London Greek Radio

The Top 100 “Best Songs” of 2020 on LGR

LGR announces the “Best Songs of 2020” after whittling down from 100’s of really great songs…

We kick off our end of 2020 music coverage with LGR’s favourite songs, with our listeners, radio presenters/producers, and play-lists comprised the Chart rundown. “The list has been whittled down from a not very shortlist of 100’s of song releases. This is the “definitive” Chart rundown…” LGR’s Tony Neophytou explained.

“LGR play-lists and music have been fantastic, with different styles and genres. The feel-good moments that shone a light in a dark year. Modern Laika, Greek Pop, Laikes Mpalantes, Zeimbekika, melodic and up-tempo have been impressive”. Tony said.

Have your favourite artists and songs made it to the Chart…?  

Zeimbekiko favourite Konstantinos Argiros with ‘Athina Mou’ was a lockdown theme song for our fellow-Athenians, with its poignant lyrics and emotional bouzouki.  The up-tempo banger Natasa Theodoridou’s ‘Paradokitha Se Sena’ shot straight to the top 10 of the chart.  The inspired-duets, father-and-daughter Yianna Terzi and Paschalis Terzis, with modern-folk song ‘Gia Sena’ was another listener favourite. Stamatis Gonidis and Ioulia Kalimeni released the highly requested ‘Gynaika Einai’, just weeks before the year ended. Nikos Vertis and Amir, with ‘I Lexi S’ Agapo’ turned on charm factor with the Greek-French linguistic ballad.

London Greek Radio, with best new music and modern classics, to timeless favourites, on the original station you know. The tunes you trust.

