Azerbaijan sends message of unity to Eurovision through a Jewish-led band Article by The Times of Israel

Azerbaijan is turning to an unlikely symbol of harmony to represent it at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest — a multicultural band whose members embody coexistence, tolerance, and love.

Meet Mamagama, a newly-formed three-man band led by Jewish singer Asaf (Safael) Mishiyev, joined by Hasan Heydar, a Lebanese-Russian guitarist, and Arif Imanov, an ethnic Azeri drummer. Together, they are preparing to take the Eurovision stage in Basel next month with their track “Run With U” — a techno-pop tune fusing retro '80s vibes with futuristic flair, and even the saz, a traditional Azerbaijani string instrument.

“We’re like a big family, really,” Mishiyev told The Times of Israel in a recent Zoom interview. “Our band reflects the tolerant Azerbaijani model — I’m Jewish, Hasan is a Lebanese Arab, and Arif is Azerbaijani. We want to show that music and unity transcend borders and backgrounds.”

The group’s formation is recent, with Mishiyev founding Mamagama in 2021. Heydar joined soon after on guitar, and Imanov completed the lineup on drums. Though new to the scene, their musical ambitions are longstanding.

This year marks a dream come true for Mishiyev, who had previously tried to represent Azerbaijan in 2014 and again in 2023. Heydar himself co-wrote “Özünlə apar,” the country’s entry for Eurovision 2023 in Malmö. Now, as Mamagama, the trio was selected by an internal committee to carry Azerbaijan’s banner in the 2024 contest.

“It’s a great opportunity,” said Heydar. “We’ve always wanted to share our music and talents on an international stage like this.”

Mishiyev, 32, is a proud Mountain Jew (also known as a Kavkazi Jew), born in Baku and originally from Quba — a region home to one of the oldest Jewish communities in the Caucasus. In Azerbaijan’s small but thriving Jewish community, Mishiyev works as a music teacher at one of the country’s two Jewish schools.

“Azerbaijan is my motherland,” he said. “Every Jew born here feels that way. I’m very proud to represent my country at Eurovision.”

He speaks some Hebrew, has family and friends in Israel, and has visited twice — once on a Taglit Birthright trip and once for a music competition.

As the contest nears, Mamagama is soaking in the excitement of pre-Eurovision events and discovering favorites among the 36 entries. One song they admire is Israel’s entry, “New Day Will Rise,” performed by Yuval Raphael.

“We love Israel’s song — it’s beautiful and emotional,” said Mishiyev. “Big shout out to Yuval, big hugs — we hope she shines.”

Their message stands in contrast to growing calls for Israel’s exclusion from the contest and planned demonstrations. Many Eurovision fans booed or protested last year against Israel’s entrant, Eden Golan.

“We’re very sad about this,” Mishiyev said. “Eurovision is about music, not politics. Music comes first.”

Heydar echoed that view: “When people harass a contestant over politics, it ruins the spirit of Eurovision.” Imanov added simply, “Music should unite people.”

Though Azerbaijan itself is not immune to geopolitical tension — including its ongoing conflict with Armenia — Mamagama hopes to rise above political noise.

“The melody is first for us,” said Mishiyev. “It’s our message — peace and love.”

After the contest, the group plans to release new songs and will open for OneRepublic at their concert in Baku later this month. For Mamagama, Eurovision is not just a competition — it’s a chance to show that unity through music is still possible.

By Tamilla Hasanova