Wikipedia

Ramonda (song)

"Ramonda" (Serbian Cyrillic: Рамонда) is a song by Serbian singer-songwriter Teodora Pavlovska, known by her stage name, Teya Dora. The song was released on 22 January 2024 by PGP-RTS and was written by Pavlovska, Luka Jovanović, and Andrijano Kadović. It represented Serbia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, where it placed 17th with 54 points.

"Ramonda"
The cover artwork for "Ramonda". It features Teya Dora amongst a pink and dark blue background.
Single by Teya Dora
LanguageSerbian
English titleRamonda
Released22 January 2024
Length2:54
LabelPGP-RTS
Composer(s)
Lyricist(s)
  • Teodora Pavlovska
  • Andrijano Kadović
Producer(s)
  • Luxonee
  • Teya Dora
Teya Dora singles chronology
"ATaMala"
(2023) 		"Ramonda"
(2024)
Music video
"Ramonda" on YouTube
Eurovision Song Contest 2024 entry
Country
Finals performance
Semi-final result
10th
Semi-final points
47
Final result
17th
Final points
54
Entry chronology
◄ "Samo mi se spava" (2023)
Official performance video
"Ramonda" (First Semi-Final) on YouTube
"Ramonda" (Grand Final) on YouTube

Background and composition

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A badge containing the Natalie's ramonda on the Albanian Commemorative Medal. The badge is worn on Armistice Day within Serbia.

"Ramonda" was written by the artist, Luka "Luxonee" Jovanović, and Andrijano "Ajzi" Kadović.[1] The song references the Natalie's ramonda flower, which is seen within Serbian society as a symbol for the Serbian people's struggle against the Central Powers in World War I during the Serbian campaign.[2] Remarked as a symbol of hope for the flower's ability to revive itself in the case of it completely drying out, Pavlovska compared the ramonda and its symbolism for the country's rebound after the campaign.[3][4] As a result, the song has been described as a "patriotic ballad".[5] However, she has stated in interviews that the song was meant to be open for outside interpretation.[6]

According to Pavlovska, she first got the thought to make a song for the Eurovision Song Contest after a previous song of hers, "Džanum", went viral.[6] Pavlovska confirmed her intents to participate in Pesma za Evroviziju '24 on 16 December 2023 on the Radio Television of Serbia show Jedan dobar dan. She had previously taken part in Pesma za Evroviziju as a songwriter, having written Filarri's entry for the 2023 edition.[7] Within the month, she was confirmed as one of the PZE '24 participants.[8] On 25 January 2024, "Ramonda" was announced as Pavlovska's song for the competition.[9]

Music video and promotion

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The music video for "Ramonda" was released on 1 March, a day before the PZE '24 final. The video opens with the quote "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it" in English,[2] a paraphrase of John 1:5.[10] It features Pavlovska lying on a rock, and following a light that's leading her to a mountain (possibly a symbol of Rtanj, Natalie's ramondas' habitat). It concludes with a scene of the flower resurrecting.[11]

To further promote the song, Pavlovska announced her intents to perform it at various Eurovision pre-parties throughout the months of March and April, including Pre-Party ES 2024 on 30 March,[12] the Barcelona Eurovision Party 2024 on 6 April,[13] and Eurovision in Concert 2024 on 13 April.[14]

Critical reception

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"Ramonda" has drawn mixed reception. In a Wiwibloggs review containing several reviews from several critics, the song was rated 6.57 out of 10 points,[15] earning 18th on the site's annual ranking.[16] Vulture's Jon O'Brien ranked the song 21st out of 37 songs, pointing out that Teya Dora "sings the remembrance ballad beautifully, and the crescendo's swirling strings and tribal percussion will no doubt induce some patriotic tears". However, he thought it lacked universal appeal.[17] Another review conducted by ESC Bubble that contained reviews from a combination of readers and juries rated the song eighth out of the 15 songs "Ramonda" was competing against in its the Eurovision semi-final.[18] The Scotsman writer Erin Adam gave the song a neutral review, rating the song six points out of 10.[19] ESC Beat's Doron Lahav ranked the song 11th overall, stating that they thought the lyrics were "meaningful".[20]

