Introduction

• Participant(s): Joci Pápai
• Song: "Origo"
  
• Writer(s): József Pápai
• Composer(s): József Pápai
• Broadcaster: MTV
  
• Social media: -
• Team review: 

Hungary is arranging one of the most extensive national finals in Eastern Europe every year. The show called “A Dál” and talented singers and songwriters can present their compositions, which will get judged by an expert jury and televoters. This year Joci Pápai could impress the TV spectators and the jury with his extraordinary song “Origo” (origin). This is a special situation as Joci is Roman, an ethnic group which does not have a solid stand in Hungary and faces a lot of discrimination. Therefore it’s amazing to see that Joci has been chosen to represent Hungary in Eurovision.

Joci Pápai was born in Tata, 70 km outside of Budapest in 1981. He also group with in family of musicians. His father is the leader of the gypsy orchestra with more than 70 members. Therefore Joci came into contact with music at an early age. Joci composed his song by himself. The theatrical composition has a lot of verve and rhythm and has a unique sound – very interesting though. Many people believe that he could end up very high in Kiev. Joci said that “Origo” is 100% him. Good to see that Hungary is trying new things, this will be highly appreciated internationally.

History

• Debut: 1994
• Participations: 15
• Victories: 0
• Finals: 12 (8 since 2004)
• Top 10: 4
• Chances for Top 10: 29 %
• Chances for Final: 80 %

Hungary has debuted with “Kinek Mondjam El Vétkeimet” by Friderika Bayer in the year of 1994 and came 4th with a big surprise, the first three “12 points” were given to Hungary and people believed that this could be the winner! This was a remarkable placing in the debut year, not only for Hungary also for other newcomers like Poland (2nd) and Russia (7th), they all shaped up very well in Dublin. From that debut year Hungary did not participate on a regular basis, the biggest pause has been between 1998 and 2005. This year it will be the 15th entry for Hungary at the ESC.

Hungary came back with new music and a lot of energy in 2005. The group NOX could bring Hungary back to a good position with a very well-choreographed folkloristic dance song “Forogj Világ” which came 12th in the final. This fact did not only delight the TV viewers and audience, furthermore, Hungary found back a regular place in the contest with a big wow! There were other flashy entries like “Unsubstantial Blues” by Magdi Rúsza in 2007 (9th) and “What about my dreams” by Kati Wolf in 2011, which came 22nd in the Grand Final in Dusseldorf. This brought Hungary glamour and international attention even if the low placing was not appropriate. Hungary has established a national final “A Dál” with several rounds and very good and contemporary music. Hungary has one of the most exciting national finals in Eastern Europe by now.

Since 2011 Hungary has always reached the Grand Final and the placing’s have improved almost every year! The entry “Kedvesem” by ByeAlex reached the Grand Final and made a respectable 10th place and one year later András Kállay-Saunders could make a wonderful 5th place with “Running”, “Wars For Nothing” by Boggie in 2015 has only made a disappointing 20th place in Vienna. Last year Freddie could reach the 19th place with “Pioneer”.