1 Konstantinos Argiros – Athina Mou
2 Yianna Terzi Feat. Paschalis Terzis – Gia Sena
3 Nikos Vertis Feat. Amir – I Lexi S’ Agapo
4 Stamatis Gonidis & Ioulia Kallimani – Gynaika Einai
5 Petros Iakovidis – Sagapao Sou Fonaksa
6 Natasa Theodoridou – Paradothika Se Sena
7 Giorgos Sabanis – Agria Thalassa
8 Melisses – Misi Kardia
9 Michalis Hatzgiannis – Min Argeis
10 Giorgos Sabanis Feat. Panos Katsimihas – Afto Pou Agapas
11 Panos Kiamos – Eipa Ke Ego
12 Giorgos Mazonakis – Ores Mikres
13 Helena Paparizou – Se Xeno Soma
14 Antonis Remos – Otan Se Rotisane
15 Petros Imvrios Feat. Triantafillos – Pame
16 Andromachai – S’ Agapo
17 Nikos Oikonomopoulos – Emena Na Akous
18 Melina Aslanidou – Den Vazeis Mialo
19 Kaiti Garbi Feat. Antonis Remos – Kivotos [2020 version]
20 Petros Iakovidis – Min Thimonis
21 Josephine – Ego
22 Konstantinos Argiros – Tha ‘Mai Edo
22 Ilias Vrettos – Mono Ego
23 Kelly Kelekidou [Feat. Stamatis Kraounakis]- Vasanizome
24 Nikos Apergis – Ego O Dinatos
25 Anastasios Rammos – O,ti Ki An Kano
26 Ivi Adamou Feat. Giorgos Mazonakis – Fotia Mou
27 Stan – Na Ksanartheis
28 Nikos Vertis – Poso Me Pligoses
29 Loukas Yiorkas – Pame Ap’ Tin Arxi [Radio Edit], DJ Pietro Official RMX
30 Dionisis Schinas & Stan – Ola Tha Pane Kala
31 Despina Vandi – Ena Tsigaro Diadromi
32 Giorgos Papadopoulos – Agapi Mou [Radio Edit], DJ Pietro Official RMX
33 Christina Salti – Mporei
34 Christos Menidiatis – Mporei
35 Eleni Foureira – Temperatura
36 Michalis Hatzigiannis – Horevo
37 Nikiforos – Ke Ligo Ligo
38 Konstantinos Christoforou Feat. One – Billy Bam Bam
39 Knock Out – Ah Ntina (Bika Karantina)
40 Giorgos Mazonakis – Dianikterevo
41 Giorgos Sabanis – Allaxe Ta Ola
42 Kostas Karafotis – Afiste Me Oloi Stin Trella Mou
43 Nikos Oikonomopoulos – Skase Ena Fili
44 Ilias Vrettos – Ton Anthropos To Lathos
45 Paola – Flitzani
46 Giannis Ploutarhos – Pernas Kala
47 Eleni Foureira – Dokimase Me
48 Helena Paparizou – Mila Mou
49 Onirama – Ax Na Se Ksexnaga
50 Peggy Zina – Eilikrina
51 Antonis Remos – Ola Ta Dakrya
52 Stan – Den Ftais Esi
53 Ilias Kampakakis – Me Anasa Kommeni
54 Giorgos Kakosaios – Erotas Moiazei
55 Panos Kiamos – Dyo Metra Ourano
56 Christos Menidiatis – Dio Dromi
57 Vasilis Karras – Rotas An S’ Eho Erotefthi
58 Eleni Foureira – Yayo
59 Konstantinos Argiros – Ta Matia Sou Eroteftika
60 Giannis Vardis, Giorgos Lianos – Emeis I Dio
61 Makis Dimakis – Giafta Ta Matia
62 Nikos Apergis – Mia Kyriaki
63 Stan – Ftaiei
64 Christos Mastoras, Dimitris Basis – Ena Lepto
65 Malu Feat. Giannis Vorias – Eisai Pantou Kai Pouthena
66 Alexis Prevenas – Stavroulla [Haperis & Pantzis]
67 Giannis Kotsiras – Tin Amartia Mou Tin Leo
68 Stavento [Feat. Themis Adamantidis] – Na Diadothi
69 Sakis Rouvas – I Mesa Mou Thalassa
70 Alcatrash – Terma Ta Psemata (OtherView & Sergio T)
71 Elena Tsagrakinou – Amore
75 Paola – Ametanoiti
72 Τamta, Mente Fuerte – Den Eisai Edo
73 Thanasis Vasilakos – Ouranio Toxo
74 Dimos Anastasiadis – Mi Hanomaste
75 Paola – Ametanoiti
76 Konstantinos Christoforou Feat. One – Diskola Ta Pragmata
77 Thodoris Ferris – Kapse
78 Kaiti Garbi – S’ Opoion Areso
79 Elli Kokkinou – Na Tin Agapas
80 Dionisis Schinas – Allazo
81 Konstantinos Pantelidis – Ki An Me Miso
82 Stelios Rokkos – Den Fovithika
83 Helena Paparizou, Sakis Rouvas – Etsi Einai I Fasi
84 Stefania – Superg!rl [Greece Eurovision Song Contest]
85 Panos Psaltis – Omorfia Mou
86 Amaryllis – Mono Esi
87 Black Vybez x Mihalis Megaloudis – Me Miras Cantado
88 Nikiforos – Ta Leme To Vrady
89 Dionisis Schinas – Ksipnisa Kapos
90 Christos Cholidis – Tha Girizo
91 Alcatrash – Xana
92 Giorgos Livanis – Pou Kai Pou
93 Giorgos Kakosaios – Einai Xristougenna…giafto 
94 Thanos Petrelis – Kounia Mpela [Valentino RMX]
95 Sasa Basta Feat. Alexis Prevenas – Mia Moderna Apo Tin Athena
96 Kostas Karafotis – Tries Ta Ximeromata
97 Malou – Agyristo Kefali
98 Giorgos Tsalikis – To Kommeno Mou Tsigaro
99 Giorgos Giannias – An Figeis
100 Dimitris Karadimos – Erotas

lgr.co.uk/listen-live

Listen Live

London-Cypriot singer Kyriacos Georgiou has spoken with London Greek Radio about his new single, ‘Den Mporo’ with Bulgarian songstress, Emanuela. The talented home-grown artist has been leading a successful solo career in Athens for several years and spoke with LGR’s Tony Neophytou.

The music video which was uploaded to the Planeta official YouTube channel has surpassed an impressive 3.6 million views since it was released on 1st October.

The tsifteteli-ethnic pop track with Bulgarian percussion has catchy hooks making it a club and radio friendly hit.  

Kyriacos told his manager his idea to release a new song while in lockdown.

The 27-year-old told LGR: “After one-week release, we managed to surpass 1.2 million views and was number #1 trending on Bulgaria YouTube and ranked first on the Top 50 Bulgarian pop/chalga folk music charts.”

