London Greek Radio

The seven acts in the running to represent Greece at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 have been revealed.

The acts were shortlisted from 106 entries received by ERT following a request for submissions last year.

The winner will be chosen by a combination of jury panel and audience vote.

The voting is split into (i) a 7-persons jury panel, and (ii), a 70-person ‘Audience Committee’.

2,982 fanatic fans have responded to sit as “audience”, places were allocated through a random draw. The lucky 70 individuals were placed into ‘focus groups’ strictly according to age demographics. Its share of the vote is 50.6%, while jurists, other 49.4%. The “audience” have spoken and cast their verdict at a voting session held last month, in Athens.

Greek bosses are teasing fans about its Eurovision 2024 plans, meanwhile. ERT’s president Konstantinos Zoulas, speaking in December said, “we are planning something more, than a national final or ethnikos telikos, (translated)” for next year.

Take a look at the contenders below.

Antonia Kaouri & Maria Maragkou – “Shout Out!” 
Konstantina Iosifidou – “We are Young”
Klavdia – “Holy Water”
Leon of Athens – “Somewhere to Go”
Melissa Mantzoukis – “Liar” 
Monika – “I’ m Proud”
Victor Vernicos – “What They Say”

Updated: 19/01/2023 (Top 3 finalists) 

Antonia Kaouri & Maria Maragkou, Melissa Mantzoukis, Victor Vernicos 

Antonia Kaouri and Maria Maragkou’s entry is an English-language ‘up-tempo pop-rock’ song. Antonia is a former Voice of Greece act and Maria, a Greek actress.

Konstantina Iosifidou is a 22-year-old, former contestant on The Voice of Greece. “We Are Young” is an English-language ‘rock-pop ballad’.

Klavdia, is a newcomer artist and a former contestant, on The Voice of Greece. “Holy Water” is a ‘slow, melodic ballad’, with a social-conscience lyric. She’s working with Arcade, a team of music producers, who as co-writers of Greece’s entry in 2021, have Eurovision pedigree, too.

Leon of Athens is a recording artist and songwriter. The entry here is ‘up-tempo’ 80’s synth pop. He worked on the final version of this song, with singer and songwriter David Sneddon, who he co-wrote “Better Love” (Greece, 2019), with too. He co-writes it with Katerine Duska. Their latest single/duet “Babel” is a radio-friendly hit, on LGR.

Melissa Mantzoukis, 18-year-old German-Greek singer, she was a finalist on the “Deutschland sucht den Superstar” the German equivalent to Pop Idol. It is a mainstream song, which is ‘up-tempo pop-dance’ about female empowerment. The songwriters from Greece and the Netherlands.

Monika – real name Monica Christodoulou, is a singer-songwriter . Monika wrote the original soundtrack to “The Lost Daughter” recently, which means she is causing waves on the world-stage, too. “I’m Proud”, is ‘melodic’ and ‘mid-tempo’.

Victor Vernicos is a part-Danish/Greek singer-songwriter. The song is a ‘mid-tempo ballad’ and ’emotional’, about human stress and anxiety. Victor’s unique vocal timbre may be an asset, too. At just 16-years-old, Victor shows a lot of maturity.

Greek bosses will meet with artists and representatives from their record labels to assess their plans, before finalising their scores. As in recent years, the record label’s plans for Eurovision have been an important part of the final decision.

The Eurovision semi-finals are airing on 9th and 11th May and the grand final is on May 13th at Liverpool Arena.

Published: 22/01/2023

London Greek Radio Top 40 Songs.

The definitive Chart rundown this December 2022.

This month’s biggest, most in demand hit songs.

1 Konstantinos Argiros – Afou Se Vrika De S’ Afino
2 Giorgos Kakosaios – Kane Mas Tin Hari
3 Nikos Oikonomopoulos – Prepi Den Prepi
4 Natasa Theodoridou – Perifania Mono
5 Konstantinos Argiros feat. Light – Iliovasilema
6 Ilias Vrettos – Se Kapio Minima
7 Christina Salti – Savvato [NEW]
8 Aspa – Ela
9 Ilias Vrettos – Os To Apeiro
10 Nikos Vertis – Zise

11 Nikos Makropoulos – O Vardaris Stin Athina
12 Elli Kokkinou – Gia Fantasou
13 Katy Garbi feat. Thodoris Ferris – Ola Sta Katalogizo
14 Giorgos Papadopoulos & Elkana Marziano – Katalaveno (Katn Alenu)
15 Petros Iakovidis – Na Na Na Tragoudo Gia Sena [NEW]
16 Dimos Anastasiades – S’ Agapao Akoma
17 Christos Menidiatis – Dinata Mazi [NEW]
18 Anna Vissi feat. Daphne Lawrence – Aima
19 Anastasia – Mystiko [NEW]
20 Panos Kiamos x Oge – De Se Vlepo (Apopse Vazo Terma)

