigoni Buxton has entered the “Love Island” villa on ITV 2’s reality dating programme.
The series, which is filmed in Mallorca, introduced Antigoni on Wednesday 22nd June.
Show bosses had teased the new “bombshell” twist on the previous night’s cliff-hanger.
The 26-year-old North London musician is a long-time friend of LGR and she impressed her fellow islanders, with one islander heard saying that Antigoni is a “ray of sunshine” and “on the friendship level she is lovely”.
It appears that her warmth and radiance also won her TV admirers with the programme’s fervent fan-base. Many avid viewers of the show had taken to Twitter to applaud her “good-natured vibes and positive energy”, instantly becoming a fan favourite of the show.
Antigoni was signed to Island Records when she was just 20 years old and has gone on to have a successful start to her music career.
Her latest single “Hit List” released last month, mixes R’n’B with Greek/Cypriot elements and has already entered London Greek Radio playlist in recent weeks.
Antigoni is the daughter of celebrity chef Tonia Buxton, who’s a regular guest on “Sunday Bunch” on TV.
Tonia is also the consultant chef at The Real Greek restaurants and the presenter of “My Greek Kitchen” and “My Cypriot Kitchen” on the Discovery Channel.
Antigoni previously dated 2018 contestant Jack Fowler for a few months, but their romance fizzled out.
Prior to dating Jack, Antgoni was in a nine-year relationship with her childhood sweetheart but they split so that she could focus on her music.
You can follow Antigoni on Instagram @antigoni, where she already boasts almost 140,000 followers.
It’s worth reminding everyone about something that Cypriots already know, and that is that the original “Love Island” is of course, Cyprus, the island of the Greek Goddess of Love, Aphrodite!
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Article written by Tony Neophytou
With the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 tonight, singer Andromache missed out on the chance to represent Cyprus in this year’s final at the weekend.
All eyes were on the Greek girl on Thursday night as 2022’s entry took to the stage singing “Ela” in the second of this year’s semi-finals.
The 27-year-old newcomer’s full name is Andromachi Dimitropoulou and she was born in Germany and raised in Ilia, Greece.
Andromache was hoping to follow in the footsteps of Elena Tsagrinou, Tamta, and Eleni Foureira whose results helped Cyprus to consecutive finals, from 2015 to 2021.
Qualifying for the final at Cyprus’ expense was Belgium, Czech Republic, Azerbaijan, Poland, Finland, Estonia, Australia, Sweden, Romania and Serbia.
Cypriot bosses stuck to the formulae, of internally picking a singer and song-package with Andromache mixing traditional Greek folk and Byzantine, with modern music.
The track is an ethno song that embellishes the instrument of bouzouki and the flute which blends into the ensemble, giving this track a more modernised touch, mixing old and new.
The percussions and the bouzouki add some magical reverie to the song.
LGR’s Eurovision fanatic said, “When I first heard this it felt hypnotising and catchy enough, with its nice melodic embellishments.”
“This is a really good radio song which has soared to top of London Greek Radio play-lists, in recent weeks”.
“On reflection Cyprus is a radio friendly song, perhaps it requires other elements translating it to the stage. It is a lovely tune, chilled and laidback, with maybe its lack of a build-up holding it back as a Eurovision competitive song entry,” Mr Neophytou commented.
Tony Neophytou furthermore said, “I don’t know, maybe she felt nervous at first verse, and gradually felt more in her stride and composure at the Greek choruses. She grew in confidence, and smiles, as the song was progressing…”
Her performance was met with rapturous applause from the audience.
“The attractive Andromache was standing inside a sea shell structure. The imagery was conjuring up Cypriot exotic flavours, and motifs. She was like a mermaid or maybe a wink, to the Cypriot myth of Aphrodite’s birth, at sea.”
Her female dancers Despina Lagoudaki and Nefeli Theodotou were at either side.
Andromache’s choreographed arm movements, or armography and her dancers give it a fusion of energy.
“Three girls are the Cypriot equivalent to ‘Charlie’s Angels‘,” (Tony quips).
“The staging was aesthetically-pleasing bathed in lots of warm colours. The blue and golden lighting, swept across the sea shell structure and stage reminiscent of Cypriot flag colours, which was a beautiful aesthetic.” Mr Neophytou underscores.