Speaking about his collaboration, Mr Georgiou added, “Emanuela is a pop/folk Bulgarian artist who has had over 20 hits and has been in the industry for years. Our music producer and hit maker in Bulgaria, Daniel Ganev wanted to produce a Greek/Bulgarian duet and suggested it to both of us.  I previously worked with Daniel Ganev on my last hit in Bulgaria, which was Anelia and called ‘Pos Tin Ides’ which has now had 7.7 million views.”

 Both singers worked on the creative and artistic video together, which is implicitly sensual and seductive and compliments the song. 

“We heard the song and thought it would be an instant success.” Kyriacos explained. “I instantly clicked with Emanuela and got on with her really well. We both put many ideas on the table in regards to shooting the video and combining the lyrics together so that they would make sense. It was a pleasure working with such a well-known artist once again in Bulgaria.”

LGR’s Tony Neophytou asked Kyriacos about the creative challenge of life in lockdown and what affect it had. 

“It’s been a very difficult period for all of us; artists, performers, singers, entertainment industry, as you’re not able to perform. A lot of friends and co-writers are really down at this moment in time. You have to stay positive, pray for better days.  We have to get back on the stage, entertain and make people happy, to enjoy life, because life is short.”

He added, “In lockdown I felt myself getting depressed because all of a sudden I went from a sold out summer tour with Natasa Theodoridou and Stan, to then going into a lockdown, not being able to perform or travel, is a big shock. Also not knowing when we, as artists, will be able to perform again was even more frustrating. I am grateful to God I found the energy and enthusiasm to make this new single with Emanuela.”

In his spare time, Kyriacos enjoys the gym and tries to stay healthy.  He also enjoys acoustic unplugged sessions with friends in London.

Kyriacos is patiently waiting for the re-start of bouzoukia, once the social distancing restrictions in Athens are eased.

“I have now booked a tour with Emanuela in Bulgaria and will be travelling back and forth for live shows until things get better and the entertainment industry opens back up in Greece.”

Kyriacos had acknowledged the help of the ‘LGR Music Awards’ of his fledging career. “LGR event opened up a lot of routes for me in terms of getting to Greece, to record labels. Meanwhile, Giorgos Papadopoulos, the Cypriot star singer-song-writer at this event, wrote a couple of singles for me in 2013-14 when I moved to Greece. All this came through LGR. A huge Thank you to LGR for helping me out back then in my earlier days”.

Follow @KyriacosGeorgiou on Instagram for updates.

Greek artist Konstantinos Argiros has one of the biggest hits right now with the beautiful ‘Athina Mou‘.

It’s an emotional ‘zeimbekiko’ with a timeless nostalgia harking back to the golden age of rebetiko and the roots of classic Greek Laika.

The song seems to be a massive hit with our listeners and radio presenters alike gaining a dominate foothold on the London Greek Radio air-play chart.

The melancholic zeimbekiko song has a ‘feel good’ sound with a strong evocation of patriotic sentiment about the Athenian capital and is about searching for a “long-lost love”.

The melody and lyrical depth compliment the sense of nostalgia, although there is a social conscious undertone due to it being released at the peak of the coronavirus pandemic. The lyrics and music are written by Lefteris Kintatos whose inspiration was the silenced streets of Athens where local Athenians obeyed the stay-at-home lockdown.

The song starts with a few lines of a rain-soaked Saturday night in the Grecian capital. The verse in the song reminisces this along with a barely audible “barrel piano” from the “jasmine and night flowers smell from the balconies”.

The chorus sings, “It’s been months since you’ve been away from me, and the baby doll I had in my shop window is fading away, but I’m desperately looking for you, in my Athens.”

It is a pain exacerbated with the verse, “The bell at Lampadiaris Church is ringing mournfully, it’s like it’s saying we lost once again today…”

In the music video, Argiros is cast in the role of a working-class man with a deeply felt-sadness as he dances a slow-zeimbekiko in a quaint taverna. The video, directed by Giannis Dimolitsa, is atmospheric and captures the taverna scene with the nostalgia and romanticism that is bellowing beneath the song.

The video appears to be an ode to the classic film “Evdokia” from 1971 by Alexis Damianos from which the legendary “Zeimbekiko Tis Evdokias”, written by Manos Loizos, became known.