21 Sakis Rouvas feat. Deevibes – Hronia Polla
22 Michalis Hatzigiannis – Esi Ise Pano Ap’ Ola
23 Josephine – Pirkaya
24 Despina Vandi – Hristougenna
25 Giorgos Mazonakis feat. Arash – Tora Tora (Boro Boro)
26 Christos Mastoras – Ego Gia Dyo (20 Hronia Eleana Vrachali, Paidi Diko Sou)
27 Anna Vissi feat. Daphne Lawrence – Aima
28 Eleni Foureira x Dj Bobito (Ft. Ayman) – El Telephone
29 Panos Kiamos – Tha Me Zitas (Tha Apousiazo)
30 Helena Paparizou x Marseaux x Joanne – Katse Kala (Arcade Remake)

31 llias Kampakakis – Vrohi [NEW]
32 Helena Paparizou – Fevgo [NEW]
33 Giorgos Kakosaios – Einai Christougenna… Giafto
34 Giorgos Sabanis – Poios Ticheros
35 Triantafyllos – Se Pairno Gia Na Sou Po
36 Anna Vissi – Kala Xristougenna
37 Stamatis Gonidis x Marley – Monos Mou Boro [NEW]
38 Melisses – Crayon [NEW]
39 Helena Paparizou – Christougenna Xana
40 Panos Psaltis – Tha Vreis Pollous

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London Greek Radio Top 40 Songs.

The definitive Chart rundown this month October 2022.

This months biggest, most in demand hit songs.

1 Giorgos Mazonakis feat. Arash – Tora Tora (Boro Boro)
2 Konstantinos Argiros – Afou Se Vrika De S’ Afino
3 Nikos Vertis – Zise
4 Ilias Vrettos – Os To Apeiro
5 Konstantinos Argiros feat. Light – Iliovasilema
6 Panos Kiamos – Tha Me Zitas (Tha Apousiazo)
7 Katy Garbi feat. Thodoris Ferris – Ola Sta Katalogizo
8 Dimos Anastasiades – S’ Agapao Akoma
9 Giorgos Kakosaios – Kane Mas Tin Hari
10 Nikos Oikonomopoulos – Oso Tipota Se Thelo

11 Giorgos Papadopoulos & Elkana Marziano – Katalaveno (Katn Alenu)
12 Petros Iakovidis – Odos Tsimiski
13 Giorgos Sabanis – Gennimeni
14 Konstantinos Argiros – Eleftheros
15 Anastasia – Ligo Ligo
16 Josephine – Kyma Mou
17 Eleni Foureira x Dj Bobito (Ft. Ayman) – El Telephone
18 Anna Vissi feat. Daphne Lawrence – Aima
19 Nikos Makropoulos – Den Pierazi [NEW]
20 Ivi Adamou – Agoraki Mou

21 Josephine – Tilefono
22 Helena Paparizou x Antique – Ti Ti (+ TimeSwap Remix)
23 Katerina Liolou – Mi Rotas Tous Allous
24 Nikiforos – Pes Mou Pou Tha Me Pas [NEW]
25 Petros Iakovidis – Esena Mono [NEW]
26 Christos Mastoras – Ego Gia Dyo (20 Hronia Eleana Vrachali, Paidi Diko Sou) [NEW]
27 Stamatis Gonidis – Esy Rotas
28 Nikos Apergis & Malu – Poso Poso [NEW]
29 Michalis Hatzigiannis – Esi Ise Pano Ap’ Ola [NEW]
30 Helena Paparizou x Marseaux x Joanne – Katse Kala (Arcade Remake) [NEW]

31 Triantafyllos – Se Pairno Gia Na Sou Po
32 Aspa – Ela [NEW]
33 Morfoula – Esena Mono
34 Giorgos Sabanis – Poios Ticheros [NEW]
35 Ivi Adamou – Rikse Mou [NEW]
36 Natasa Theodoridou – Den Ntrapikes
37 Vasilis Karras feat. Giorgos Kakosaios – Foitites
38 Josephine – Pirkaya [NEW]
39 Nafsika – Misi Kardia [NEW]
40 Panos Psaltis – Tha Vreis Pollous

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A charity song has been recorded for Radiomarathon 2022, the annual children in need appeal in Cyprus.