CyBc made the official announcement along with title of her entry “Ela” earlier this year. The song is written by Alex Papaconstantinou, or Alex P, a Greek-Swedish producer, well-known in Eurovision circles.
He collaborates on the tune with Cypriot singer-songwriter Giorgos Papadopoulos, Arash, Eyelar Mirzazadeh, Fatjon Miftaraj, Filloreta Raci Fifi, Geraldo Sandell, Robert Uhlmann, Viktor Svensson and Yll Limani.
Andromache is signed to Panik Records, whose roster includes former Eurovision predecessors such as Ivi Adamou, Demy, Eleni Foureira and Anna Vissi and Elena Tsagrinou.
Thank you to Andromache and the Cypriot delegation for their efforts and roll on 2023, with Cyprus’ pick of the next act and tune.
The Eurovision Final takes place on Saturday night at 8pm.
Article written by Tony Neophytou
Singer-Songwriter Amanda Georgiadi Tenfjord on Tuesday night qualified for the Eurovision Grand Final with her song “Die Together”.
This year, the Eurovision Song Contest takes place in Turin, at PalaOlimpico and the 25-year-old, who is studying to be a doctor, is a half Greek and half Norwegian singer-songwriter, born in Ioannina, Greece and raised in Norway.
Of the 17 competing countries, Greece was one of the 10 that gained enough votes from professional juries and the public to advance to Saturday night’s sing-off.
This is the twelfth time that Greece has qualified for a Eurovision since 2008.
“Die Together” was a “grower” on the London Greek Radio play-lists peaking at #5 in recent weeks.
The introspective song, has the sounds of a strong, melodic electro-pop ballad with emotional overtones which seem to cut deep. It’s a break-up song about a genuine relationship that’s expected to tear at the heart-strings.
Amanda has co-written the track with fellow Norwegian producer and songwriter, Bjørn Helge Gammelsæterx.
LGR’s Eurovision fanatic Tony Neophytou said, “Amanda’s beautiful, captivating performance felt emotional, and intense. Her vocals were on-point, as in yesterday’s jury voting dress rehearsal.
“Goosebumps… man!” Mr Neophytou recollects.
“The camera zooms into a close-up in the acapella section as it gradually builds up with wider stage shots of blue melting chairs. The visually-arresting act is well-crafted and thought out”. Amanda said the imagery of melting chairs is “symbolising break-ups or things coming to an end…”
The dancing silhouettes on-screen added a nice tough. The excellent camera-work complimented Amanda’s story-telling narrative, which underscores this song.
“Her soaring melodies combined with vocal hooks gives the tune that feel of a competitive package as Greece embarks on a Top 10 placement.” LGR’s reviewer furthermore noted.
“The Greek staging was immaculate and well-executed. It was sufficiently subdued and effective, and every single frame and shot was thought-out, presenting a slick, professional routine.”
The singer’s creative staging director is Fokas Evangelinos, a well-known figure in Eurovision circles, tasked with the elevation of her song.
In Mr Neophytou’s view, “Amanda in a white frock is emoting throughout, the song’s three minutes. A stage bathed in whites and blues, not only are these Greek flag colours which is a nice aesthetic. These colours suit it’s sad and melancholic undertones. The blinking lighting effects were in sync with its electro-pop beats, and the crescendo or climatic ‘die together‘ choruses.”
Amanda gave a strong, stoic and dramatic performance. Her frantic, hand gestures to her “Take my heart and rip it out and bring it to the other side” line, in the bridge, intensified the emotion that is felt, on the stage.”
Amanda was second favourite to win Semi-Final 1, with Ukraine still odds-on favourite to win Eurovision. The full results of these semis are released post-Eurovision night.
The Eurovision Song Contest Final is broadcast on Saturday 14th May on BBC1.
London Greek Radio wishes Greece the very best of luck in the competition.
Article written by Tony Neophytou
“British Cypriot” sitcom, ‘Stath Lets Flats’ was a winner at the Bafta TV Awards on Sunday night, scooping Best Male Performance in a Comedy for its star and creator Jamie Demetriou.
