Zetod say Finno-Ugric people will back them at Eurovision

Estonian band Zetod say they would have the support of the Finno-Ugric people at Eurovision as they compete in Eesti Laul for the first time in the group’s 23-year history, ERR reports.

The band’s entry, “Kipõ-kipõ,” draws on Seto culture and the Seto leelo singing tradition. Seto and Võro-rooted singer Hellika will perform with the five-piece band.

Band member Jalmar Vabarna said Zetod had missed the Eesti Laul entry deadline for five years before applying this year. He said the group had wanted to bring a leelo choir on stage, but the Eurovision six-person limit meant they could add only one performer. They chose Hellika because she is a singer.

Band member Matis Leima said the song is about how busy life can become. Its message, he said, is not to work yourself to death, but to sing, take a break and enjoy life.

Vabarna said the band hoped to win over audiences with Seto culture and its living traditions. He added that they felt they had “25 million” Finno-Ugric people behind them and were ready to travel to Bulgaria in folk costumes.