The song, ‘I Leoforos Tis Zois’ is sung by Andros Andreou, with music by Stalo Georgiou and its lyrics by Vasilis Panayi, a presenter and producer at London Greek Radio.

Its musicians are Antonis Maestros, Nektarios Kouris (violin), Andros Andreou, Nektarios Kouris (lute), Andros Andreou (guitar), and Savvas Ignatius (piano).

The track was recently produced at Efthivoulos Theocharous Music Productions and its official music video was released earlier this month.

A Radiomarathon Centre is located in Enfield, North London, which helps young adults and children with learning difficulties, which has been supported by LGR over the years, in its fundraising activities.

For further information about the centre and its activities, radiomarathon.co.uk.

To find out more about Radiomarathon in Cyprus, head over to radiomarathonios.org.

LGR, the radio station you can trust, since 1989.

London Greek Radio Top 40 Songs.

The definitive Chart rundown this month September 2022.

This month’s biggest, most in demand hit songs.

1 Giorgos Mazonakis feat. Arash – Tora Tora (Boro Boro)
2 Panos Kiamos – Tha Me Zitas (Tha Apousiazo)
3 Nikos Vertis – Zise
4 Ilias Vrettos – Os To Apeiro 
5 Nikos Oikonomopoulos – Oso Tipota Se Thelo
6 Giorgos Sabanis – Gennimeni
7 Katy Garbi feat. Thodoris Ferris – Ola Sta Katalogizo 
8 Dimos Anastasiades – S’ Agapao Akoma
9 Konstantinos Argiros feat. Light – Iliovasilema
10 Giorgos Papadopoulos & Elkana Marziano – Katalaveno (Katn Alenu)

11 Eleni Foureira x Dj Bobito (Ft. Ayman) – El Telephone
12 Petros Iakovidis – Odos Tsimiski 
13 Despina Vandi – Ta Kalokairia Mou Misa
14 Konstantinos Argiros – Eleftheros 
15 Melisses – Gia Mena Vradiase 
16 Josephine – Kyma Mou
17 Giorgos Kakosaios – Kane Mas Tin Hari 
18 Anna Vissi feat. Daphne Lawrence – Aima
19 Nikos Makropoulos – Eho Erota Mazi Sou 
20 Ivi Adamou – Gia Sena 

21 Josephine – Tilefono
22 Helena Paparizou x Antique – Ti Ti (+ TimeSwap Remix)
23 Giorgos Livanis feat. Ayman – Sentoni 
24 Nikos Oikonomopoulos – Pali Gyrisa
25 Anastasia – Ligo Ligo
26 Stelios Rokkos & Ivi Adamou – Emeis [NEW]
27 Stamatis Gonidis – Esy Rotas
28 Konstantinos Argiros – Afou Se Vrika De S’ Afino [NEW]
29 Vasilis Karras feat. Giorgos Kakosaios – Foitites
30 Panos Psaltis – Tha Vreis Pollous 

31 Triantafyllos – Se Pairno Gia Na Sou Po
32 Aspa x Mad Clip – Oh No 
33 Morfoula – Esena Mono
34 Panos Kalidis – Vale Ta Kala Sou
35 Giannis Ploutarhos – Pos Tin Eheis Dei 
36 Natasa Theodoridou – Den Ntrapikes 
37 Katerina Liolou – Mi Rotas Tous Allous
38 Michalis Hatzigiannis & Tamta – Ekdromi
39 Ivi Adamou – Agoraki Mou
40 Nikos Apergis – Den Agapane Etsi

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London Autism Group Charity is launching a drop-in autism community café for the Greek & Cypriot community

The London Autism Group Charity are launching a new drop-in autism community café scheme for the Greek and Greek Cypriot community of London, although all people from any background are welcome.

The community café will be at the Cypriot Community Centre in Wood Green every last Saturday of the month, at 11am-1pm. The charity is having the brief launch ceremony on 29th October at 10.45am where there will be time to meet the team, answer questions and take some photos.

The scheme is aimed at anyone with an interest or connection with autism and neurodiversity, including Autistics (of any age), parents, carers and allies. It is entirely free, with biscuits, cakes, drinks and sensory toys available, and no pre-registration required.