Amongst Balkan personalities, reception has also been mixed. Josip Bošnjak of Index.hr dubbed the song "Džanum 2".[21] Vedrana Rudan, a Croatian novelist, reacted negatively towards the song, stating that while Pavlovska had a "phenomenal voice", she thought the performance lacked energy and was "boring".[22]

Eurovision Song Contest

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Main article: Serbia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024

Pesma za Evroviziju '24

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Main article: Pesma za Evroviziju '24

Serbia's broadcaster for the Eurovision Song Contest, Radio Television of Serbia (RTS), organized a 28-entry competition, Pesma za Evroviziju '24, to select its entrant for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. The contest was split into two 14-song semi-finals, with eight songs from each semi-final qualifying into a 16-song grand final. In the final, the victor was selected via a 50/50 system of juries and televoting.[23][24]

The song was officially announced as an entrant in the contest on 21 December 2023.[8] It was drawn to compete 11th in the second semi-final on 29 February 2024,[25] qualifying in first.[26] The performance featured Pavlovska lying on a rock similar to the one shown in the music video.[11] "Ramonda" was later drawn to perform fourth in the grand final.[27] At the end of the contest, the song was announced to have won the competition, earning first with the juries and second in the televoting, gaining 12 and 10 points, respectively for a total of 22 points. As a result of winning the competition, the song won rights to represent Serbia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024.[28]

At Eurovision

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The Eurovision Song Contest 2024 took place at the Malmö Arena in Malmö, Sweden, and consisted of two semi-finals held on the respective dates of 7 and 9 May and the final on 11 May 2024. During the allocation draw on 30 January 2024, Serbia was drawn to compete in the first semi-final, performing in the first half of the show.[29] Pavlovska was later drawn to perform second in the semi-final, ahead of Cyprus' Silia Kapsis and behind Lithuania's Silvester Belt.[30]

The Eurovision performance featured Pavlovska in a purple and black dress, with the performance largely similar to the one given in Pesma za Evroviziju.[31][32] Some alterations were made for its Eurovision performance; according to Pavlovska, the performance "evolved" to include a "moment [so] it all ends in a more effective way".[32] Pavlovska was primarily shown on a prop shaped like a rock, with the setting being described as "quite dark" with purple, blue, and white lighting. Nearing the end of the performance, a blooming ramonda flower is shown.[31] "Ramonda" finished 10th in the semi-final, scoring 47 points and securing a position in the grand final.[33]

 
Pavlovska performing "Ramonda" at a dress rehearsal for the Eurovision 2024 grand final.

Pavlovska performed a repeat of her performance in the grand final on 11 May. The song was performed 16th in the final, ahead of Italy's Angelina Mango and before Finland's Windows95man.[34] After the results were announced, she finished in 17th with 54 points, with a split score of 22 points from juries and 32 points from public televoting.[35] Regarding the former, no country gave the maximum set of 12 points; the most any country gave was five, given by Armenia and Cyprus. The song did receive a set of 12 points from public televoting, with it coming from Croatia.[36] In response to her result, she stated in an interview with Večernje novosti that while satisfied, she had hoped for a better result.[37]

Track listing

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  • Digital download[38]
  1. "Ramonda" – 2:54
  2. "Ramonda" (Unplugged) – 2:54

Charts

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Chart performance for "Ramonda"
Chart (2024) Peak
position
Croatia (Billboard)[39] 19
Lithuania (AGATA)[40] 66

Release history

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Release history and formats for "Ramonda"
Country Date Format(s) Label Ref.
Various 22 January 2024
PGP-RTS [41]

