London Greek Radio

London Cypriot Cancer Campaigner Dies Aged 32

Jo Georgiou, a young London Cypriot has died at the age of 32.

Jo passed away on 12th February after launching a public campaign against cancer and devoted her energy to raising awareness of her rare cancer diagnosis, fighting for changes to how patients are helped in terms of receiving the appropriate treatment.

Jo was diagnosed with Synovial Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer in August 2021. After a year and a half of chemotherapy, surgery and other treatments, she sadly succumbed to the disease.

Synovial Sarcoma is a cancer that can come from different types of soft tissue such as muscle or ligaments. It is often found in the arm, leg or foot, and near joints such as the wrist or ankle. Only about 1 to 3 individuals in a million people are diagnosed with this disease each year. It can occur at any age, but it is more common among teenagers and young adults. The exact cause isn’t clear.

Speaking to London Greek Radio in 2021, Jo underlined the ethos of her campaigning work as absolutely vital in raising public awareness, because it was sometimes perceived as taboo, especially for young people.

Jo said that her aims were: “For synovial sarcoma to be spoken about and made aware of especially as so many people go undetected for years – and it’s very common in young people. For cancer to not be taboo… And for people knowing that nothing will prepare you for chemotherapy and I wish there was a help or guide, where people sit 1 to 1, relaying what is going to happen. What to be prepared for. And what benefits they’re entitled to. There are benefits cancer patients are entitled to that aren’t offered unless requested.”

Jo Georgiou shared her story with LGR about how her Instagram account would be helping people in similar circumstances, and to offer some reassurance.

She said, “I started an Instagram journey of my life since my diagnosis, and it is amazing that people contact me to inform me I’m helping them. It means so much to me. I’m helping people who have loved ones going through it, people just starting chemo, and people in remission. People who’ve got other health issues to , even mental health. It’s incredible what sort of platform it’s become. My Instagram following isn’t big by all means, but it feels like a community is forming on there. In my time, if I do anything, id love to form a handbook. A real handbook for patients about to start chemo who’ve just been diagnosed. From one real person who’s been through it, hand over everything to a newbie… the challenges they’ll face could be helped if I can just make them aware and prepare them for what’s going to happen.”

Jo grew up in Larnaca, Cyprus and moved to London in 2004. She attended East Barnet School where she achieved her GCSEs and A-levels. After leaving school, Jo worked her way up from a Retail Sales Assistant to an Area Manager.

She passed away at the North London Hospice surrounded by her loved ones. She leaves behind her mother, sister, extended family and friends. Her funeral service was held at Green Acres in Epping Forest on 27th February.

LGR extend their condolences to her family and friends and thank Jo for being a passionate, tireless campaigner and inspiration to others with her bravery and spirit.

My Name Is Eftihia, a film about the life of the greatest Greek female lyricist is released in UK cinemas.

My Name is Eftihia, the 8-time Hellenic Academy-Award winning biographical drama, including Best Film, about the life and times of the Greek lyricist and songwriter Eftihia Papagiannopoulou is coming to the big screen across the UK on Friday, March 24!

The film narrates the life story of one of the most important Greek lyricists, Eftihia Papagianopoulou, whose songs rose to prominence in the 1950s and 1960s and still remain popular, and who wasn’t widely known or recognised until her death in the early 1970s.

It’s a great opportunity to gather family members and friends to experience this true story and moving film on the big screen.

A young girl, recently married, is traveling from Aidini to Greece with her mother and her two daughters. On board the ship she decides not to let life pass her by, but to live her own way. And she goes ahead! She writes endlessly wherever she can, on napkins and cigarette boxes, to bills. She smokes, she passionately falls in love, casually gambles in luxurious salons, but also in illegal basements. A teacher who becomes an actress and plays in streets and in theatres, a poet who becomes the greatest Greek folk songwriter. She collaborates with all the famous music personalities of the country, from Vassilis Tsitsanis and Apostolos Kaldaras to Manolios Ηiotis, Antonis Repanis and Manos Hadjidakis, bravely asserting herself to a cruel and typically male-dominated world.