Regarding what the initiative is trying to achieve, Charity lead, and co-lead of this initiative, Dr Chris Papadopoulos said: “Up to now, there haven’t been any clear and regular opportunities for Greek Autistics – and the wider Greek community – to regularly come together in a safe, inclusive place so they can meet others, relax in a friendly and welcoming space, and, really importantly, feel less isolated. This is really important because autism isn’t something that is very openly discussed in the Greek community, the result of which can mean that autistic people feel  misunderstood or rejected. So an initiative like this which has a clear focus on autism in the Greek community, and helps bring people together, can help with that.”

Ellie Kolatsi, a parent of an autistic child and co-lead of the initiative, said: “I am extremely excited to be involved in such a great initiative which is important to me and my family as my son is autistic. It is an opportunity for the Greek community who are autistic or carers of autistic people to connect with each other in a meaningful way. Our aim is to create a space for conversations to happen in a non-judgemental environment and where better than in the heart of our community, the Cypriot Community Centre. We are also fortunate to be able to share information and our experiences every first Thursday evening of the month on London Greek Radio who are also kindly supporting this initiative.”

Sophia Christophi, an autistic adult and co-lead of the initiative, said: “As a Greek Cypriot autistic adult, I have not had much opportunity to talk about autism within the community… until now! I am delighted to be part of this new initiative to help Greek and Greek Cypriots understand more about autism and to promote the social inclusion and acceptance of autistic people. It’s so important for people to have accurate information about autism, and we are fortunate to have a monthly All About Autism show on LGR where we will be discussing various autism-related topics. We extend our thanks to the Cypriot Community Centre for supporting the community café, which will be a great way of bringing people together.”

Dr Chris Papadopoulos – email: chris.papadopoulos@beds.ac.uk, tel: 07719021766
London Autism Group Charity – email: contact@londonautismgroupcharity.org, website: londonautismgroupcharity.org

UKTS’ celebrates International Thalassaemia Day 2022

On Sunday 8th May 2022, Grovelands Park in North London turned red by a sea of supporters who came to celebrate the charity’s work and raise awareness of the genetic blood condition Thalassaemia.

The 5km fun-run was initially planned to be a small local event to celebrate International Thalassaemia Day and it quickly exceeded expectations as interest grew. The event was also extended to the global population following requests from loved ones and colleagues aboard all wanting to support the charity’s work.

The day was enjoyed by over 300 supporters in the sunshine with over 100 signed up to run or walk.

Globally, it was supported by over 30 countries with participants opting to wear red, complete the distance and provide pictures of themselves which they proudly shared on social media platforms with the hopes of raising awareness and much needed funds.

Patrons Peter Polycarpou and Kypros Kyprianou together with Bambos Charalambous, MP for Enfield Southgate and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Thalassaemia not only supported the event but also participated by running the 5Km themselves!

They were joined at the starting line by Michael Yiakoumi (Parikiaki), Katerina Neocleous (London Greek Radio) Gabriel Theophanous (UKTS Chair), team members and supporters of the society.

The passion, commitment, and support of all the volunteers, supporters and the team were nothing short of amazing. UKTS received over £12,000.00 in donations, sponsorship and funds raised by patrons, volunteers, staff and supporters.

Due to the event’s success, many have requested that the UKTS make it an annual 5K!

Thalassaemia is a genetic blood disorder that affects the production of haemoglobin in red blood cells.

If you’re a carrier of Thalassaemia, it means that you carry one of the faulty genes that cause Thalassaemia, but you do not have the condition yourself.

Being a carrier is sometimes known as having the ‘Thalassaemia trait’ or having ‘Thalassaemia minor’.

If you carry Thalassaemia, you will never develop the condition, but you may sometimes experience mild anaemia. This is because your red blood cells are smaller than usual. However, if you and your partner are both carriers, there is a 25% chance in each pregnancy that the baby can inherit a severe form of Thalassaemia necessitating life-long blood transfusions and a daily rigorous treatment plan.

The NHS Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia screening programme tests all pregnant women in England for Thalassaemia; however, you can choose to get tested at any time.

Finding out your carrier status is simple and all it takes is a blood sample.

Anyone can be a carrier of Thalassaemia, but it’s much more common in people from certain ethnic backgrounds.

Thalassaemia mainly affects people who are from, or who have family members originally from the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Asia, South-east Asia, the Caribbean and South America.

UKTS recommends knowing you and your partner’s Thalassaemia carrier status.

London Greek Radio Top 40 Songs.

The definitive Chart rundown this month August 2022.

This month’s biggest, most in demand hit songs.

