Dmitry Koldun
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| Дмитрий Колдун | |
|---|---|
 Dmitry Koldun on tour in Israel
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Дмитрий Александрович Колдун |
| Also known as | Dima Koldun |
| Born | June 11, 1985 |
| Origin | Minsk, Belarus, formerly USSR |
| Genre(s) | Pop, Pop rock |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Years active | 2004–present |
| Website | Official Website |
Dmitry Aleksandrovich Koldun (Russian: Дмитрий Александрович Колдун) (born 11 June 1985, in Minsk, Belarussian SSR, USSR) is a popular singer from Minsk, Belarus. Koldun is 6ft2,5in (189cm) tall and weighs 81kg. His eye color hasn't changed from birth making him have a very dramatic look with dark hair and piercing green-blue eyes. His surname Koldun translated from Russian means sorcerer; it is a widespread surname in Belarus. In Belarusian translation it means stuffed dumpling (only if taken in plural, kalduný).
Koldun participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2007 and has been the most succesful entrant from Belarus to date. His song Work Your Magic is the only Belarusian song to enter the Eurovision final which later acheived 6th place and top chart positions in Eastern Europe.
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[edit] History
Since Koldun was four he aspired to be a doctor and went on to do medical studies at Minsk High School. His achievements in this class allowed him to graduate with a silver medal.
In 2002 Koldun studied chemistry at the Belarusian State University as his aspirations changed to becoming a chemist as opposed to a doctor. He did well in his chemistry course just as he had done with medical studies as he was said to be “enthusiastic”.
Many people have compared Koldun's appearance to that of Princess Diana. In Dmitry Koldun's biography he wrote that his mother was the head of the Princess Diana fan club in Belarus and admired her dearly. When pregnant with Koldun, Koldun's mother had wished for a baby girl but instead was blessed with the great singer. She is not at all disappointed but notices the resemblence between Koldun and the late Princess as have other people such as Sir Terry Wogan who pointed this resemblence out while commenting on the Eurovision Song Contest 2007.
Koldun recently shocked fans by claiming that he is prone to "mutations". The singer revealed that he has experienced serious problems with his hair. Koldun puts these 'mutations' down to the Chernobyl disaster which left long-lasting, radiating effects aross many of the Eastern European countries and notably Minsk, Belarus - Koldun's birthplace. Koldun says (translated from Russian): "Every year my hair colour changes...in my school years I had thick hair. But not now. I believe that that is the fault of the Chernobyl disaster." Koldun states his hair colour has changed from blonde, at an early age in school, gradually (sometimes overnight) becoming shades darker to the 'burning' brunette he is today (naturally).[1]
[edit] Music
In 2004, he tried out in the RTR show Narodnyi Artist 2, but did not qualify to the main stage. This did not deter him from his musical interest and in 2004/5 he worked in the State Concert Orchestra of the Republic of Belarus headed by Mikhail Finberg and in the ‘Grand-Prix’ studio headed by the composer Oleg Eliseenkov who is still Koldun’s business partner. In the same year Koldun took part in the concerts of the National Festival of Belarusian sons and poetry ‘Molodechno-2005’ and the Arts Festival ‘Slavyansky Bazar in Vitebsk’.
In 2006 Koldun succeeded in another Russian project becoming winner of the sixth season of the Russian television show Star Factory on Channel One. During the show Koldun performed with several artists including the renowned Scorpions performing “Still Loving You” after which he was invited by the soloist Klaus Meine to perform this song on a joint tour. Due to his successes Koldun became popular in Russia and other past soviet states. Koldun signed a contract with the ‘National Music Corporation’ and became the soloist of the reformed group ‘K.G.B’ (Koldun, Gurkov, Barsukov).
[edit] Eurofest
After leaving the group Koldun returned to Belarus to take part in Eurofest where he justified the favourite's tag, winning both the public vote and becoming the choice of the jury. After its selection, Dmitry Koldun and his song were caught up in a conflict between Belarus television and his Russian management company which at one stage looked like the lyrics of the song would have to be changed, however the problem was resolved. In the preliminary stage, Koldun performed Angel Mechty receiving 4412 votes, 32% of the public vote. The judges then chose two of their preferred artists to compete in a final alongside Koldun where he was eventually announced the winner with the song Work Your Magic on January 22nd. He was the least popular (of three acts) of the proessional judges but won due to the public vote.
Koldun had taken part in the national selection in 2006 with the song Maybe but lost to Polina Smolova.
[edit] Accusations of cheating
ESCKaz (Eurovision Song Contest Kazakhstan) discovered that the song "Get Up" submitted to Eurofest by Koldun and his producer Victor Drobysh had already been released commercially by Finnish band The Ratzz. The song, called ‘Aave’ in Finnish, written by Jorgen Elofsson, Maki Kolehmainen and Tracy Lipp was included into the debut album of the band "Hard Ratzz Hallelujah". As ESCKaz was told by a representative of the label Helsinki Music Centre: "We were not aware that Dmitry Koldun had been performing the song. The rights for both Aave and Get Up, Get Down, Get Crazy are possessed by HMC & BMG Music Publishing Scandinavia, song was already published by us on The Ratzz album".
