Meet the representative of OGAE LUXEMBURG

Meet Mara, the representative of OGAE Luxembourg in FANvision 2024.

Mara will be the first participant ever from Luxembourg at FANvision. The talented singer already made it to the Top 50 of Luxembourg's preselection this year and was then selected by OGAE Luxembourg to represent the fan club in Hamburg.

Mara has Bulgarian roots and thus chose a Bulgarian entry for her participation at FANvision: “If Love Was a Crime“ by Poli Genova, a successful 4th place for Bulgaria in 2016.

Why did you choose this song, what does it mean to you?

I chose "If Love Was a Crime" by Poli Genova to represent Luxembourg in the FANvision Song Contest because this song holds a special place in my heart. As someone who is half Bulgarian and half Luxembourger, with my mother being from Bulgaria, I've always had a strong connection to Bulgarian culture and music. Bulgaria's remarkable success in Eurovision, particularly from 2016 to 2021, has been a significant source of pride and inspiration for me.

"If Love Was a Crime" is more than just a song; it embodies the spirit of love and defiance. The lyrics speak about the power of love and how it transcends boundaries and societal norms. Poli Genova's message is clear: love is a universal force that should never be confined or judged. The chorus, "If love was a crime, then we would be criminals," resonates deeply with me, emphasizing that love, in all its forms, is worth fighting for.

For me, this song is an anthem of resilience and hope. It reminds me to embrace my true self and stand up for what I believe in, even in the face of adversity. Representing Luxembourg with this song allows me to honour my Bulgarian heritage and share a message of love and unity with a broader audience.

What did you feel when you were nominated by your fan club to represent the club at FANvision?

When I was nominated by my Fanclub to represent Luxembourg at FANvision, I felt an overwhelming sense of honour and excitement. It’s a dream come true, especially knowing that I will be representing Luxembourg alongside TALI, who brought Luxembourg back to the Eurovision stage after 31 years. There truly is no better moment than this! 

Having Mirko as my mentor and friend since 2016 has been incredibly meaningful. Our bond was solidified through our participation in the Eurovision Gala Night 2016 organized by OGAE Luxembourg. That event was foundational in our connection, laying the groundwork for many wonderful experiences in the Eurovision community.

Being chosen for this role is not just an opportunity to showcase a song I deeply love, but also a chance to celebrate my personal journey and connections within the Eurovision family. The support from my Fanclub and the cherished relationships I've built over the years have made this nomination an unforgettable milestone in my Eurovision journey.

Are you excited about coming to Hamburg?  Have you ever been in Hamburg/Germany? What do you wish for your stay in Hamburg?

I am incredibly excited about coming to Hamburg for the FANvision Song Contest! It's a city I've always wanted to visit, and the prospect of finally experiencing its renowned musicals is thrilling. Meeting so many Eurovision fans in one place is another highlight. It's quite challenging to find fellow Eurovision enthusiasts, especially in Luxembourg, given our recent return to the contest.

Hamburg has so much to offer, and I can't wait to explore its vibrant culture and attractions. This trip is not just about the contest; it's also about making meaningful connections with other fans and participants. These connections are invaluable, particularly as I plan to participate again in the Preselection Round for Luxembourg in Eurovision 2025.

Being in Hamburg feels like a perfect opportunity to immerse myself in the Eurovision community, share my passion for the contest, and create lasting memories. I'm looking forward to every moment of this experience and the chance to represent Luxembourg on such a significant platform.

What are your personal interests?

My personal interests are quite diverse, and I'm always excited to share and discuss them with others. Naturally, Eurovision is a significant passion of mine, and I love talking about past contests, memorable performances, and future predictions.

I draw a lot of inspiration from Eurovision, not just as a fan but also as a musician. I've been singing since an early age, and this passion has helped me connect with musicians and discover songs from all around Europe. I love composing music and discussing different aspects of music production and songwriting.

In addition to my musical pursuits, I am hardworking and have a master's degree in financial management. I approach my music with the same dedication and discipline that I apply to my professional life. This blend of finance and music gives me a unique perspective on both fields.

Given my plans to participate again in the Preselection Round for Luxembourg in Eurovision 2025, I'm very interested in discussing the creative processes behind staging a performance. From production to songwriting, I'm eager to share insights and learn from others' experiences.

I am a big fan of music in general, and I enjoy exploring various genres and discovering new artists. Attending live concerts and musicals is something I relish, and I'm particularly excited about experiencing the musicals in Hamburg. I also have a keen interest in travel and exploring new cultures, which ties in perfectly with my love for Eurovision's international community.

What’s your connection to the Eurovision Song Contest? Maybe you want to share your first Eurovision memory with us?

My connection to Eurovision runs deep, rooted in my love for music and the powerful messages of resilience and talent it showcases. Eurovision has always inspired me with its diverse musical styles and storytelling.

My first Eurovision memory is from 2008 when I watched Russia's captivating performance. Since then, I've eagerly followed the contest each year. My passion grew stronger in 2016 with Bulgaria's remarkable return, deepening my involvement in the Eurovision community.

One of my closest connections to Eurovision was being in the Top 50 for the Preselection of Luxembourg Song Contest 2024. The experience and six months of preparation gave me goosebumps. I will never have Eurovision depression because, for me, after Eurovision is always before Eurovision.

I've always admired Luxembourg's past successes and Sweden's iconic win with ABBA in 1974, highlighting the contest's lasting impact. When Luxembourg announced its return, I was overwhelmed with joy, fulfilling a long-held dream.

Eurovision means more than just a music contest; it symbolizes unity, cultural exchange, and artistic celebration. I am honoured to share my love for Eurovision and my personal journey with fans and participants in Hamburg.