Eftihia stands as the 5th highest grossing Greek film of all-time. The film is written by Katerina Bei, directed by Angelos Frantzis and starring Kariofilia Karabeti, Katia Goulioni, Pigmalion Dadakaridis, Thanos Tokakis and Dina Michailidou. EFTIHIA is produced by Tanweer Productions with Dionyssis Samiotis serving as Producer, alongside Costas Lambropoulos, Yiorgos Kiriakis and Natali Douka serving as Executive Producers.

Eftihia is a Tanweer Production with Co-producers: COSMOTE TV, Splendidway Universe, Viewmaster Films, and Executive Producers Viewmaster Films. With the support of EKOME.

In your local Cineworld, Odeon, and Vue Cinemas from March 24th.

Art House cinema Crouch End London from 31st of March.

Cineworld: Enfield, Wood Green
Everyman Cinema: Barnet
Odeon Cinema: Holloway, Lea Valley (Edmonton)
Vue Cinema: North Finchley, Harrow

As advertised on London Greek Radio.

#mynameiseftihia

Published: 24/03/2023

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LGR Club Nights returns on Saturday 22nd April for our biggest event to date, at the Country Club Trent Park.

London Greek Radio proudly presents Greekology with Greek star hit-maker Konstantinos Koufos live on on Saturday the 22nd of April at the Country Club Trent Park !

He’ll be joined by our very own DJ Andreas Michaelides who will be mixing the best Greek & English hits all night.

Doors to this unmissable event are open from 9.30pm until 3am.

This is a strictly over-18’s night and physical photo ID will be required for entry. Unfortunately, only physical proof of over-18 ID will be accepted.

Tickets are expected to sell fast, so to avoid disappointment, we advise that you secure your place now.

Head over now to (this link) for your tickets.

This event is sponsored by Souvlaki Delivered Southgate, Mortgages & More London, Hart Lounge & Andrews Shipping & Forwarding

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Published: 23.03.2023

Everyone at LGR was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Takis Fellas on Saturday 18th February 2023. He was 74.

He was one of the architects of HellasSat. A former director at London Greek Radio (LGR), and the Founder, and Managing Director of Hellenic TV, a digital channel broadcasting from studios in London.

He leaves behind his mother Paraskevou, sons Nikos and Thomas, and daughter Evi. And siblings Mary, Elenitsa, Androulla, Myroulla, Panagiotis and Giorgos.

A Greek Cypriot from Pano Zodeia, Astromeritis – in the occupied north of the island – came to London at a young age and attended Wood Green School. He studied at Aston University Birmingham, Surrey University and Manchester University. He obtained the qualifications BSc in Physics, MSc in Nuclear reactor technology and a Phd in Physics.

Speaking to Cyprus Mail, before his death, Mr Fellas recollected: “It was a momentous moment in the history of the Greek and Cypriot communities in the UK. As all the founding members huddled together in a small studio, the first Greek language television programme aired for three hours to thirteen homes in the Camden area, establishing Hellenic TV (HTV) as the first fully operating Greek language television channel outside of Greece and Cyprus.

“Since that historic day in 1990, HTV has evolved into a thriving digital platform…”

Chris Fellas was a firm believer in preserving and promoting the Cypriot and Greek cultural heritage in the UK and act as a bridge between the British Cypriot diaspora and Cyprus.

“I never imagined I would be making history when I first went out to accomplish my work. I enjoyed what I was doing, and I feel it is my duty to provide a platform that inspires people, especially the younger generation, to become ambassadors of Greece and Cyprus while growing up in the United Kingdom.”

The Church service will be held this morning at St Demetrius Greek Orthodox Church in North London, Edmonton. His body will be flown to Cyprus for the funeral and burial in the Cypriot village Astromeritis on March 16th.

Everyone at LGR extend their condolences to the family and we thank him for his services to our community.