According to the application form for participation in the national Belarus pre-selection, songs and their elements music and lyrics, taking part in any stage of the contest should comply with the Rules for the National Musical Project Eurofest and Rules of ESC 2007. Rules of Eurofest state: "Songs should not be anyhow used by the participant or organizers before the selection show". BTRC has also notified that this provision is first of all related to distribution and sharing the rights for the competing songs. It is clear that the song, which already had been released by another performer, prior to the date of Belarus pre-selection concert, is breaking this rule.
ESCKaz also learned that Koldun was regularly performing the song "Get Up" on a Star Factory 6 tour including the series of commercial concerts in Belarus at the beginning of September. The song was also available since mid-September on the internet. Both are prohibited by "Eurovision Song Contest 2007" regulations that do not allow competing songs to be publicly performed before October 1st 2006. This same rule is repeated in the "Eurofest" rules in following variant, paragraph 2.1: "The songs for contest ("entries") (lyrics and music) must not have been commercially released and/or publicly performed before 1 October 2006. The entry as a copyright object must not have been released through the Internet or any other media". [2]
Angelica Agurbash was also accused of cheating in the same competition and unlike Koldun she was disqualified.
[edit] Eurovision
Since being selected to represent Belarus at Eurovision, Dmitry Koldun has taken part in the biggest promotional tour of any Eurovision artist competing in Helsinki, visiting almost twenty countries performing his Eurovision entry.
As Belarus had not finished the 2006 Contest in the top 10, the song was performed in the semi-final. Here, it was performed fourth (following Cyprus' Evridiki with Comme Ci, Comme Ça and preceding Iceland's Eiríkur Hauksson with Valentine Lost). The song received 176 points in the semi-final on May 10th, placing 4th in a field of 28 and qualifying Belarus for the final.
In the final on May 12th, the song was performed third (following Spain's D'NASH with I Love You Mi Vida and preceding Ireland's Dervish with They Can't Stop The Spring). Koldun received the maximum 12 points from Israel, Russia and Ukraine and in total receiving 145 points earning 6th place in a field of 24, the highest position ever achieved by Belarus.
Recently, while touring in Isreal, Koldun expressed an interest in entering the Eurovision Song Contest in 2009. Since Koldun's participation in the 2007 a common question asked of Koldun is about future participation because of his success (Belarus' only success) in the contest. Koldun has said that he will only participate with the 'right' song and is currently unsure as to which country to represent - the likely choices being Russia or Belarus. If failing to enter the 2009 contest Koldun has stated he would still like to participate again in the future.
[edit] Magic Works in Europe
"Magic Works in Europe" is a documentary film following Koldun's experiences including his Eurovision tour, rehearsals for Eurovision & other interesting material including one of Koldun's first ever performances as a 13-year old boy at his school in Minsk. The documentary was shown on May 21st, First TV Channel (Russia). It was then broadcast (or available to watch) throughout most of Eastern Europe - Belarus, Ukraine, etc. The documentary can be seen in several parts online (YouTube).
Topics (chapters) include:
- Koldun as a child (performances at 13, school life, etc.)
- Reality TV experiences in Narodnyi Artist (2) & Fabrika Zvevd
- Participation in Eurofest! Belarus
- Music video for "Work Your Magic"
- European tour prior to Eurovision Song Contest
- Participation in the Eurovision Song Contest
- Reflection (of Koldun) of the contest
- Interviews throughout (Koldun, Kirkorov, team, etc.)
[edit] Music
[edit] Unofficial Album
Early 2008 an album consisting of Koldun songs was released under the name Я Не Волшебник (Ya Nye Volshyebnik (or I'm not a magician in English)). Although the album was allowed to be sold commercially and feature all Koldun songs it remains an unofficial album and is, therefore, not considered to be Koldun's first album which is expected for release later this year.
[edit] Upcoming Album
Koldun's first album is due for release on June 11th 2008 (his birthday). Koldun will appear on a television show that will premiere the release of the album. Koldun recently held a competition on his official website where fans could send in album artwork ideas. Winners will be awarded a free copy of Koldun's upcoming first album and a place in the competition final. The winner of the final will be personally invited by Koldun to go to the album ceremony and watch him perform.[3]
The names of competition winners and their artwork ideas can be seen on Koldun's official website.
