The Belgian singer Jerémie Makiese has given a written interview for us

eurovisionlive: Dear Jerémie, you are going to represent Belgium in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. How excited are you in regards what is going to come in the next weeks?

Jerémie Makiese: I am so excited! We worked so much with my team to produce my first single “Miss You”… now it is on, and I’m so proud! We are still working hard to offer the best of ourselves for the stage in Turin, I’m super motivated! I’m participating to the pre parties in London and Amsterdam, it will be a first occasion to meet the artists and fans of this fantastic event… I’m so very impatient!

eurovisionlive: How did the Belgian broadcaster RTBF inform you that you have been chosen?

Jerémie Makiese: A few months after my victory at « The Voice Belgium », Leslie Cable, the producer of the programme, called me. She is also producer of Eurovision for the Belgian television RTBF and proposed me to participate to the Eurovision Song Contest. I couldn’t believe it. I was in the street and I almost fell! I accepted immediately and the emotion was high because for the first time, I had to make a choice between my two passions: music and football...

eurovisionlive: Did you follow the ESC in your youth and childhood?

Jerémie Makiese: Yes of course, I’ve always been fascinated by this incredible big international event that brings together artist s from 40 countries on the same stage!

eurovisionlive: If so, do you remember some good songs or singers?

Jerémie Makiese: I wasn’t born at this time but I’m so impressed by the victory of Sandra Kim for Belgium in 1986, she was so young and she made it! More recently I completely fell in love with de song “Arcade” by Duncan Laurence, who won the Contest in 2019. This is simply beautiful.

eurovisionlive: Who are your idols you are taking your inspiration from?

Jerémie Makiese: Michael Jackson is my first reference. When I was little I wanted to be like him... I grew up with the style of this artist, which is perhaps a little bit present in my universe today. I grew up in a world of soul, gospel and RNB, a bit old school. But I also like a lot of classic pop like Ed Sheeran, Labyrinth (and the song 'Jealous' that I chose for the ‘blind sessions’ in ‘The Voice’), John Legend, etc.

eurovisionlive: What kind of music do you prefer?

Jerémie Makiese: In fact, I'm fascinated by all styles, from opera to rock... I just love music!

eurovisionlive: Did some of the former Belgian representatives give you any advices?

Jerémie Makiese: I had a long phone call with Loïc Nottet, who represented Belgium at the Eurovision Song Contest 2015. He described me his own experience of this adventure and how much is was rich for him: rich in encounters with artists from all over the world and rich in terms of experience. His main advice is to enjoy each moment backstage and on stage.

eurovisionlive: How did your life go on after the victory of “The Voice Belgique”?

Jerémie Makiese: I experienced The Voice adventure as a discovery of myself. The Voice taught me to be real. And I learned a lot thanks to my coach BJ Scott! Not only artistically, but also about life. I had the chance to share scenes with her for more than two months. She took me under her wing to prepare me for my own flight... And I love her!

After The Voice I continued to live my both passions: music and football.
My love for football is as strong as my love for singing! I signed as a goalkeeper at RFC Virton, at the same time as I accepted to represent Belgium at Eurovision. I took this double decision because it is an opportunity to live my two passions. I didn't think about it, I listened to my feelings and accepted both. Today, with the Eurovision adventure, I have to distance myself a little from this part of my life. This break is not obvious, but, as I say in my song, I know that it's a blessing in disguise. I'm distancing myself a bit from football now, but I'll come back to it later.

eurovisionlive: What do you expect from Turin and Italy?

Jerémie Makiese: To take advantage of this fantastic international scene to present my music and to meet artists from all over the world.

eurovisionlive: Do you think the war in Ukraine will have an impact on the results this year?

Jerémie Makiese: Eurovision is an event that brings people together and celebrates diversity through music. That’s why I’m participating. I will be there to sing and share my music with artists from 40 countries. That’s all that matters.

eurovisionlive: What would you tell our readers as last words?

Jerémie Makiese: Many stories can be found in the lyrics of my song, which are addressed to all those who have experienced or are experiencing a difficult choice... Even if these moments are hard to live through, the aftermath will only be better. The key is to accept it. Among all those who listen to my song, there might be someone who is going through a difficult choice, who might find himself in my lyrics and think “yes, I will be able to take the decision and everything will be better”. If my song can have that effect on at least one person, I've already won everything. And I love you and will sing for you in Turin!

eurovisionlive: Many thanks and good luck!

Author: Bernd LemmermannEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Public relations, Editor, Journalist

About me:
As one of the founders of eurovisionlive.com I am responsible for the interviews with the singers and the editorial content. My passion for the Eurovision Song Contest exists since my early childhood. The exotic music, different cultures and languages have given a lot of inspiration to me. Since my very first ESC in Dublin 1994 I particularly appreciate the get together and friendship of all the nationalities and Riverdance was a thrill!