Published: 13th March 2023

London Greek Radio Top 40 Songs.

The definitive Chart rundown this February 2023.

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

1 Nikos Oikonomopoulos – Prepi Den Prepi
2 Natasa Theodoridou – Perifania Mono
3 Konstantinos Argiros – Afou Se Vrika De S’ Afino
4 Nikos Vertis – Se Afisa Sto Xtes (Eisai Treli) [NEW] 
5 Anna Vissi – Gazoza [Radio Edit]
6 Giorgos Kakosaios – Kane Mas Tin Hari
7 Petros Iakovidis – Na Na Na (Tragoudo Gia Sena) 
8 Aspa – Ela
9 Giorgos Mazonakis – Pnigomai (Den Pnigomai) 
10 Thodoris Ferris – Terma [NEW] 

11 Anastasia – Mystiko
12 llias Kampakakis – Vrohi
13 Panos Kiamos x Oge – De Se Vlepo (Apopse Vazo Terma)
14 Melisses – Crayon
15 Giorgos Sabanis – Poios Ticheros
16 Nikos Makropoulos – O Vardaris Stin Athina
17 Dimos Anastasiadis – Ena Thelo Mporei
18 Christos Menidiatis – Dinata Mazi
19 Christos Cholidis – Mi Thimonis [NEW]
20 Konstantinos Argiros Feat. Konstantinos Tsahouridis – Matonoun Oi Skepseis 

21 Nikiforos – Erotas Ine [NEW]
22 Elli Kokkinou – Gia Fantasou
23 Christina Salti – Savvato 
24 Konstantinos Argiros feat. Sakis Rouvas – SoK [NEW]
25 Giorgos Kakosaios – I Nihta [NEW]
26 Giannis Ploutarhos – Pos Tin Eheis Dei
27 Christina Salti – Parallili Agapi [NEW]
28 Ilias Vrettos – Se Kapio Minima
29 Konstantinos Argiros Feat. Light – Iliovasilema
30 Paola – Na To Thymitheis 

31 Onirama – Metaniono [NEW]
32 Loukas Yorkas – S’ Efharisto [NEW]
33 Aspa – Palies Fotografies [NEW]
34 Stamatis Gonidis x Marley – Monos Mou Boro
35 Antonis Remos – Na Ksanametriso [NEW]
36 Michalis Hatzigiannis – Esi Ise Pano Ap’ Ola
37 Giorgos Papadopoulos – Den Mas Horizoune [NEW]
38 Charis Savva – Distihos [NEW]
39 Giannis Livanis – Enas Alitis Eimai [NEW]
40 Michalis Hatzigiannis – Me Ponaei [NEW]

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Cypriot music star swaps his mic for a seat at cabinet, “as a patriot”, to serve his nation.    

The Cypriot President-elect Nikos Christodoulides has revealed that the singer Michalis Hatzigiannis has been appointed the Deputy Minister of Culture of his incoming administration.

The renowned Cypriot singer, songwriter and producer Hatzigiannis, is known to be a staunch patriot and is conscious of his parents’ background, as refugees.

Born in Nicosia in 1978, his parents are refugees from occupied Kyrenia.

“I accepted the proposal, because I wanted to help my country as much as possible”, (translated). Michalis said.

The award-winning artist debuted his first album in 2000, “Paraxenia Giorti”, with countless albums and hits under his belt.

Hatzigiannis has been a relevant force in the Greek music context, of Cyprus and Greece for many years, and furthermore, his latest releases, showing he is still top-of-his game.

Michalis had flown the Cypriot flag in the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest, which was staged in Birmingham, with a song called “Genesis.”

It’s been ten years since his performance in London at a LGR and Privé Events production. Michalis wowed a sold-out crowd at Camden Town’s Koko, with London being one of his favourite stops.

Hatzigiannis is entering the world of politics, at a time when still producing new music. The current single, “Me Ponaei”, a melodic ballad, recently, entered LGR’s website chart.