It’s a hat-track for Jamie, this is the third Bafta for ‘Stath Lets Flats’ which Jamie created and co-writes.
There have been three series of this popular comedy which also stars Jamie’s sister Natasia Demetriou.
Mr Demetriou beat out tough competition in the form of the new Doctor Who Ncuti Gatwa – who was announced earlier as the next Time Lord, to take home the comedy gong.
Jamie Demetriou is “Stath” an imbecilic lettings agent working at ‘Michael & Eagle Lets’, an apparently chaotic London lettings agency run by his father, Vasos, [Christos Stergioglou).
The set-up is that Stath comes across as incompetent, impulsive and ambitious – in equal measure, and is desperate to prove himself to his Greek-Cypriot father who is retired and at home in series three but still as ever-observant and watchful over his son’s antics.
“I promised myself I wouldn’t sing” (he teased his audience), as Jamie accepted his award. “Thank you so much to everyone who makes this show possible, Channel Four, for having me a part of your insane roster of unbelievable shows that inspired me, and I would never be doing what I was doing if it wasn’t for them. Thank you to Ash Atalla for sticking to this for so long, thank you to Andrew Gaynord for being such a good friend and director. Thank you to Seb Barwell, the producer of this show, who is my rock. And I think a lot of the time he rather not be a rock, but be a producer.
Thank you to this astonishing cast that I’ve had the privilege of working with for so long now, Al, Ellie, Katy, Kiell, Christos, and my amazing sister Natasia who I couldn’t do this show without. Thank you to my flat-mate Ollie Cambridge for just having to put up with a really, really dirty… comedian and to my girl-friend Claire”.
The Bafta TV Awards were held at the Royal Festival Hall on Sunday evening of May 8th.
Jamie Demetriou: “London Greek Radio has been playing in my house since I was a foetus.” Same Jamie, same here…
Article written by Tony Neophytou
Eurovision excitement continues as Greece releases this year’s act with Greek TV bosses confirming that Amanda Georgiadi Tenfjord will be their representing artist.
This year, the Eurovision Song Contest takes place in Turin, at PalaOlimpico and the 25-year-old, who is studying to be a doctor, is a half Greek and half Norwegian singer-songwriter, born in Ioannina, Greece and raised in Norway.
The song, “Die Together” has the sounds of a strong, melodic electro-pop ballad with emotional overtones which seem to cut deep. It’s a break-up song about a genuine relationship that’s expected to tear at the heart-strings.
Amanda has co-written the track with fellow Norwegian producer and songwriter, Bjørn Helge Gammelsæterx and Amanda mixes modern pop, folk, electronic, alternative and ambient sounds.
LGR’s Eurovision fanatic, Tony Neophytou’s view is that “the song starts with an acapella section through a vocoder, which steadily builds up into a full-orchestral electro-pop ballad. The progression has its peaks and dynamic twists, causing intrigue and curiosity for the listener. The slow song then explodes to a grand orchestral feel as it progresses to its climatic finish. It is instantaneous with its catchy chorus, which a competition song requires.”
He added, “The singer and songwriter ballad feels honest and sincere. Amanda is a likeable soloist and incredibly authentic, with a well-made, intimate tune. The minimalist stripped-back acapella builds patiently into the explosive, orchestration. This is a potential jury bait song with on-point vocals. Amanda is emoting a stirring intense ballad that has won lots of admirers in recent weeks.”
Tony Neophytou believes in Greece’s chances at a qualification spot: “Her soaring melodies combined with vocal hooks gives the tune that feel of a competitive package and a game-changer as Greece embarks on a Top 10 placement.“
He continued, “It is a sad, melancholic song with deep lyrics.”
Since it was released, many avid fans have interpreted its poignant lyrics to mean human bonds, the raging frontline, and conflict situations in the world now. The public reaction seems to give the track extra potency and powerful mileage.
Her immediate and direct lyrics is a sure asset in resonating intimately with the listener like, for example, when Amanda sings: “It’s been a hell of year, and we’ve been living in fear, close to giving up…”
Tony Neophytou also feels that the bridge section, with guitar, is almost uniquely dark and dramatic, with the verse, “Take my heart and rip it out, bring it to the other side”; a verse, she repeats four times, emphasising its blatant edgier undertones.
