Preparations for Eurovision 2025 reach a new peak with the extraordinary story of a young Jewish singer, Asaf Mishiyev, representing Azerbaijan, a Muslim-majority country, in the major event in Basel, Switzerland. Mishiev, also known as “Safael,” is the lead singer of the band Mamagama, which will represent Azerbaijan at Eurovision 2025 on May 13. Mishiyev’s story transcends music, serving as a bridge between cultures and peoples, adding special color and profound meaning to Eurovision.

Community Leader and Educator

Asaf Mishiyev, 32, a resident of Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital, is well-known within the local Jewish community, which numbers around 40,000 people. He previously won a unique music competition for Mountain Jews called “Astaray Dzuuro” in 2013, highlighting his exceptional talent and deep connection to his Jewish heritage. Additionally, Mishiev dedicates significant time teaching singing to children and youth at the Jewish community club in Baku, strengthening his identity as both a musician and an educator in his community.

The singer also gained recognition in Russia in 2020 when he participated in the popular TV show “The Voice” on Russia’s Channel One, reaching the knockout stage. Although he didn’t win, his unique singing style left a lasting impression on viewers, making him a familiar figure in Jewish communities across the former Soviet Union.

Connection with Israel

In an interview with Ynet from Baku, Mishiyev said: “I know how to speak Hebrew. I studied at a Jewish school in Baku. We have two Jewish schools. Relations with Israel are very good. I feel I represent not only Azerbaijan, which is my country and I’m proud to represent it, but also the Jewish people because my mother and father are Jewish.” The singer visited Israel twice, once through the “Taglit” project. On his second visit, he participated in an international Jewish music competition, representing Azerbaijan and winning first place.

His connection to Israel extends beyond visits, manifesting in his deep appreciation for Israeli musicians. “I sing a bit in Hebrew at home. There are Israeli musicians I love. I really like the music of Mercedes Band. I really like Asaf Avidan, although he sings in English. I really like Yael Naim,” Mishiev said enthusiastically.

A Symbolic Participation

Regarding his participation in Eurovision, Mishiyev added: “At Eurovision – if Israelis support me – I’ll be very happy.” When asked about the Israeli representative, he said: “I heard about Yuval Rafael, who will represent Israel, and I strongly support her. I wish her success and send her lots of love.” Mishiev’s participation is not just a personal story but also symbolizes the special relationship between Israel and Azerbaijan, illustrating how art can serve as a bridge between cultures and nations.

“Run With U” is the title of the song that will be performed by the band Mamagama, representing Azerbaijan in the first semi-final of Eurovision 2025, which will take place on May 13 in Basel, Switzerland. The song was written by band member Safael Mishiyev, along with Roman Zee and KHVS. This is the first Eurovision entry for these songwriters. The song is sung in English.

The song “Run with U” opens with the description of a powerful and thrilling experience in which the rhythm pulls the singer into the surrounding sensations and energies. The dialogue between the words points to an electric and exciting nature of the encounter, where every glance and every movement evoke strong emotions that cannot be resisted. The chorus invites to leave behind the fears and to step into the dim light, playing with the rules until they become right, while the heartbeat takes over the body and soul.

Continuing, the song describes how the night is young and the beat is tight, and there is something in the air that makes the singer fall in love. The descriptions convey a feeling of renewal and truthfulness in every laugh and every touch, and focusing on the present moment leads to an inescapable state. The song ends with a repeated invitation to escape together, regardless of what happens tonight, with the goal to run together, focusing on the shared experience and the present moment.

Mamagama – Who Are You?

Mamagama is an Azerbaijani band consisting of Allahverdi Gumbatli, Bahruz Afandiyev, and Safael Mishiyev. The band was formed after Allahverdi and Bahruz’s previous band disbanded following seven years of activity, leaving them feeling disappointed and depressed. After an extensive search for a lead vocalist to complete the lineup, they met Safael and chose him as the band’s frontman. The band released the song “As It Was” in 2022, collaborating with Eurovision 2011 winner, Eldar Gasimov. In 2023, their song “River” reached the final selection stage of the committee choosing the song for Eurovision 2023.

The band name is composed of two words: Mama – the ultimate creator, the source of life, the force that nurtures the world. Gama – the full spectrum of sound, the highest frequencies, the musical scales that stretch across time and space.

The band is one of the most energetic and original bands on Azerbaijan’s music scene. The band has wowed audiences at music festivals and contests, including a winning performance at Albania’s Eurovision national selection in 2022 with the song “Dreamer.”

Lyrics – “Run With U”:

Rhythm pulls me out, don’t know where to start
You electrify, never felt so high
Every glance you’re giving
Every move I’m feeling
I cannot resist, pure in every twist

Shall we dim the lights
Leave our fears behind
Play wrong ’til it’s right
Give it all tonight?
Heartbeat takes control
Moves my body and soul
Just one look at me
And I can’t stand the heat

Shadows in the neon light
The night is young, the beat is tight
Something in the air that makes me fall for you
The way I do, uh-huh
Thе way I do, uh-huh
The way I do, uh-huh
The way I do, uh-huh

No matter what you do tonight
I wanna run with you, I wanna run with you
No mattеr what you do tonight
I wanna run with you, I wanna run with you

Running with me
Running, let’s go

Shooting to the stars, can’t get enough so far
You make me feel brand-new, never felt this true
Every laugh you’re giving, every touch I’m living
And I can’t pull away, caught up in the play

Shall we dim the lights
Leave our fears behind
Play wrong ’til it’s right
Give it all the way I do?

The way I do, uh-huh
The way I do, uh-huh
The way I do, uh-huh
The way I do, uh-huh

No matter what you do tonight
I wanna run with you, I wanna run with you
No matter what you do tonight
I wanna run with you, I wanna run with you

Source: Ynet

Eurovision 2025: This will be Azerbaijan’s 17th participation in Eurovision. Azerbaijan joined the contest in 2008 and achieved its best result in Eurovision 2011 when singers Ell and Nikki, won first place with the song “Running Scared”.