Tune in to LGR to hear the song, ‘Athina Mou’ and more of today’s biggest Greek hits on 103.3 FM in London, DAB+ in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, at lgr.co.uk and here: ‘Alexa, Play London Greek Radio’.

Top 30 LGR Official UK Airplay Chart.
June 2nd to June 29th inclusive.

London Greek Radio Official UK Airplay Chart, with some of the biggest, most in demand hits in the chart.

The rankings are based on radio airplay detection as measured by the “Radio Monitor” of UK-wide popular stations. 

1 Petros Iakovidis – S’ Agapo Sou Fonaxa
2 Konstantinos Christoforou Feat. One – Billy Bam Bam
3 Ilias Vrettos – Mono Ego
4 Konstantinos Argiros – Athina Mou
5 Nikos Vertis Feat. Amir – I Lexi S’ Agapo
6 Panos Kiamos – Tha Perasi
7 Christina Salti Feat. Ilias Vrettos – Taxidi Magiko
8 Giorgos Papadopoulos – Agapi Mou
9 Natassa Theodoridou – Paradothika Se ‘ena
10 Kostas Karafotis – Afiste Me Oloi Stin Trela Mou

11 Giorgos Mazonakis – Oinopnevma Ftino
12 Alcatrash – Xana
13 Michalis Xatzigiannis – Vale Ena Kafe
14 Stelios Rokkos – Makari
15 Konstantinos Koufos – Parasyromai
16 Kaiti Garbi – Ilios De Vgainei An Den Peis Kalimera
17 Nikos Oikonomopoulos – Skase Ena Fili
18 Konstantinos Galanos – Gia Mia Matia
19 Nikos Kourkoulis – Eline Kai Edene
20 Christos Menidiatis – Dyo Dromoi

21 Nikos Oikonomopoulos – Valto Terma
22 Elli Kokkinou – Taxe Mou
23 Stan – Den Ftais Esy
24 Kaiti Garbi Feat. Antonis Remos – Kivotos
25 Josephine – Magia
26 Kostas Doxas – Diva
27 Panos Kiamos – Fotia Me Fotia
28 Mihalis Xatzigiannis Feat. Thanasis Alevras – Saitias
29 Petros Iakovidis – Fovamai
30 Christos Mastoras – Den Echo Idea

Information and statistics credited to “Radio Monitor”.

Source: London Greek Radio Official UK Airplay Chart.

Top 20 Greek Hits here: lgr.co.uk/chart/ and hear a few snippets, to some of our favourite songs.

Top 20 LGR Chart Hits.

Tune in to LGR 103.3 FM and lgr.co.uk to hear the best new music, and lots of your top-rated favourite songs this month.

London Greek Radio play-lists are constantly adding even more exclusives, promos and new releases.

7th June 2020.

Listen to snippets from our chart: lgr.co.uk/chart/

1. Nikos Vertis feat. Amir – I Leksi S’Agapo/Si On N’aime Qu’une Fois
2. Melisses – Misi Kardia
3. Giorgos Sabanis – Allakse Ta Ola
4. Giorgos Mazonakis – Dianyktereuo
5. Dionisis Sxoinas – Allazo
6. Dimitris Basis feat. Christos Mastoras – Ena Lepto
7. Elena Paparizou feat. Sakis Rouvas – Etsi Einai I Fasi
8. Nikos Oikonomopoulos – Kathimerina
9. Natasa Theodoridou – Hartopolemos
10. Konstantinos Argiros – Ta Matia Sou Eroteutika
11. Petros Iakovidis – S’agapo Sou Fonaksa
12. Constantinos Christoforou feat. One – Billy Bam Bam
13. Nikiforos – Ta Leme To Vrady
14. Antonis Remos – Ola Ta Dakrya
15. Michalis Xatzigiannis – Vale Ena Kafe
16. Kaiti Garbi – Kormia Xamena
17. Ilias Vrettos – Ora Monaksias
18. Lena Zeugara – Oneira
19. Tamta – S’agapo
20. Thodoris Ferris – Ta Amartola Sou Matia

“Celebrating Greek music and creativity on the air-waves”

A whole host of Cypriot artists have united to create a music video especially for the island during the coronavirus pandemic.