Tony says, “Amanda with a hauntingly beautiful, well-sung radio hit for the stage performance.”
The singer’s creative staging director is Fokas Evangelinos, a well-known figure in Eurovision circles, tasked with the elevation of her song. Her team says the “thoughtfully staged routine and emotional act” angles every single shot and frame as a captivating performance.
The official music video is filmed on the Greek island of Symi, as the backdrop to narrating Amanda’s song, which will be performed in slot number 15 of a running order of 17.
Greece competes in the Eurovision First Semi-Final which airs on 10th May on BBC Three. The Top 10 qualifying countries will advance to the Final on Saturday 14th May on BBC One.
London Greek Radio wishes Amanda and Greece the best of luck in the competition.
Article written by Tony Neophytou
Greek singer Andromache will represent Cyprus in the up-coming Eurovision Song Contest, which takes place at PalaOlimpico in Turin.
The 27-year-old newcomer’s full name is Andromachi Dimitropoulou and she was born in Germany and raised in Ilia, Greece.
CyBc made the official announcement along with the title of her entry ‘Ela’. The song is written by Alex Papaconstantinou, or Alex P, a Greek-Swedish producer, well-known in Eurovision circles.
He collaborates on the tune with Cypriot singer-songwriter Giorgos Papadopoulos, Arash, Eyelar Mirzazadeh, Fatjon Miftaraj, Filloreta Raci Fifi, Geraldo Sandell, Robert Uhlmann, Viktor Svensson and Yll Limani.
Cypriot TV bosses had been extremely tight-lipped about the entrant for weeks, choosing to announce the details and releasing its official music video on 9th March.
Cypriot chiefs have stuck to the successful formulae, of internally picking a singer and song-package with Andromache mixing traditional Greek folk and Byzantine, with modern music.
It’s is a mid-tempo song fusing Greek/Cypriot ethnic elements with modern production values. It is a solid, well-made ‘slow-tsifteteli’, with its English verse, and Greek choruses.
LGR’s Tony Neophytou said, “On first listening I felt really hypnotised, mainly because of its melodic riffs and Andromaches’ sultry presence and it’s good traits as a Eurovision song.
He added, “It is evoking Cypriot folklore music which has a veneer of authenticity to today’s music market.”
The track is an ethno song that embellishes the instrument of bouzouki and the flute which blends into the ensemble, giving this track a more modernised touch, mixing old and new.
With its catchy choruses and useful ‘Ela’ hook, the song is almost uniquely seductive and sung very well.
The percussions and the bouzouki add some magical reverie to the song.
Andromache’s music video to “Na Soun Psema” has accumulated millions of views on YouTube. Her current hit is “Vasano Mou” and other hits include “S’agapo”, “To Feggari” and “De Mporo”.
The whole Eurovision package from Cyprus, with the ethno-beat, helps to stand-out in a competitive field of some 18 songs in the semi-finals.
Andromache’s stage routine will ultimately drive the song’s fortunes at the contest.
Marvin Dietmann and Dan Shipton are responsible for the creative and artistic aesthetics that we will see. There are two female dancers – Despina Lagoudaki and Nefeli Theodotou assisting Andromache’s stage performance.
Tony Neophytou at LGR believes in Cyprus’s chances of qualifying, saying, “Ethnic songs do really well at this contest, especially ones with well-crafted melodies.
He continues, “The mid-tempo song is lively enough, which packs a fair bit of oomph. The sweet ornamented melody is driving the catchy hook-line. A pretty song, which is causual and laidback, which produces a nice result. Her ethereal vocal suits the floaty, airy light template, with its verse and chorus. Her “Aman” utterances, are, so sultry and pleasing… The potential exists of a real great stage act, which will help to elevate it as a radio song probably qualify it as a result.”
The official music video looks like a period set-piece with its old-century aesthetics.
Andromache is signed to Panik Records, whose roster includes former Eurovision predecessors such as Ivi Adamou, Demy, Eleni Foureira and Anna Vissi and Elena Tsagrinou.
