Ladaniva, stylized in all caps and named after the rugged off-road SUV Lada Niva, is a dynamic French-Armenian world music duo hailing from Lille. Formed in 2019, the group comprises Armenian vocalist Jaklin Baghdasaryan and French multi-instrumentalist Louis Thomas. Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of musical traditions, including Balkan, maloya, and Armenian folklore, Ladaniva offers a unique fusion of global sounds.

Jaklin Baghdasaryan, born in 1997 in Yeghegnadzor, Armenia, and raised in Minsk, Belarus, before relocating to France in 2014, brings her rich vocal talents honed since childhood. Louis Thomas, born in 1987 in Lille, hails from a family of musicians and boasts a background in jazz. Their serendipitous meeting during a jam session in Vieux-Lille's music bar, l'Intervalle, in 2018 sparked the beginning of their musical journey together.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Ladaniva persevered, releasing a series of successful videos in 2020, including "Vay Aman"  and "Zepyuri Nman"  which garnered significant attention, particularly within the Armenian community. Their video for "Kef Chilini"  amassed an impressive 18 million views within months. In 2023, Ladaniva unveiled their debut self-titled album, produced and distributed by PIAS, showcasing their eclectic musical prowess.

Their selection as Armenia's representatives for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 was officially announced on March 9, with their entry "Jako" revealed on March 13. Ladaniva's repertoire seamlessly blends traditional melodies from Armenia, Russia, and the Balkans with influences from Latin America, Africa, and Reunion Island, captivating audiences worldwide.

Recognized for their innovative approach to world music, Ladaniva received the prestigious Music Moves Europe Award via the Public Choice Award in 2022, solidifying their status as a rising force in the global music scene.

This year's Armenian entry embodies the signature musical style of Ladaniva, blending cultural traditions with a vibrant array of folkloric elements and impassioned vocals. The song revolves around the story of "Jako," a girl depicted as liberated and uninhibited, expressing her emotions through dance. With its timeless essence and evocative lyrics, the song stands out as a unique offering in this year's line-up, promising a captivating cultural journey unlike any other.