References

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  1. ^ Helgeson, Justina (3 March 2024). "Serbia: Teya Dora to Eurovision 2024 with "Ramonda"". Eurovision World. Archived from the original on 27 April 2024. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
  2. ^ a b M. K. (1 March 2024). "Teya Dora izbacila spot za "Ramondu": Svi pričaju o snažnoj poruci sa početka videa". Telegraf.rs (in Serbian (Latin script)). Archived from the original on 2 March 2024. Retrieved 3 March 2024.
  3. ^ Tudor, Ruxandra (22 March 2024). ""The world is on fire, every flower too": Teya Dora seeks hope amid the struggle in the "Ramonda" lyrics". Wiwibloggs. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
  4. ^ Jovović, Pero (31 January 2024). "Teya Dora veliki favorit na nacionalnom izboru za Pesmu Evrovizije: Ramonda kao simbol borbe i istrajnosti". Nova.rs (in Serbian (Latin script)). Archived from the original on 26 February 2024. Retrieved 8 February 2024.
  5. ^ Zajović, Milena (5 March 2024). "Zejna mi je bila najbolja, ali ni Prvi svjetski rat nije imao šanse protiv Kosova". Večernji list (in Croatian). Archived from the original on 8 March 2024. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  6. ^ a b Grace, Emily (3 May 2024). "🇷🇸 Serbia: An Interview With Teya Dora - "Ramonda can be interpreted in different ways"". Eurovoix. Archived from the original on 3 May 2024. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
  7. ^ Jovanović, Viktorija (16 December 2023). "Teya Dora na Pesmi za Evroviziju: Pevačica potvrdila učešće na takmičenju". Nova.rs (in Serbian (Latin script)). Archived from the original on 3 March 2024. Retrieved 3 March 2024.
  8. ^ a b Vesković, Đorđe (21 December 2023). "PzE24 | U trci do Malmea 28 učesnika". ESC Serbia | Evrovizija.rs. Archived from the original on 29 January 2024. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
  9. ^ "Pesma za Evroviziju 2024: Objavljene sve takmičarske kompozicije i raspored po polufinalima". Radio Television of Serbia (in Serbian (Latin script)). 25 January 2024. Archived from the original on 3 March 2024. Retrieved 3 March 2024.
  10. ^ Denda, Nina (3 March 2024). "KORISTILA SNAŽAN CITAT IZ JEVANĐELJA! Da li znate šta znače MOĆNE reči koje se nalaze u spotu Teja Dore?". Blic (in Serbian (Latin script)). Archived from the original on 3 March 2024. Retrieved 3 March 2024.
  11. ^ a b B. P. M. (1 March 2024). "OŽIVELA TEYA DORINA RAMONDA! Pevačica konačno izbacila SPOT: Svetlo sija u tami i ona ne može nikad da ga ugasi! (VIDEO)". Republika.rs (in Serbian (Latin script)). Archived from the original on 3 March 2024. Retrieved 3 March 2024.
  12. ^ Garnett, Georgia (19 March 2024). "🇷🇸 Teya Dora to perform at Pre-Party ES 2024". That Eurovision Site. Archived from the original on 23 March 2024. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
  13. ^ Garnett, Georgia (17 March 2024). "🇷🇸 Teya Dora to perform at Barcelona Eurovision Party 2024". That Eurovision Site. Archived from the original on 23 March 2024. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
  14. ^ Gannon, Rory (28 March 2024). "🇷🇸 Teya Dora to perform at Eurovision in Concert 2024". That Eurovision Site. Archived from the original on 29 March 2024. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
  15. ^ "Wiwi Jury: Serbia's Teya Dora with "Ramonda"". Wiwibloggs. 10 April 2024. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
  16. ^ Vautrey, Jonathan (7 April 2024). "Eurovision 2024: Reviews and rankings by the Wiwi Jury". Wiwibloggs. Archived from the original on 1 May 2024. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
  17. ^ O'Brien, Jon (6 May 2024). "Every 2024 Eurovision Song, Ranked". Vulture. Archived from the original on 7 May 2024. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  18. ^ Juhász, Ervin (23 April 2024). "The Public Reacts to Sweden: Marcus and Martinus – Unforgettable". ESC Bubble. Archived from the original on 2 May 2024. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
  19. ^ Adam, Erin (7 May 2024). "Eurovision Song Contest 2024: All 37 songs reviewed ahead of semifinals, including UK's Olly Alexander". The Scotsman. Archived from the original on 10 May 2024. Retrieved 11 May 2024.
  20. ^ Lahav, Doron (30 March 2024). "Eurovision 2024 Songs Review – Part 2 (Croatia, Ireland, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia)". ESC Beat. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