Cyprus has a streak of six qualification songs to the finals, from 2015 to 2021 and the Cypriot delegation will be quietly optimistic about their chances at a seventh finalist.
Andromache performs in slot number 9 in the running order of 18.
Cyprus competes in the Eurovision Second Semi-Final which airs on Thursday 12th May on BBC Three. The Top 10 qualifying countries will advance to the Final on Saturday 14th May, on BBC One.
London Greek Radio wishes Andromache and Cyprus the best of luck in the Eurovision.
Article written by Tony Neophytou
LGR Club Nights coming soon…
One of the biggest Greek club nights in North London, which is celebrating its tenth year is back soon.
Its been two years since LGR’s 30th anniversary bash as a FM-licensed station at The Country Club, Trent Park, on November 2019.
LGR launched its debut Club Nights on Thursday 19th April 2012, with Cypriot singer Ivi Adamou, Cyprus’ former Eurovision entrant that year. Her performance, with London-Cypriot act Kyriacos Georgiou had wowed over 500 club-spectators…
LGR event DJs and music acts have performed throughout its ten-year reign. The leading-stars-of-Greek music Stan and Kelly Kelekidou, Giorgos Mais, Valentinos Valeas and home-grown talented, G3orge-e, Mixalis Theodosiou, Elizabeth Chapman, and Iphigenia Loucaides have all featured.
LGR Club Nights are celebrating 10 years. 2012 – 2022.
Check back for all of the latest information about our next event, which is coming real soon!
LGR 103.3 FM London, lgr.co.uk, or DAB+ in Birmingham, London, Manchester, via LGR App and smart speaker, ”Play London Greek Radio”
Article written by London Greek Radio
Eurovision excitement has already started with Greece announcing this year’s Eurovision act.
Greek TV bosses have confirmed that Amanda Tenfjord – real name Amanda Georgiadis – will be representing their nation.
This year, the Eurovision Song Contest takes place in Turin, at PalaOlimpico, in May.
The 25-year-old, who is studying to be a doctor, is a half Greek and half Norwegian singer-songwriter, born in Ioannina, Greece. She was raised in Norway.
Her Eurovision song is described as a strong, melodic and modern ballad with emotional overtones which cut deep. It’s a break-up song about a genuine relationship that’s expected to tear at the heart-strings.
Amanda has co-written the song with fellow Norwegian producer and songwriter, Bjørn Helge Gammelsæterx. Her vocal has a latent self-doubt, fragile vulnerability, which works well with such emotional songs. This, coupled with the slow-introspective song-style, seems to suit Amanda.
As a versatile artist, Amanda mixes modern pop, folk, electronic, alternative and ambient moods.
ERT, Greece’s national broadcaster, listened to an estimated 40 songs from 28 artists. The seven-member Greek jurors’ were solely given the task of assessing each of the applicant’s song merits and its potential Eurovision success.
The music experts were Dimitris Papadimitriou, composer, and President of its internal selection, Maria Kozakou, Fotis Apergis, Peter Adam, Giannis Petridis, Konstantinos Bourounis and Leonidas Antonopoulos.
Eurovision jurors whittled down the original entrants to just five short-listed finalists, formally announcing Amanda’s “beautiful” ballad, as the outright favourite, last December.
Amanda beat off the other four finalists in a highly competitive selection, who were, Good Job Nicky (Nikola Varthakouri) – the son of legendary singer Yiannis Parios, Ilias Kozas – lead frontman of Koza Mostra, pop-rock fusion artist Joanna Drigo and Entehno-styled singer Lou Is, or Louiza Sofianopoulou.
The Eurovision song and its song title too will be officially released alongside the music video by director, Kostas Karydas, in the coming weeks.
Amanda’s Eurovision circles confirmed that Fokas Evangelinos, a legendary creative director in Eurovision, will be responsible for the staging concept.
She has already had several television appearances and toured the European festival circuit. In 2017, Amanda was the recipient of a Role Model Award, in the Scandinavian, Nordic By:Larm music festival awards.
Amanda released her debut EP ‘First Impression’ and her most-streamed song on Spotify is ‘Then I Fell In Love’, which has racked up over 1.5 million views. In 2020, Netflix featured her song ‘Troubled Water’, in the series Spinning Out.
