Daz takes on Eurovision mission (16May2006)

By Michael Osborn

BBC News entertainment reporter

 

 

 

Daz Sampson's win at the UK final

 

Rapper Daz Sampson, the UK's representative at this year's Eurovision Song Contest, is zealously embracing the task of improving the country's performance at the musical event.

 

The 32-year-old Mancunian, who will perform Teenage Life in Athens, dismisses the notion that the UK's poor showing in recent years has been caused by political voting.

 

"We think we get hard done by, but that's total nonsense. It's because we've sent absolute toilet," says Sampson, who believes his entry will turn the corner for the UK.

 

"This year we're sending something world class, it'll be unique. I feel I can make a difference.

 

'Man of the people'

 

"I'm not ashamed to embrace the fact that I've been a big fan of Eurovision since an early age. Words can't describe how proud I am to be part of it," he says.

 

"It's not just a singing competition to me - this is my World Cup final.

 

 

If they were on fire I'd walk past those two. They disgraced this great country of ours in the world's greatest musical competition

 

Daz Sampson on Eurovision flops Jemini

 

"There'll be millions of Brits watching me in Athens - if that doesn't bring a lump to your throat and make you want to win it, what does?" adds the musician.

 

Sampson says his strength lies in being a "man of the people" and having an ear for knowing what makes them tick musically.

 

"My song harks back to old-fashioned family entertainment - yes, I'm rapping, but you can understand every single word I say.

 

"Families voted for me to win the UK final, so why won't a family from Latvia, Portugal, Spain or Poland support me? The song isn't offensive and has a positive message.

 

"I'm going to win this contest because I've written a pop song with a memorable hook which everyone can enjoy, and there'll be the visual of schoolgirls dressed in traditional English uniform which will be remembered," he says.

 

'Aaaaah factor'

 

According to Sampson, the song's "aaaah factor" comes from his five teenage "schoolgirl" backing vocalists, who are practising hard to reproduce the record's sound of a 30-strong children's choir live on stage in Greece.

 

Sampson reveals they are planning an eye-catching stunt to rival Bucks Fizz's skirt-ripping moment in 1981, when the UK won.

 

 

It's not just a singing competition to me - this is my World Cup final

 

But the rapper admits a decent result would be enough to repair the damage he believes was inflicted by Jemini, who finished last with no points three years ago.

 

"If I can get us into the top five, it would practically be a win for the UK. But if I win, I'll become a national hero.

 

"If I can make it smoother for future UK acts to do well, then I can repair the bridges burnt by those absolute buffoons Jemini.

 

"If they were on fire I'd walk past those two. They disgraced this great country of ours in the world's greatest musical competition," says Sampson, who is certain he will not end up on the bottom of the heap in Athens.

 

Biggest audience

 

Last year's UK Eurovision hopeful Javine, who finished 22nd, is also criticised by the musician for her "arrogant" approach to the song contest.

 

As well as travelling around Europe to promote his Eurovision bid - unlike recent UK contenders - Sampson has eyed up the competition.

 

He has picked out Greece, Belgium, Romania and Germany as ones to watch, but feels former Swedish winner Carola's bid sounds "dated".

 

Sampson also confidently predicts his Eurovision bid will draw in the biggest UK television audience for the contest since Katrina and The Waves won in 1997 - the last time the country revelled in song contest elation.

 

 

.and he said Javine was arrogant...!!! :wacko:

.and he said Javine was arrogant...!!! :wacko:

 

I watched a bit of that doc with him last night on bbc3.

 

dont think he's got much of a chance to be honest. esp since the guy from g a y said it was rap with a capital c, and you would think it would have gone into the so bad its good catagory rather than so bad is c**p!!!

 

also it wasnt to difference to that polish entry that didnt get to the final and that had a rapper 'the real mccoy' who had big eurohits and american hits in the 1990s (so says wiki) and also a group (Ich Troje) that wiki says

 

is considered by aficionados to be one of the most influential Polish pop groups in recent times!!!

I still don't know how Daz will do but Ich Troje are nowhere near as good. The song has no particular meaning and the performance was so over the top it was ridiculous-love what Daz said about Jemini!!!

Daz is a Stockport lad (total scally basically!).

 

I don't know how to take his arrogance as a credit to him. If he pulls it off when the scores come in, you'll have to hand it to him. I'm gonna remain neutral... but it'll either go all the way or die on it's arse!