The 2024 edition of Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK) is fast approaching, and Angus had the chance to sit down with Mikael Gabriel and nublu for an interview. The two artists are competing in UMK24 with their song “Vox populi”.
Check out our interview with Mikael Gabriel x nublu here:
Mikael and nublu discuss how they started working together, writing in different languages, Käärijä’s glasses, and much more.
About Mikael Gabriel x nublu
Mikael Gabriel and Nublu are very successful in the rap industry in both Finland, as well as Nublu’s native Estonia. Nublu has even won awards in Estonia as recently as 2020. This is not Mikael and Nublu’s first collaboration together, as they also collaborated on their 2021 single “Universum””. When spwaking aout “Vox Populi” Mikael Gabriel said the following:
“The song deals with political and cultural divides, saying that even though we’re all entitled to our own opinions, it doesn’t necessarily make them true. Everyone should use their voice, but at the same time you should also keep in mind that you will be judged no matter what”
Mikael Gabriel on “Vox Populi”
Like all the UMK24 entries the jury that selected it for the national final had their say. This is what the UMK24 just had to say about “Vox Populi”.
“Mikael Gabriel and nublu are two of the most well-known and popular artists in Finland and Estonia, and they are entering UMK as a duo with a song that will surely be a surprise for many. Their previous collaborations were rap-driven, but this time around the song is a truly unique combination of dance sounds, punky rock and contemporary hyperpop. The crowning touch is an inescapably catchy chorus, which will grab you the first time you listen to it”.
The UMK24 jury on Mikael Gabriel x nublu’s “Vox Populi”
What do we know about UMK 2024?
Finland’s Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu will take place on 10th February 2024, and will be hosted by actress Pilvi Hämäläinen, singer Benjamin and presenter Viivi Pumpanenin.. The winning act will be chosen through a vote weighted 25% to the jury and 75% to the public televote.
Finland’s Eurovision Journey
Finland debuted in the 1961 Eurovision Song Contest, finishing 10th with Laila Kunnunen’s “Valoa ikkunassa.” Since then they have competed 56 times, and appeared in the final 48 times. Finland has finished in the top 10 an impressive 14 times. They have won the contest once in 2006, with Lordi’s performance of “Hard Rock Hallelujah” getting 292 points.
Finland’s most recent entry was “Cha Cha Cha” by Käärijä. He won the first semi-final in Liverpool, thus qualifying for the final. At the close of voting, he gained a total of 526 points, earning them 2nd place – Finland’s second best result of all time. Käärijä received 376 points from the televote, and an extra 150 points from the juries.
What do you think about this UMK entry? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Threads and Bluesky as we prepare for Eurovision 2024!
News Source: That Eurovision Site
Photo Credit: Yle / Nelli Kenttä
That Eurovision Site 
Rory Gannon
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