Two of the finalist in the Finnish “Ourvision Immigrant Contest” to go on stage on Saturday 26 April in the Finlandia Hall are from Indonesia.
Adi Subari is working at a shipping company in Helsinki. He’s one very cheerful Indonesian singer and with this light and easy-going attitude, it’s no wonder he succeeded at the Asiavison trial.
Lesmana Vilmi is originally from Indonesia, but came to Finland because of her Finnish husband. She has a background in gospel music, but for now she is studying to become a practical nurse in Hyvinkää.
The Ourvision song contest is a competition organised by the International Cultural Centre Caisa in Helsinki and is open to anyone living in Finland who has an ‘immigrant background’. In the run-up to the finals held on 26 April, the contestants will have been selected from qualifying rounds held in February and March.
In order to take part in the contest, musicians must enter themselves in one of five geographical groups depending on their country of origin: Asia-, Afro-, America-, Middle-East, or Europevision. The five best contestants from each geographical area compete in a semi-final sticking with their own continent. The two winners of each division will advance to the ‘Grand’ Finale in Finlandia Hall, Helsinki.
On Wednesday 28 March
The Europevision final
at Caisa
Tickets €5
On Saturday 26 April
The Grande Finale
at Finlandia Hall
Mannerheimintie 13 e
Tickets €20/15
Marina Sidyakina of SixDegrees magazine interviewed the two Inonesians:
Adi Subari is working at a shipping company in Helsinki. He’s one very cheerful Indonesian singer and with this light and easy-going attitude, it’s no wonder he succeeded at the Asiavison trial.
What brought you to Ourvision?
I love to sing, but I never knew about this competition before. And I always love a challenge!
What has been the most valuable experience for you so far?
As a foreigner, it’s very important to meet new people and make new friends, so Ourvision is an excellent chance for that.
How do you feel so far about the contest?
Great! Whatever happens, I’m already very happy! Even just being backstage with all the other contestants, singing together and making new friends. The whole process is great, music unites us and it doesn’t matter who wins after all.
Lesmana Vilmi is originally from Indonesia, but came to Finland because of her Finnish husband. She has a background in gospel music, but for now she is studying to become a practical nurse in Hyvinkää. Having settled well in a foreign Finnish environment so different from her homeland, she also continues to pursue her musical passions.
What has Ourvision given you?
I have learnt more singing techniques for different singing styles. I never feel good enough when singing, so I always try to improve.
What advice can you give to others for Ourvision 2009?
Just practice enough and have faith that you can make something new and something better.
What do you want to do after the contest?
Finish my studies and hopefully continue colouring this country with my voice. I dream of being on the list of great Finnish singers and performing in front of a “very Finnish” audience.
