Israel's 2021 Euorvision Performance Analysis
Western Culture Integration on and off the Stage:
During Israel’s prior entry in 2020, the singer Eden Alene incorporated many ethnic elements that brought attention to the official music video of “Feker Libi” (Israel, 2020). Even though she couldn’t compete in the Eurovision contest due to COVID-19 regulations, the music video still received positive comments and praise online due to her positive energy. This positive vibe continues to be the main focus of Israel’s 2021 Eurovision performance. Since she had already used ethnic concepts in her prior entry, Eden opted for a more western look the following year.
Regarding the visual setup of “Set me Free” (Israel, 2021), the stage utilizes western concepts that appeal to younger audience members. This is mainly due to the favoritism of western music and performance styles worldwide. Even though Eurovision is a mainly European song contest, the influence of international voters can influence the concepts performers use on stage to garner attention and more votes. One western element used throughout the performance includes fun colours on the stage. Neon lights such as neon purple, pink, orange, and even blue can be seen on the vast LED screen illuminating the performers to mimic western concerts (Eurovision Song Contest, 2021). Secondly, the style of dancing used by dancers in the performance is typical to western-style dancing. This includes hip-hop and modern styles. During the song, dancers are placed around the singer as they dance to the fun hip-hop beats of the track. At the same time, all performers dressed in bright white costumes adorned with sequins to further this idea of a fun western performance (Eurovision Song Contest, 2021). This differs from their previous performance setup because Israel’s 2020 performance focused on integrating ethnic themes instead of western themes. From the song's beginning, the fun visual concepts played a huge role in captivating audience members of Eurovision.
The western influence on this performance continues to the backtrack of the music. Due to the song’s modernness, younger generations are the target audience. This is because “Set me Free” (Israel, 2021) comprises four millennial musicians who share a familiar taste in modern pop (Eurovision Song Contest, 2021). The song’s main elements consist of upbeat and funky tunes in the chorus/pre-chorus, harmonies, and EDM-like beats. Therefore, it aligns most similarly with the foundational beats commonly seen in American pop songs. In terms of instruments used, you can hear that the musicians played soft xylophone sounds, string instruments, and clapping. These sounds are evident when Eden Alene sings, “Set me free, feel my beating heart in perfect harmony, don’t let me down” (Israel, 2021) with a soft violin and cello to accompany her soft voice, followed by solid beats during the main chorus (Eurovision Song Contest, 2021). Thus, the critical mixture of soft and hard sounds makes the song unique and memorable in creating a catchy song for Eurovision.
Ethnic Symbolism:
Although the main singer, Eden Alene (Israel, 2021), focused mainly on western concepts, she didn’t miss the opportunity to represent her ethnic roots on the stage. This is because she feels her ethnic background is essential to her identity. The singer for “Set me Free” (Israel, 2021) is an Ethiopian-Jewish Israeli (Chitayat, 2021). Known for her highest note in her song “Set me free,” the 21-year-old female is a well-established artist who had previously represented Armenia in 2015 for Genealogy (Agam, 2021). In 2021 she became the first Ethiopian to perform solo at the Eurovision contest to represent Israel.
Eden (Israel, 2021) is known for her diverse ethnic background compared to other Israeli citizens, as her parents were native Ethiopians. During her 2020 national selection for the contest, she told wiwibloggs in an interview, “I think I’m going to concentrate on me having a dark color, brown chocolate. It’s going to be my own #Me Too, But I’ll bring it out through the music,” narrating how she plans to utilize her platform and career towards human rights movements like #Me Too and Black Lives Matter (Agam, 2021). She represents minority groups that apply to her identity since she is Israel’s first black artist in 15 years.
In her performance, she showcases ethnic symbolism by representing Ethiopic culture in her outfit. During a quick buildup in the pre-chorus, Eden (Israel, 2021) blasts her strong vocals as dancers rip off her white sparkly mini dress displaying a sleek mesh bodysuit adorned with braids. This new outfit’s braids reference African heritage as the hairstyle is commonly used throughout West Africa and Sudan (Bundy, 2022). The significance of being wrapped in braids and singing the words set me free possibly refers to Eden (Israel, 2021) experiencing limitations based on her ethnic identity. The braided outfit and the huge crown she wears on stage create a cohesive image of a proud Ethiopian woman, perfectly describing Eden (Israel, 2021). Overall, the message she sends during that moment to audience members is that it is okay to show your identity and feel free from anything that holds or represses your true self.