The question remains: is his ‘conversion’ to politics only a short-term exercise? Has this spelt a change of careers, will we ever hear a Hatzigiannis new song (again)? Will he be using his position to elevate the prestige of Eurovision to his compatriots? Time will tell.

In the words of his Eurovision banger, it’s a new “beginning”, into adult politics that’s for sure.

Published: 04/03/2023

Picture source: Michalis Hatzigiannis, Koko, Camden Town, 2013. LGR & Privé Events 

London Greek Radio Top 40 Songs.

The definitive Chart rundown this January 2023.

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

1 Natasa Theodoridou – Perifania Mono
2 Nikos Oikonomopoulos – Prepi Den Prepi
3 Ilias Vrettos – Se Kapio Minima
4 Giorgos Kakosaios – Kane Mas Tin Hari
5 Anna Vissi – Gazoza [NEW] 
6 Konstantinos Argiros – Afou Se Vrika De S’ Afino
7 Nikos Makropoulos – O Vardaris Stin Athina
8 Petros Iakovidis – Na Na Na (Tragoudo Gia Sena) 
9 Giorgos Mazonakis – Pnigomai (Den Pnigomai) [NEW]
10 Michalis Hatzigiannis – Esi Ise Pano Ap’ Ola

11 Anastasia – Mystiko
12 llias Kampakakis – Vrohi
13 Panos Kiamos x Oge – De Se Vlepo (Apopse Vazo Terma)
14 Melisses – Crayon
15 Giorgos Sabanis – Poios Ticheros
16 Christina Salti – Savvato
17 Christos Menidiatis – Dinata Mazi
18 Aspa – Ela
19 Dimos Anastasiadis – Ena Thelo Mporei [NEW]
20 Konstantinos Argiros x Konstantinos Tsahouridis – Matonoun Oi Skepseis [NEW]

21 Ilias Vrettos – Os To Apeiro
22 Elli Kokkinou – Gia Fantasou
23 Eleni Foureira x Dj Bobito (Ft. Ayman) – El Telephone
24 Stamatis Gonidis x Marley – Monos Mou Boro
25 Helena Paparizou x Marseaux x Joanne – Katse Kala (Arcade Remake)
26 Anna Vissi Feat. Daphne Lawrence – Aima
27 Josephine – Pirkaya
28 Konstantinos Argiros Feat. Light – Iliovasilema
29 Paola – Na To Thymitheis [NEW]
30 Giorgos Papadopoulos – Katalaveno (Katn Alenu)

31 Panos Psaltis – Tha Vreis Pollous
32 Christos Mastoras – Ego Gia Dyo (20 Hronia Eleana Vrachali, Paidi Diko Sou)
33 Katy Garbi feat. Thodoris Ferris – Ola Sta Katalogizo
34 Dimos Anastasiades – S’ Agapao Akoma
35 Nikos Vertis – Zise
36 Giannis Ploutarhos – Pos Tin Ehei Dei
37 Petros Iakovidis – Mono Esena
38 Giorgos Livanis – Osa Eho Zise
39 Katerina Lioliou – To Katerinaki Sou 
40 Triantafyllos – Se Pairno Gia Na Sou Po

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website: lgr.co.uk
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Greece has selected Victor Vernicos Jorgensen as the act to represent the nation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 at the Liverpool arena.

The talented 16-year-old singer-songwriter who is of Greek-Danish descend, born in Athens, is the youngest Greek act ever to compete.

“What They Say”, is a mid-tempo, melodic ballad. He describes it as “emotional” and heart-felt. The lyrics are about anxiety and stress.

Mr Vernicos said his song was written from his own experiences, feelings of anxiety and stress he felt once.

Victor won the coveted ticket to Eurovision through its internal selection, which announced its decision last month. He was chosen after combining votes from the ERT jury and the audience committee.

The Eurovision mix to the song is being recorded with a producer Vangelis Yalamas, at Modern Music Arts Studio, in Glyfada. The date of its release and the official video-clip is expected in March.