Is FANvision the biggest stage/ audience so far for you, what are your musical experiences, and what are your plans for the future?

FANvision will be my biggest stage if the audience exceeds 900 people, surpassing my performances in school talent shows at Luxembourg public schools and the Conservatory of the City of Luxembourg. My most significant event so far has been the Eurovision Gala Night 2016, which had over 600 participants. Another notable achievement was reaching the Top 50 out of more than 300 contestants in the Preselection Round for Eurovision Luxembourg, where I performed in front of five professional experts from Eurovision, including Cesar Sampson (Austria participant 2018) and Tali Eshkoli (Eurovision Producer 2019 and Miss Universe).

My musical journey includes participation in Voice art and social organization events with various Luxembourgish artists. I've performed at events, Christmas markets, and other public venues, all in an effort to establish myself within the Luxembourg music scene. My goal is to become well-known in Luxembourg and build a solid foundation for my music career.

My future plans include focusing on music and preparing for future participation in Eurovision, while connecting with music experts, composers, and singers. I aim to find a stable job in Finance or Administration that allows me leisure time for my music and to make a positive impact on society. As for the rest, I believe the future will reveal itself in due time.

What do you do in your life apart from being a Eurovision fan?

Apart from being a Eurovision fan, I'm a student at the Luxembourg School of Business, working on my master’s in financial management and finishing my thesis. I'm also juggling an internship in Audit and Procurement in a Big Four Company. With any luck, I'll finish in July and be ready to dive into whatever exciting opportunities Luxembourg has to offer.

When I'm not buried in books or balancing spreadsheets, I love hanging out with friends and family. I'm also passionate about singing and composing my own songs. And, of course, I love taking vacations whenever I can scrape together the time and money—because let's face it, Luxembourg's weather could use a little Eurovision-style makeover.

What’s your favourite Eurovision song of all time?

As a singer, my favourite Eurovision song is "Beautiful Mess" by Kristian Kostov from 2017. Imagine being just 17 and delivering a performance that leaves everyone speechless—Kristian did just that. The song is a beautiful blend of contemporary sounds with a sprinkle of Bulgarian magic, and its lyrics about life’s messy yet beautiful journey really hit home. Plus, he snagged second place, proving he’s got talent in spades.

But let’s not forget "Fighter" by TALI, our very own Luxembourgish entry. Choosing between these two is like choosing between chocolate and more chocolate—both are amazing and oh-so-catchy. "Fighter" is all about determination and strength, which resonates deeply with me. Together, these songs showcase the incredible talent and diversity Eurovision is all about.

Meet the Head of Delegation
of OGAE Luxembourg:

Stephane is not just a close friend to Mara but her biggest mentor and fan, accompanying her to all her performances. This makes him the perfect Head of the Luxembourgish delegation. He is relatively new to the Eurovision scene, but he has been a fan of Mara's singing career for many years. While he wasn't part of the Eurovision Gala Night, he's been watching Eurovision with Mara for a few years now, soaking in all the glitz and glamour. He's thrilled to take on the honour of being Head of Delegation. Think of him as a Eurovision newbie with a VIP pass to the inner circle, ready to bring his enthusiasm and support to the stage!

Stephane Mota Fernandes

NAME	Stephane Mota Fernandes
CLUB	OGAE  Luxembourg
FUNCTION IN THE CLUB	Head of Delegation
SOCIAL MEDIA	#ogaeluxembourg

How did your club find your representative?

Our representative, Mara, has been involved in the Eurovision community for years. She participated in the Eurovision Gala Night in 2016 and has always been a dedicated member of OGAE Luxembourg as a singer. Her interest in Eurovision increased after she participated in the preselection round for Luxembourg's Eurovision Song Contest entry. With Luxembourg's recent return to the contest, our interest and excitement grew as well. Through a referral, we decided she was the perfect choice. Having known Mara for many years, I can confidently say she is passionate about her music, incredibly talented, and deserving of this opportunity.

Does your club bring a lot of supporters for your act?

This is our first time participating in FANvision, so we are thrilled to gain as much visibility as possible. We have a small but enthusiastic community of Eurovision fans in Luxembourg, and our friends are excited to support Mara.

What do you wish for your contestant?

We wish Mara the best of luck and a successful performance. Her hard work and dedication should be rewarded, and we hope this experience opens up great opportunities for her, especially in her future Eurovision applications.

Your club is in the race for winning FANvision, what’s outstanding about your club?

Luxembourg may be a small country, but we've had a significant impact with five Eurovision wins. Our return to the contest after three decades shows that we were always here, ready to rock the stage. Luxembourg is a fantastic place to visit, having hosted Eurovision four times. It's a multicultural and multilingual country, and although the weather isn't always great, we offer free public transport! If we win and host the next FANvision Song Contest, we will provide an unforgettable Eurovision Weekend for international fans. Luxembourg's visibility in the media will ensure that our efforts go beyond borders. We've hosted events like the Eurovision Gala Night and the Luxembourg Song Contest, inviting amazing artists such as Vicky Leandros, Loreen, Alexander Rybak, Dana International, and Conchita Wurst. Our network with Eurovision legends is extensive, and we are deeply invested in this project.

What's your favorite Eurovision song of all time?

My favourite Eurovision song of all time is "Mon amour" by Slimane. It has a lot of feeling, is incredibly original, and Slimane is a very talented singer.

What do you appreciate in particular in a performance in FANvision? What would you want to see on stage and what might convince you to give a high vote?

In FANvision performances, I appreciate great choreography and strong dancers. I look for the WOW effect—something unforgettable. A strong voice and a singer who performs as if it's their last and only moment on stage really stand out to me.