Last year’s Greek Eurovision act Stefania earned a Top 10 finish with a Dimitris Kontopoulos and Arcade production, ‘Last Dance’.
The Eurovision Song Contest takes place in Turin at PalaOlimpico and spans two mid-week Semi-Finals and a Final on Saturday 14th May 2022.
Greece competes in the first Semi-Final, on Tuesday 10th May, with only 10 acts advancing on the night.
Make sure you regularly return to lgr.co.uk to hear all the latest Eurovision news and by tuning into London Greek Radio on FM, on digital, via the LGR App and Smart Speaker, ‘Play London Greek Radio’.
Article written by Tony Neophytou
Cypriot singer Konstantina released the charity song called “Antipera Oxthi” in aid of CyBC’s 2021 Radiomarathonios.
Her sweet mid-tempo ballad is written off to Cypriot composer Stalo Georgiou and lyricist Fanis Anastasiou.
The song is accompanied by the music video filmed in Pano Lefkara, in Larnaca. It’s visually aesthetically beautiful with its picturesque village.
Konstantina is driving the video performance forward with Taksidi Sti Siopi, the nation’s official sign-language school.
The people from the school and even Konstantina sing-along-to-the verses and choruses, with the medium of sign-language throughout the various parts of the song’s music video.
Its songwriter Stalo Georgiou’s participation, in the signing sequences to the music video is furthermore, a lovely touch.
Credits:
Singer: Konstantina
Music: Stalo Georgiou
Lyrics: Fani Anastasiou
Music Production: Christos Moralis
Video Production: Stefanos Zrika
Sign-language School: Taksidi Sti Siopi
Article written by London Greek Radio
Stath Lets Flats, with its quaint eccentric humour and a Greek, Cypriot twist…
The BAFTA TV-winning agency comedy will begin in October, series 3 will pick up events following the series two cliffhanger, with the family agency in jeopardy.
Channel 4 renewed the so-called “British Cypriot” comedy for a third series in the autumn of 2020, following a BAFTA TV winning streak.
At the time, London Cypriot creator and star-of-the-show “Stath” Jamie Demetriou commented: “This is lovely. I love Channel 4. Thanks so much for having us back for a series three. Sorry the title is still hard to say. Love Jamie Demetriou from Stalph Les Flav”.
Series two of the sitcom won three BAFTA TV Awards: Best Male Actor in a comedy, for lead star Jamie Demetriou; Best Writer of a Comedy, also for Demetriou; and the programme itself won the award for Best Scripted Comedy.
Also returning are Demetriou’s sister, Natasia (What We Do In The Shadows), Al Roberts (King Gary), Christos Stergioglou (Dogtooth), Katy Wix (Ghosts), Kiell-Smith-Bynoe (Ghosts) and Ellie White (The Other One).
Comedy actors Charlie Cooper (This Country), Julia Davis (Gavin and Stacey) and David Avery (We Are Lady Parts) will all be joining the third series.
Davis will guest in one episode as Kris, Carole’s belittling and snobbish sister. Meanwhile Avery plays Bambos, Stath’s flash barber cousin; and Cooper plays Gregory, a lettings agent who is “passionately devoted to his wife and runs a rival agency called Live Love Lets”.
Jamie Demetriou said, “Times are the worst they have been in living memory, but fear not, a sitcom about a lettings agency is back for a third series! All the characters (bar a few who had availability issues) are back and saying stuff aaaall over again! Get ready to hear what they say!
“Listen closely and you might even hear a thing or two from some new celebrated guest stars. Did somebody say… the whole England football team? No, it’ll be comedy actors!”
The third series is set to pick up following the season two cliffhanger, which saw Stath tasked with rescuing the family business, Michael & Eagle, in addition to facing up the terrible state of his love life.
Ash Atalla, managing director of the show’s production company Roughcut TV, said: “We’re so happy to bring STATH back and welcome the new cast. The audition process was nine months of actually letting flats so we have high hopes for the new series.”
Stath Lets Flats returns to Channel 4 at 10:15pm on Tuesday 26th October.
Article written by London Greek Radio