[edit] Albums
- 2007 - Work Your Magic (Promo)
- 2008 - Я Не Волшебник
- 2008 - TBA
[edit] Singles
Eurofest and earlier
Below is a list of songs performed during and before Koldun went to Eurovision. Songs may include those performed in Star Factory and in the Belarusian pre-selection show Eurofest.
| Song | Pronounced | English |
|---|---|---|
| Get Up, Get Down, Get Crazy
or (Get Up, Get Down) |
- | - |
| Я прошу | Ya Proshu | I Request That I |
| Тебя лучше нет | Tebya Luchshe Nyet | |
| На волне | Na Volnye | On the Wave |
| Ангел мечты | Angel Mechti | Angel of the Dream |
| Прости за все | Prosti Za Vsye | Forgive Me for Everything |
| Никогда | Nikogda | Never |
| Я буду ждать | Ya Budu Zhdat | I Shall Wait |
| Я не умру без твоей любви | Ya Ne Umru Bez Tvoei Liubvi | I Won’t (willn’t) Die |
| Ты улетишь | T Ulyetish | You Will Depart |
| Несерьёзно | Neseryozna | It's Not Serious |
| Я Для Tебя | Ya Dla Tebya | I Live For You |
Eurovision to present
The songs below include Koldun's Eurovision entry with its variants and some new songs released since the competition.
| Song | Pronounced | English |
|---|---|---|
| Work Your Magic | - | - |
| Work Your Magic Deep Zone Project Remix | - | - |
| Дай Мне Силу | Day Mne Silu | Give Me Power |
| Дай Мне Силу Deep Zone Project Remix | Day Mne Silu | Give Me Power |
| Дай Мне Силу Zoloto Remix | Day Mne Silu | Give Me Power |
| Reality of Dreams | - | - |
| Я Для Tебя (Official re-release) | Ya Dla Tebya | I Live For You |
| Ча-Ча-Ча | Cha-Cha-Cha | Cha-Cha-Cha |
| Царевна | Tsarevna | Princess |
| Ангел Под Дождем | Angyel Pod Dozhdyem | Angel in the Rain |
[edit] Work Your Magic
See: Work Your Magic
This is Koldun's most successful single to date reaching number 2 in Russia and number 3 in Spain. The song was chosen to represent Belarus in the Eurovision Song Contest 2007. The video was filmed in Greece which would be the first destination of his Euro tour, the biggest taken by any Eurovision contestant. The song achieved great success coming 6th in the contest, the highest position ever achieved by Belarus. The song comes in several versions such as its Russian version and several remixes. The video itself has been criticized for being a blatant rip off of Aerosmith's music video "Jaded", as the theme and location look almost identical.
[edit] Я Для Tебя
See: Ya Dlya Tyebya
Я Для Tебя (Ya Dlya Tyebya (or 'I (Live) For You' in English)) is Koldun's second officially released single. In October/November 2007 Koldun was asked to participate in a popular Russian programme and was asked to perform a song as part of the show. Koldun had first performed Я Для Tебя on Fabrika Zvezd which proved to be extremely popular and so this song was chosen. Since its broadcast in Russia, the video has been generally accepted as the music video for his new song. Я Для Tебя went on to chart #5 in Russia.
[edit] Царевна
See: Царевна
Царевна (Tsaryevna (or 'Princess' in English)) is Koldun's third official single. The making of the video has been heavily publicised in Russia and Belarus and Koldun has given several interviews which can be seen on YouTube. Pictures of the making of the video have also been made available on Koldun's Official Website.
[edit] Charts
Koldun has seen great success in his homeland Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Lithuania, other successes in Eastern Europe and some success in Spain (notably Work Your Magic). These successes have also been achieved by Russian girl band Serebro.
| Year | Album | Title | Notes | Chart positions | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
 |
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| 2007 | TBA, "Work Your Magic (Promo)" | "Work Your Magic" | Russian version of the song (Дай Мне Силу) was also released though this was not as successful being released only weeks later - only charted in Russia/Belarus | 2 | 3 | 34 | ||||||||||||||
| 2007 | TBA | "Я Для Tебя" | Official re-release, first performed by Koldun on Fabrika Zvezd (as a contesant) | 5 | - | - | ||||||||||||||
| 2008 | TBA | "Царевна" | 57 | - | - | |||||||||||||||
[edit] References
- ^ А Колдун все-таки мутантом оказался. Дневник Магия Колдуна (liveinternet.ru). Retrieved on 2008-05-27.
- ^ Belarus: disqualification for Agurbash and Koldun since song broke the rules. http://www.data.minsk.by/.+Retrieved on 2006-11-24.
- ^ Koldun official site. http://koldundima.ru/.+Retrieved on 2008.
[edit] External links
- Official Website (Rus/Eng)
- Official forum (Rus)
- Unofficial forum (Eng)
- Teleradiocompany of Belarus (Rus/Eng)
- Eurovision Website
| Preceded by Polina Smolova |
Belarus in the Eurovision Song Contest 2007 |
Succeeded by Ruslan Alekhno |
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