Biography of TVORCHI
Tvorchi, a Ukrainian electronic music duo from Ternopil, consists of producer Andrii Hutsuliak and vocalist Jimoh Augustus Kehinde (also known as Jeffery Kenny). Formed in 2018, the duo has released four studio albums: The Parts (2018), Disco Lights (2019), 13 Waves (2020), and Road (2020). Tvorchi will represent Ukraine in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 with their song "Heart of Steel".
Andrii Viktorovych Hutsuliak was born on February 21, 1996, in Vilkhovets, Chortkiv Raion, Ukraine, while Jimoh Augustus Kehinde was born on September 30, 1997, in Nigeria. The two met while they were both students at the Faculty of Pharmacy of Ternopil National Medical University. On May 30, 2017, Tvorchi released their first single, "Slow", followed by their second single "You" in September of the same year.
The duo released their debut album “The Parts”, 2018. Furthermore they have released several songs like "Ne tantsiuiu". Tvorchi entered the Ukrainian national final “Vidbir” with the song "Bonfire" in 2020 already, placing fourth in the final.
In September 2020, Tvorchi released their third album “13 Waves” which was recorded remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The album received over two million plays on music platforms in the first week since its release. In December 2020, the duo won the online music award "Culture Ukraine" in two categories: 'Best New Artist' and 'Best English-language single' for "Bonfire". They were also nominated for the YUNA 2021 Music Awards in four categories, including 'Album of the Year'.
The Song
Song: Heart Of Steel
Writer(s): Jimoh Augustus Kehinde
Composer(s): Andrii Hutsuliak
Broadcaster: UA/PBC
Tvorchi entered Vidbir 2023 again and won the competition with the song "Heart of Steel" in December 2022. They came second in the jury vote and first in the public vote, earning the opportunity to represent Ukraine in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023.
The Ukrainian national final took place under extraordinary circumstances, with the event being held in a metro station due to the persistent threat of bomb attacks in the city of Kyiv. Against this backdrop, the song "Heart Of Steel" emerged as a mesmerizing electronic pop number that captures the theme of pain and perseverance and the resilience of the people in the face of nuclear threat. With its powerful lyrics that speak of not giving up, being as tough as steel, and having a heart of steel, the song is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
Незважаючи на біль (Despite the pain)
Я продовжую свій бій (I continue my fight)
Світ палає, а ти дій (The world is on fire, and you act)
Don't be scared to say just what you think
Cause’ no matter how bad, someone’s listening
"Heart of Steel" is not the only song in the contest that touches on the war in Ukraine, and with Ukraine having won the competition last year, the event would have been held there if not for the challenging circumstances. Nevertheless, the UK has stepped in as co-host, making this year's event in Liverpool a unique and meaningful occasion. In a way, Ukraine's entry serves as a symbolic host entry for 2023, alongside the UK's own entry, adding to the excitement and significance of the competition.