Mamagama praise ‘complete tolerance’ in Azerbaijan

With just one day to go before their Eurovision debut, Azerbaijan’s Mamagama have offered fans a taste of what to expect with a teaser clip of their performance for “Run with U.”

The preview reveals a bold, fast-paced stage show designed to showcase not just their musical energy but the diversity at the heart of their message — a message summed up in lead singer Asaf Mishiyev’s declaration: “Complete tolerance reigns.”

Azerbaijan’s Eurovision message

Mamagama’s Eurovision bid isn’t just about the music. It’s also about identity. The trio, who formed in 2021, reflect Azerbaijan’s multicultural makeup — with vocalist Asaf Mishiyev of Mountain Jewish heritage, guitarist Hasan Heydar of Lebanese-Arab descent, and drummer Arif Imanov, whose background includes Azerbaijani, Lebanese, and Russian roots.

“Complete tolerance reigns here,” Mishiyev told local press, reflecting on life in Baku. “Jewish holidays are celebrated equally with Muslim holidays, so we congratulate each other.” It’s this spirit of unity the group hopes to communicate to Eurovision audiences across Europe.

That ethos is woven into everything they do — even their name. “Mama” symbolises the life-giving force. “Gama” is the full spectrum of sound. Together, Mamagama aim to blend tradition and innovation, community and spectacle.

Rehearsal preview and Basel expectations

In footage released by the Azerbaijani broadcaster ahead of Tuesday’s semi-final, Mamagama’s staging builds around rapid-fire camera work, LED visual bursts, and a sleek, high-tempo arrangement of “Run with U.” Creative direction is by Ace Bowerman, whose portfolio includes Dua Lipa, BLACKPINK, and Ed Sheeran. It’s the band’s most high-profile collaboration yet, and they’re leaning in.

The group will perform tenth in the first semi-final, following Estonia and just ahead of Belgium. Their rehearsal clip has already drawn interest from Eurovision fans for its kinetic style — a departure from Azerbaijan’s recent more muted entries.

A rising force in Azerbaijani pop

Though they were on the shortlist last year, Mamagama were only selected to represent Azerbaijan in 2025. Their momentum has been building since winning Best New International Artist at Albania’s Kënga Magjike festival in 2022. Their track “Dreamer” made waves across the region and signalled their Eurovision ambitions early on.

This year, they arrive with the backing of music director Eldar Gasimov (of Azerbaijan’s 2011 Eurovision win). Asaf has also been building a solo profile — his turn on The Voice Azerbaijan saw all four judges turn their chairs, with Gasimov quickly snapping him up for his team.

Building bridges on and off stage

As the Eurovision spotlight intensifies, Mamagama has used the platform to engage with international press, emphasising a message of inclusion. Their recent interviews with Israeli and Turkish media have drawn attention to their multi-ethnic backgrounds and the symbolism of a Jewish lead singer representing Azerbaijan.

It’s a calculated yet meaningful message — not just about music, but about shared space, shared heritage, and celebrating differences. For a country that has sometimes struggled with Eurovision identity in recent years, Mamagama’s approach is a sharp pivot.

Will it pay off in the votes? That remains to be seen. But on stage — and in spirit — Mamagama are already loud, proud, and unmistakably present.

And here they are doing something different …