The video was made in response to the Cyprus Government’s lockdown measures which were vigorously enforced for several weeks.

“Ego Tha’ Me Edo”, which translated into English is “I’ll be here” is a sweet melodic number which was filmed at artists homes as the country stayed home to reduce the spread of the virus.

Stalo Georgiou, a former Music Director at Manor Hill Greek School in Barnet, who now lives in Paphos, composed the music. Theodoulos Koullapi wrote the lyrics and filmmaker Charalampos Charalampous was responsible for the editing.

The four-minute video includes Konstantina, Cypriot traditional singer Michalis Hadjimichael and former winner of the 2011 LGR Music Awards, Iphigenia Loucaides.

The other artists involved are Andri Karantwni, Vasiliki Hadjiadamou, Efthivoulos Theocharous, Christina Tselepou, Demetris Souroullas, Christos Rialas, Demetra Xatzi, Stella Stylianou, Kalypso Dimitriou, Elena Polydorou, Fani Anastasiou.

Stalo Georgiou, the organiser of the video, told LGR that she became involved because she was particularly concerned about the morale of Cypriot citizens who were staying at home.

She added that the video was important creatively as a vehicle to boost morale and put in place a positive mental-mind-set at these uncertain times.

Stalo said: [Translated] “The concept envisaged was to creatively seek a positive message of love and optimism. The other intention was to honour the essential workers battling on the frontline to defeat the coronavirus epidemic. The song’s lyrics underlined that we are here for each other in lockdown, also crucially to stand together afterwards when this is eventually over.”

Watch it here at our videos section: lgr.co.uk/videos

London Greek Radio (LGR) has recorded a huge increase in listening figures during the coronavirus pandemic.

Along with other local, commercial and BBC stations across the UK, whilst some stations have reported double-digit increases in online listening in recent weeks, LGR has seen our figures more than triple!

London Greek Radio has recorded a significant increase in connected radio listening, with an average increase of 173% with the most notable growth over the Orthodox Easter weekend of 346%.

The figures suggest that people staying at home due to the coronavirus pandemic seem to be listening to more radio rather than listening to music apps.

The numbers are from LGR’s online streaming platforms. Some of LGR’s biggest increases have been especially noted across morning and daytime programming – which suggests that people are keeping devices on when they would normally be heading out to work.

Pierre Petrou, Head of Programming for London Greek Radio said: “LGR has been the backbone for our communities for over 30 years and provides companionship and friendship. As a result, solid relationships are formed between the listener and presenter on the radio. During this crisis, our presenters aim to inform, update and entertain.

He added, “We have developed systematic programming which includes regular live updates from Cyprus, Greece and the UK. Understandably, our regular schedule has changed but it seems that people are welcoming this as we are working in partnership with organisations who are providing essential key services to the most vulnerable – from free food packages to ‘a listening ear’.

“We’re also aware that calls, texts and emails have increased, so I think there is a bit of a general rediscovery of radio and how important it can be at times like this.”

Siobhan Kenny, CEO of Radiocentre, the industry body for commercial radio, said: “As the UK acclimatises to a new world of working from home and enforced isolation, radio proves its strength as a hugely valuable source of information, reassurance, company and, most importantly, fun. As one of the most trusted and accessible forms of media, it is perhaps no surprise that so many are tuning in right now.”

Top 40 LGR Official UK ‘Airplay Chart’ this month.

April 1st to April 28th 2020 inclusive.

The biggest, most in demand hit songs in the chart.

1 Nikos Vertis, Amir – I Lexi S’ Agapo
2 Giorgos Papadopoulos – Agapi Mou
3 Nikos Oikonomopoulos – Val’to Terma
4 Christina Salti, Ilias Vrettos – Taxidi Magiko
5 Melisses – Misi Kardia
6 Onirama – Pous Isoun Chtes
7 Alcatrash – Xana
8 Nikos Kourkoulis – Eline Kai Edene
9 Giorgos Livanis, Areti Katime – Ela Apopse
10 Helena Paparizou, Sakis Rouvas – Etsi Einai I Fasi