1 Konstantinos Argiros – Eleftheros
2 Giorgos Mazonakis feat. Arash – Tora Tora (Boro Boro)
3 Melisses – Gia Mena Vradiase 
4 Giorgos Sabanis – Gennimeni
5 Panos Kiamos – Tha Me Zitas (Tha Apousiazo)
6 Nikos Oikonomopoulos – Oso Tipota Se Thelo
7 Nikos Vertis – Zise
8 Josephine – Kyma Mou
9 Eleni Foureira x Dj Bobito (Ft. Ayman) – El Telephone
10 Katy Garbi feat. Thodoris Ferris – Ola Sta Katalogizo 

11 Giorgos Papadopoulos & Elkana Marziano – Katalaveno (Katn Alenu)
12 Konstantinos Argiros feat. Light – Iliovasilema [NEW]
13 Petros Iakovidis – Odos Tsimiski 
14 Ilias Vrettos – Os To Apeiro 
15 Dimos Anastasiades – S’ Agapao Akoma
16 Despina Vandi – Ta Kalokairia Mou Misa
17 Nikos Makropoulos – Eho Erota Mazi Sou
18 Giorgos Kakosaios – Kane Mas Tin Hari 
19 Anna Vissi feat. Daphne Lawrence – Aima
20 Vasilis Karras feat. Giorgos Kakosaios – Foitites

21 Ivi Adamou – Gia Sena 
22 Josephine – Tilefono
23 Aspa x Mad Clip – Oh No 
24 Helena Paparizou x Antique – Ti Ti (+ TimeSwap Remix)
25 Anastasia – Ligo Ligo
26 Nikos Oikonomopoulos – Pali Gyrisa
27 Panos Psaltis – Tha Vreis Pollous [NEW]
28 Konstantinos Tsahouridis – Ekripse I Nihta [NEW]
29 Natasa Theodoridou – Den Ntrapikes
30 Petros Iakovidis feat. Josephine – Geia Sou

31 Nikos Apergis – Den Agapane Etsi
32 Morfoula – Esena Mono
33 Katerina Liolou – Mi Rotas Tous Allous
34 Michalis Hatzigiannis & Tamta – Ekdromi
35 Giorgos Livanis feat. Ayman – Sentoni 
36 Triantafyllos – Se Pairno Gia Na Sou Po [NEW]
37 Elena Tsagrinou – Mykonos Kai Santorini
38 Giannis Ploutarhos – Pos Tin Eheis Dei 
39 Stamatis Gonidis – Esy Rotas [NEW]
40 Panos Kalidis – Vale Ta Kala Sou

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Cyprus clinched 16th place among 72 countries in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham earlier this month, winning 11 medals – two gold, three silver and six bronze.

The Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades took to Twitter congratulating Cyprus’ team medal haul, saying “Congratulations to our athletes for their excellent achievements and the 11 medals at the Commonwealth Games. Allow me to make a special reference to our ‘golden’ Elias Georgiou & Giorgos Balarsjishvili who raised our country to the highest podium.”

The Cyprus News Agency described Cyprus’ performance as “very satisfactory”, especially in view of the fact that there were no shooting events in Birmingham, where Cyprus had excelled at previous Commonwealth Games.

Georgios Balarjishvili won the gold in judo in the 66kg category, and Elias Georgiou also won the gold medal in gymnastics.

Anna Sokolova secured two silver medals in rhythmic gymnastics, and Sokratis Pilakouris one silver in gymnastics.

The six bronze medals were won by Alexandros Poursanidis in the hammer throw, Anna Sokolova in rhythmic gymnastics, plus the men’s gymnastics team (Marios Georgiou, Elias Georgiou, Georgios Angonas, Sokratis Pilakouris and Michalis Chari), also won bronze, and three bronze medals were won too by Marios Georgiou in gymnastics.

Team head Giorgos Papageorgiou told CNA that the team had achieved their target with the medals haul. Papageorgiou expressed great satisfaction saying that “a small island of one million population has managed to take 16th place among 72 countries, with 11 medals, two gold, three silver and six bronze.”

The Cypriot team celebrated their first ever Bronze medal, with a Cypriot-style feast at Birmingham-run Kouzina Greek.

Paul Polyviou, owner of Kouzina Greek, said: “It was an honour to welcome the Cyprus team to Kouzina and give them a taste of home here in Birmingham. It was an incredibly proud moment for Cyprus to win their first Bronze medal and I’m delighted that we were able to help them celebrate this momentous occasion”.

Cyprus has competed in ten previous Commonwealth Games, making their first appearance in 1978, and missing only one Games since, in 1986.

Birmingham handed over the Commonwealth Games mantle to the 2026 host, Melbourne.