He is signed up to Panik Records, who will release the single soon.

“This is my favourite song”, Victor said about his entry, and we are guessing he is super-excited to have saved it as his Eurovision song.

LGR’s Eurovision fanatic, Tony Neophytou said: “Victor is a singer-songwriter with a deep, unique vocal-timbre and a self-penned song which arises from innate feelings, too, with a linear of authenticity and honesty, which could be assets”.

Mr Vernicos strongly believes in the song’s merits, with optimistic remarks about its chances to win. “I think it’s admirable to have a ‘competitive spirit’,” LGR’s reviewer reckons. “The semi-finals are very competitive this year, it’s 100% televoting, a strong staging and a good song helps a lot”.

In Mr Neophytou’s view, “Victor is a likeable artist, very focused with a positive mindset, which bodes well for the song’s fate.”

He released a song “Hope It’s In Heaven” at the age of just 14. Victor was then signed to Royal Music and 25/7 Management. Last year, Victor released his official debut song as a professional artist “Fake Club”.

Victor was taught piano at the age of 4-years-old, vocal (8) and guitar lessons (10) . Victor then went into music production and has been writing his own songs since he was 11. He has been editing the production of his own music and in attendance of Music Technology classes.

You can follow his Eurovision adventure on instagram @victorvernicos.

Greece will compete in the first half of the second semi-final in Liverpool on May 11th. The Top 10 qualifiers are through to the final on May 13th at the M&S Bank Arena.

London Greek Radio wishes Victor and Greece the best of luck in the competition.

The “voice of the Cypriot countryside”, traditional singer Kyriakou Pelagia died on Saturday at the age of 86, her relatives announced on social media.

Known as Mastorissa, as her colleagues called her for her unique interpretation of Cypriot folk songs, Pelagia had given another dimension to the genre bringing youth closer to folk music.

Government officials, political parties as well as the general public expressed their condolences to the family while praising the Cypriot singer’s voice and character.

“Kyriakou Pelagia was the voice of tradition,” the office of the president-elect Nikos Christodoulides said in a statement.

“[She] was loved by the world like few other traditional singers because of her unique voice, her special interpretation, spontaneity, simplicity and ethics, inspiring and paving the way for younger performers to become involved in traditional Cypriot singing,” the statement added.

In his own tweet, the outgoing president Nicos Anastasiades said Pelagia’s death is a “great loss for the culture of our country”.

“With her voice and the Cypriot folk song, she succeeded in teaching the Cypriot culture to our young people,” he added.

“The Cypriot tradition is poorer as of today,” the Green Party said earlier in the day.

Traditional song performer Michalis Hadjimichael also shared a small farewell poem on Facebook for his former collaborator, highlighting the great loss in the music world.

Born in Paralimni on July 8, 1936, Pelagia was the daughter of the traditional singer Damianos Kouzalis and Maria Koutsoluka who had an appreciation of traditional songs.

The singer is known for her major hits Ipa sou htenistou lion and Pertidji mou mitsostomo, the result of her collaboration with Hadjimichael in his musical group Mesogios.

Pelagia was excellent both in singing but also tsatisma and poetry. In 1987 she published the poetry collection Cypriot Verse.

Her funeral was held at the Ayios Georgios church in Paralimni, presided by Bishop Vasilios of Constantia and Famagusta after people were allowed to pay their respects earlier on Sunday afternoon.

Before the start of the funeral procession, musicians sang the traditional Cypriot song “Ta Niata”. The eulogy was delivered on behalf of the family by her granddaughter, Solia Pelagia, Deputy Minister of Culture Yiannis

Toumazis on behalf of the President of the Republic, the Mayor of Paralimni Theodoros Pyrillis and Michalis Hadjimichael on behalf of the artists’ community.

Also attending were transport minister Yiannis Karousos, Disy leader Averof Neophytou and other officials.