11 Natasa Theodoridou – Chartopolemos
12 Kostas Karafotis – Afiste Me Oloi Stin Trela Mou
13 Ilias Kampakakis – Se Synantisa
14 Christos Mastoras, Dimitris Basis – Ena Lepto
15 Despina Vandi – Esto Ligo Akoma
16 Christos Menidiatis – Dyo Dromoi
17 Nikos Apergis – Ego O Dinatos
18 Konstantinos Koufos – Parasyromai
19 Ivi Adamou, Konnie Metaxa – Pao
20 Anastasios Rammos – Se Dyo Mono Matia

21 Michalis Hatzigiannis – Vale Ena Kafe
22 Giota Negka – Oxygono
23 Giota Negka – Diarkeia Mias Zois
24 Michalis Hatzigiannis, Dimitra Galani – Se Poion Na Po To S’ Agapo
25 Ilias Vrettos – I Agapi Mporei
26 Stelios Rokkos – S’ Agapo
27 Konstantinos Christoforou Feat. One – Billy Bam Bam
28 Andromachi – Na ‘soun Psema
29 Natasa Theodoridou – Den Me Afora
30 Demy – Ela

31 Nikos Oikonomopoulos – Akousa
32 Dimitris Mpasis – Psithiroi Kardias
33 Despina Vandi – To Nisi
34 Dionyis Schoinas – Allazo
35 Kelly Kelekidou – Gia Chari Sou
36 Kelly Kelekidou (Feat. Stamatis Kraounakis) – Vasanizomai
37 Helena Paparizou – Askopa Xenihtia
38 Knock Out – Ach Ntina (Bika Karantina)
39 Josephine – Den Echo Sima
40 Kings – Pio Poly Apo Pote

“Celebrating Greek music and creativity on the air-waves”

Source: The Official Radio Monitor detection, 28 days monthly.

London Greek Radio, Official UK Airplay Chart.

April 1st to 28th 2020 inclusive.

It’s been reported this week that 236 UK Cypriots have died in relation to Coronavirus.

The weekly Parikiaki newspaper which has continued to print it’s circulation during the pandemic have been providing regular updates.  The latest figures were published as of 22nd April 2020, however it is not known whether the deceased have died directly from Coronavirus or whether they had tested positive for the virus, but died of other causes.

The newspaper has contacted hospitals, churches, funeral directors, Turkish Cypriot media and community, plus requests for their weekly death announcements, and confirmed 236 UK Cypriots have died, with 36 deaths of UK Cypriots in the past week.

According to Parikiaki’s calculations the deceased are as follows:-

UK Greek Cypriots – 140, which includes a married couple
UK Turkish Cypriots – 80
UK Maronite Cypriot – 1

All of the above are from the London area with 5 additional UK Greek-Cypriot deaths in Birmingham, 3 (from the same family) in Weston-super-Mare, 1 in Southend, 1 in Luton, 1 in Cheltenham, 1 in Lowestoft, 1 in Derby, 1 in Cambridge and 1 in Liverpool.

With 192,262 deaths worldwide, the above total of 236 UK Cypriot deaths equates to 0.12% of deaths globally and 1.26% of deaths in the UK.

Cyprus currently has 795 cases of positive tests for Coronavirus with 14 deaths and so far, 98 have recovered from the disease, (just over 12%).

In Greece, of 2,463 cases, 127 people have died and 577 have recovered, (almost 25% so far).

Globally, from the 2,754,506 who have tested positive for the disease, 762,128 have recovered and 192,377 have died.  [An almost 30% recovery rate so far and just under 7% who have died worldwide.]

The 2,754,506 confirmed worldwide cases represents 0.035% of the world’s population who have been diagnosed with Coronavirus.

London Greek Radio (LGR) expresses our sincere condolences to the families and friends of all those who have sadly died during the pandemic and continuing to work with various organisations to help and support our communities at this challenging time.

John Kyriakides, Chairman of LGR said, “The LGR family are working hard to keep listeners informed, entertained and updated during this unprecedented time. I am saddened to hear of so many deaths in our communities.”

Tony Jay, Managing Director for LGR added, “LGR will continue to promote cross-partnership initiatives to help our listeners and communities. Our work to communicate the help that is available is more important than ever because we all have a role to play in fighting this virus.”

London Greek Radio – working together with partners, businesses and organisations to support our communities.  #StayHome#SaveLives#StayTuned

Information credited and attributed to Parikiaki newspaper and www.worldometers.info

Figures correct at time of publication 16:09 on Friday 24th April 2020.