Tousin Michael Chiza, known as Tusse, is a Congolese-Swedish singer who will participate in Eurovision 2021. © EBU / ANDRES PUTTING
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is delighted that three performers with refugee backgrounds will be participating in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. One of the performers is Tousin “Tusse” Chiza, representing Sweden. The competition will take place in Rotterdam between 18 May – 22 May and is organized by the European Broadcasting Union. This year’s Eurovision theme is ‘Open Up’ and we hope the event will help bring people together in a spirit of unity and inclusion during these difficult times.
The participating performers are:
Tousin “Tusse” Chiza –Musician and singer, representing Sweden. Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tusse fled to neighbouring Uganda at age five together with his aunt. After spending three years in a refugee camp in Uganda, he was resettled to Sweden. Tusse openly shares his experience in overcoming challenges of settling in and adapting to new situations, helping empower young people facing similar difficulties.
Manizha – Musician, singer and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, representing Russia. She fled Tajikistan in 1994 during the conflict and is now an advocate for the refugee cause speaking out for refugees everywhere. She hopes to inspire other refugees and remind the world that when given the chance, anyone can contribute to society through their talents, skills and strength of the human spirit.
Ahmad Joudeh – Dutch Ballet Dancer with a refugee background. Ahmad will be performing during the interval of the second semi-final on 20 May. The performance is titled ‘Close Encounters of a Special Kind’ and is centered around the theme of humanity’s natural desire for connection and the need for mutual understanding.
We wish all three performers the best of luck and look forward to a very exciting show!
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter
