Swedish Loreen of Amazigh origins wins Eurovision
Born in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1983 to Moroccan Amazigh immigrant parents, Loreen emerged victorious once again at the Eurovision Song Contest, captivating both the jury and the public with a pop ballad “Tattoo.” This marked her second triumph in the renowned competition.
Lorine Zineb Nora Talhaoui, professionally known as Loreen, has achieved significant success throughout her career. She has has previously won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2012 with the song “Euphoria” and again today with her mesmerizing track titled “Tattoo”.
Eurovision contest
The Eurovision Song Contest’s grand finale was held at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England. The show paid tribute to the war-torn Ukraine. Typically, the host country is the previous year’s winner, but due to Ukraine’s ongoing conflict, the responsibility fell to Britain, the runner-up from 2022.
Adhering to the contest’s 2023 theme of “united by music,” the event showcased a diverse array of talent from 25 different nations.
Taking center stage, stood between dazzling illuminated platforms, Loreen sung “You’re stuck on me like a tattoo-hoo-hoo.” Her performance veered towards a more timeless pop style, a departure from the bombastic and fantastical acts that have often dominated the contest in recent years.
Proud of her Amazigh heritage
Loreen is known for her rebellious persona on and off stage; and in an interview with Vogue she explained: “It’s about being true to yourself and where you come from. For me, that’s my Moroccan and Berber (Amazigh) roots. Where I come from, you use music for different healing processes, it’s more than just entertainment. Ride has been about embracing raw female power and to stop holding back just because society tells you to,” the singer says.
Loreen draws inspiration from her ancestors having said: “My great-grandmother refused to be in an arranged marriage after her beloved husband died in the war. She took her baby and fled from Morocco to Algeria through the desert, dressed as a man to survive. I admire her strength and courage. The strength of those Berber (Amazigh) roots runs through my veins.”
In 2017, she spoke of plans to develop live shows outside of Sweden and bridge her connection to Amazigh heritage.
