At a Moscow concert hall, Shohruhmirzo Ganiyev is crooning about love and his motherland, Uzbekistan. Put your legs together like a man, suggests his voice coach and choreographer. And spread your arms wider! It's just a rehearsal, but Shohruhmirzo is singing his heart out while performing traditional Uzbek melodies. Uzbekistan is among 23 countries competing in the newly inaugurated Intervision Song Contest—a cultural event conceived as Russia’s answer to Eurovision.
Intervision 2025, masterminded by Vladimir Putin, emerged as a response to Russia's exclusion from Eurovision following its actions in Ukraine. The contest aims to bolster international cultural cooperation, flaunting Russia's relationships with various nations, especially those aligned politically and economically, like the BRICS nations and others from Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
The lineup includes diverse entrants like Brazil, South Africa, Vietnam, and intriguingly, the US—a sign of easing tensions since Trump's return to power. Despite some hesitance, artists feel a supportive spirit as they represent their nations.
However, the event faces skepticism, especially from Ukraine, which regards Intervision as a tool for propaganda. The Kremlin's involvement raises unanswered questions about the event's true cultural versus political intentions. Senior officials, including Sergei Kiriyenko and Sergey Lavrov, maintain that it is about cultural promotion, but the narrative inevitably intertwines with the current geopolitical climate.
As the contest unfolds, participants revel in sharing their cultural narratives, with performances intended to showcase their heritage. Yet, the uniqueness of Intervision lies within its orchestration as a geopolitical gesture, signifying Russia's stance amid international isolation—set against a backdrop of ethereal music and rich cultural displays, it remains to be seen whether this new chapter in cultural competition can flourish as a legitimate global platform.