  21. ^ Bošnjak, Josip (7 March 2024). "Breskvica i Baby Lasagna protiv ludog naroda". Index.hr (in Croatian). Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  22. ^ Milovanović, Jovana (6 March 2024). "Ведрана Рудан: Теја Дора је досадњикава, не свиђа ми се". Politika. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
  23. ^ Granger, Anthony (15 January 2024). "🇷🇸 Serbia: Pesma za Evroviziju 2024 Songs to be Released on January 25". Eurovoix. Archived from the original on 15 January 2024. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
  24. ^ Vesković, Đorđe (26 January 2024). "PzE24 | Glasanje ipak po starom. Finalno veče na Jutjub kanalu Pesme Evrovizije" [PzE24 | The voting still the old way. The final night on the Eurovision Song Contest YouTube channel]. ESC Serbia (in Serbian (Latin script)). Archived from the original on 27 January 2024. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
  25. ^ Prišć, Jasmin (29 February 2024). "🇷🇸 Serbia: Pesma Za Evroviziju 24 Semi-Final 2 Overview". ESCUnited. Archived from the original on 26 April 2024. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
  26. ^ "Детаљни гласови публике и жирија на фестивалу 'Песма за Евровизију 2024'" [Detailed audience and jury votes at the "Pesma za Evroviziju 2024" festival]. Pesma za Evroviziju. RTS. 3 March 2024. Archived from the original on 3 March 2024. Retrieved 3 March 2024.
  27. ^ Bogiannos, Apostolos (1 March 2024). "Serbia: The running order of Pesma za Evroviziju 2024!". Eurovision Fun. Archived from the original on 26 April 2024. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
  28. ^ Vautrey, Jonathan (2 March 2024). "Teya Dora wins Serbia's Pesma za Evroviziju 24 with "Ramonda"". Wiwibloggs. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
  29. ^ "Eurovision 2024: Semi-Final Draw results". Eurovision Song Contest. European Broadcasting Union. 30 January 2024. Archived from the original on 30 January 2024. Retrieved 21 February 2024.
  30. ^ Adams, William Lee (26 March 2024). "Eurovision 2024 Semi-Final Running Order Revealed". Wiwibloggs. Archived from the original on 27 April 2024. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
  31. ^ a b Lahav, Doron (6 May 2024). "Eurovision 2024 Semi-Final 1: Dress/Jury Rehearsal Live Commetary". ESC Beat. Archived from the original on 10 May 2024. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
  32. ^ a b Granger, Anthony (26 April 2024). "🇷🇸 Serbia: Teya Dora Evolves "Ramonda" Performance for Eurovision". Eurovoix. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
  33. ^ Vautrey, Jonathan (12 May 2024). "Eurovision 2024 semi-finals: Detailed results show Croatia and Israel won each show". Wiwibloggs. Archived from the original on 14 May 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  34. ^ Vautrey, Jonathan (10 May 2024). "Eurovision 2024 grand final running order: Ukraine in second, Austria closes". Wiwibloggs. Archived from the original on 10 May 2024. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  35. ^ Manojlović, Jelena (12 May 2024). "Teya Dora zauzela 17. mesto na Evroviziji: Evo koliko poena je Srbija dobila od žirija, a koliko od publike" [Teya Dora took 17th place at Eurovision: Here are how many points Serbia got from the jury and how many from the audience]. 24 sedam (in Serbian). Archived from the original on 12 May 2024. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
  36. ^ "Grand Final of Malmö 2024 - Serbia Grand Final Results Allocation". Eurovision Song Contest. European Broadcasting Union. Archived from the original on 12 May 2024. Retrieved 11 May 2024.
  37. ^ Cakić, D. (12 May 2024). "TEJA DORA STIGLA KUĆI: Preumorna, ali sam presrećna (FOTO)" [TEYA DORA ARRIVED HOME: Too tired, but I'm too happy (PHOTO)]. Večernje novosti (in Serbian). Archived from the original on 12 May 2024. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
  38. ^ "Ramonda - Single - Album by Teya Dora". Apple Music (US). 22 January 2024. Archived from the original on 29 April 2024. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  39. ^ "Croatia Songs (Week of March 16, 2024)". Billboard. 12 March 2024. Archived from the original on 12 March 2024. Retrieved 12 March 2024.
  40. ^ "2024 20-os savaitės klausomiausi (Top 100)" (in Lithuanian). AGATA. 17 May 2024. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
  41. ^ "Ramonda - Single by Teya Dora". Apple Music (US). 22 January 2024. Archived from the original on 26 April 2024. Retrieved 25 April 2024.
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