Referring to her grandmother, Solia Pelagia said: “You kept talking to us about your two great loves. One was the house in Varosha. You left my grandmother with the sorrow of not returning to your home. Your other great love, which you talked to us about constantly, was tradition. You loved music very much. You made us proud and with your melodious voice you left us your songs, a huge cultural heritage. You were loved by many people.”

Toumazis described the singer as “a genuine traditional performer” and “the voice of the Cypriot countryside”.

“Kyriakou Pelagia belongs to the category of people who make use of the natural gifts with which they are endowed, but also what they managed to develop during their lives for the benefit of society,” he added.

The procession from the church to the local cemetery in Paralimni was accompanied by violins and lutes. The funeral costs were borne by the municipality to honour the late singer.

She had two sons and a daughter with her husband Georgios.

LGR express their condolences to Kyriakou Pelagia’s family and friends.

Cyprus has confirmed that Andrew Lambrou as the act to represent the nation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 at Liverpool Arena.

The 24-year-old Australian-born Cypriot singer-songwriter was internally selected with the announcement made in October.

Andrew is represented by his New York based Saiko Management.

In a video published on his social media, Andrew said, “(I am) proud of (my) Cypriot heritage roots” and recently made his first-ever promo-tour to Cyprus.

Cypriot chiefs confirmed that Andrew has already recorded the song to represent Cyprus in Stockholm recently.

The Swedish songwriters are well-known in Eurovision circles, namely Thomas Stengaard, Jimmy “Joker” Thornfeldt, Jimmy Jansson and Marcus Winther-John.

It was reported that the song was written to suit Andrew’s vocal and is a rather vocally-demanding song, requiring his full skills as a singer to be on-point.

Lambrou said he is focused on working on the stage craft specifics, aiming to deliver a slick and aesthetically-pleasing act. Meanwhile, Austrian creative director Martin Dietmann, elevates the song’s chances in terms of its stage presentation.

The date for the release of the song has not been announced, leaving fans in eager anticipation.

LGR’s Eurovision fanatic, Tony Neophytou said, “My first reaction is that Andrew seems like a likeable, disciplined and talented soulful-artist, with really nice vocals.”

He added, “He requires a well-made competitive tune, especially given how the stakes are even higher now with purely tele-voting semi-finals shaking things up. It’ll be exciting to follow all of the moments leading up to the contest in Liverpool.”

Born in Sydney to Greek Cypriot parents, Andrew has always been passionate about his music. He learnt piano at school, and at just 5-years-of age he won first place in a competition at his AMS Music School, singing “Do-Re-Mi” from The Sound of Music.

He originally sung his way to relative stardom, covering the likes of Evanescence, Harry Styles, Camilla Cabello and Sam Smith..

In 2015, when Andrew was just 17-years-old, he finished in the top 20 in The X Factor Australia. This included a stop-over in London at the five-seat challenge with his mentor, singing legend, Chris Isaak where he performed in front of music mogul Simon Cowell and pop star Rita Ora.

That same year, he was noticed by Sony ATV and was signed by Maree Hamblion. His debut single, “Throne”, was released in 2021, with follow-up singles “Lemonade”, “Confidence” and “Electrify”.

Lambrou was a finalist at “Eurovision: Australia Decides” last year, equipping the young man with some incredibly useful insights into this competition.

You can follow Andrew on Instagram @andrew_lambrou, where he already boasts almost 500k followers. Andrew was doing impressive TikTok numbers before announcing Eurovision, now at 700k followers and climbing.

Cypriot bosses are keen to recover from the setback of finishing 12th with Andromache last year, narrowly losing its place at the final.

The Cypriot delegation which comprises Evi Papamichail, assistant, Alexia Moutafidou, and its Head of Press Andreas Anastasiou are quietly confident of their chances at reviving Cypriot fortunes, in the competition.

Cyprus is competing in Semi-Final 2 on May 11th and aiming at progression to the final on May 13th at Liverpool Arena.

London Greek Radio wishes Andrew and the Cypriot delegation the best of luck.