Misalignment with National Identity:
Eden’s (Israel, 2021) African and minority group referencing is widespread throughout her performances. However, I wonder whether using African symbolism in an Israeli performance shows cultural appropriation. In this case, Eden (Israel, 2021) rightfully is ethnically Ethiopian so she can wear African braids on her head and outfit. But one would comment that Eden represents Israel as an Israeli citizen in Eurovision. Thus, it raises the question of whether it is appropriate for her to showcase African concepts meant to represent an entirely different group of individuals.
Secondly, another misalignment occurs between Israel’s (2021) performance and national identity. This is because the country is internationally represented by a singer who does not look like an “ideal” Israeli citizen. As mentioned in the blog post on Israel’s national identity, the ethnicity and ancestry of Israel are very important to its citizens. So, what was Israel trying to accomplish in presenting a coloured female singer on the Eurovision stage? There are more than a few possible explanations. One of them is that Israel is moving towards more cosmopolitan views in which they are more inclusive to minority groups which Eden (Israel, 2021) represents. However, there is also the question of whether this showing of inclusivity and cosmopolitanism is true within the country or whether it is insincere due to Ethiopian minorities facing current discrimination in Israel today.
Inclusive Lyrics:
The lyrics themselves represent a different part of the performance. At first glance, one would think that the main message is a stereotypical love story. Although this is partially true, there is much more meaning to the other message hidden between the lines.
The first and straightforward interpretation can be seen as the singer talking about a relationship with her significant other. There are also many hints that the singer has a close relationship with the individual because the other party she refers to is through ‘you’ and ‘your.’ Her depiction of this relationship can be described as romantic due to the intimate references to sharing a bed, calling each or babe, and almost saying they have a life or possible future together. It shows inclusivity because she doesn’t utilize specific pronouns nor specify one gender/sexuality. This idea of supporting LBGTQ+ individuals align with Israel’s national identity because of their support towards the community (Garcia-Navarro,2012). According to NPR, Israel is the only country in the middle east that allows or even recognizes queer culture. However, the singer realizes that her relationship has turned toxic and wants to leave as she sings “feeling like a prison” in the first verse. In a sense, cosmopolitanism is supported in this sense for queer individuals since the lyrics can be applied to any individual. This still does not remove the fact that Israel is totally inclusive. Instead, the nation celebrates inclusivity in certain aspects, such as within queer communities, but excludes ethnic minorities.
Word count: 1450
References
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Anderson, H. (2021, May 22). Israel Eurovision 2021 song: Who is Eden Alene? What is she Singing? Express.https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/1437893/israel-eurovisoin-2021-song-eden-alene-singing
Bennett, J. (2022, May 22). Eurovision 2021 live musicology blog. Joe Bennett music services.https://joebennett.net/2021/05/22/esc-2021-2/.
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Bundy, R. (2022, January 5). History of braids: More than just a hairstyle. Genesis College. Retrieved February 28, 2023, from https://www.genesiscareer.edu/history-of-braids-more-than-just-a-hairstyle/#:~:text=Today%2C%20the%20style%20is%20seen,kinship%2C%20religion%2C%20or%20personality
Burstin, H. (2021, May 2). Eurovision 2021 Israel Profile: ‘Set Me Free’ by Eden Alene. Aussievision.https://www.aussievision.net/post/eurovision-2021-israel-profile-setme-free-by-eden-alene
Chitayat, E. (2021, May 21). Eurovision Semifinalist Eden Alene is the Israel you don’t know about (Guest Column). Variety. https://variety.com/2021/music/opinion/eurovision-israel-eden-alene-1234976785/.
EBU writers. (2021 May, 9,11,13) Eden Alene. Eurovision Song Contest. https://eurovision.tv/participant/eden-alene.
Eurovision Song Contest. (2021). Israel: Eden Alene - "Set Me Free". Eurovision. NDR. Retrieved February 28, 2023, from https://www.eurovision.de/videos/2021/ESC-2021-Eden-Alene-singt-fuer-Israel-Set-Me-Free-im-Finale,israel1268.html
Garcia-Navarro, L. (2012). Israel Presents Itself as Haven for Gay Community. NPR.https://www.npr.org/2012/06/04/154279534/israel-presents-itself-as-haven-for-gay-community.
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https://escxtra.com/2020/06/20/blm-and-celebrating-diversity/
https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2021-01-25/ty-article/eden-alenes-set-me-free-israel-eurovision/0000017f-e209-d7b2-a77f-e30f34760000
https://www.jpost.com/j-spot/israel-advances-to-eurovision-final-668478
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