At the end of March, the Jõhvi People’s Football Museum was visited by Anton Ragoza, participant of the Eurovision Song Contest in 2010 and 2017, and founder of SunStroke Project. The weekly Panorama took the opportunity of the well-known musician’s visit to ask him a few questions.
— Mr Ragoza, we’re curious — how did you find out about the football museum in Jõhvi?
“One of the museum’s founders, Vladislav Naumov, is an old friend of mine. He had previously invited me to visit Jõhvi and the football museum. He knows that I’m a former footballer and a football fan — it’s a subject I’m passionate about. I suppose, thanks to the pandemic and the various restrictions that came with it, I finally had some free time, and I was able to visit the town.”
— And which team do you support?
“I’m originally from Tiraspol and have always supported the local football club Sheriff. It’s a team well known across Europe, regularly competing in the UEFA Europa League and the Champions League.”
— A post on the museum’s Facebook page mentioned that you gave a gift to the Phoenix football club. If it’s not a secret, could you tell us what it was?
“That’s right — my label team, Ragoza Music, gifted the club an anthem. The piece was performed by Ray Bark (Yuriy Rybak), a well-known dancer and musician in Moldova. Alongside me, the anthem was created by top musicians: Sergei Kharlamov, Vlad Gorban, Yuriy Rybak, and Katarina Sandu. We hope our anthem will inspire Phoenix to new victories and the highest achievements.”
— You’ve piqued our interest — where can we listen to the anthem?
“The official release will take place on 9 April, and the anthem will be available on all digital platforms. We hope it will be enjoyed by all fans and football enthusiasts.”
— Do you plan to shoot a music video?
“Of course. If the COVID-19 restrictions in Estonia are lifted, we’ll try to come to Jõhvi this summer together with Ray Bark and film a high-quality music video in collaboration with the Phoenix football club.”
— Would you say that the local club now has a modern anthem worthy of going to Eurovision?
“Absolutely — they could definitely go! The main thing is to get through the national selection!”
— Since we’ve brought up Eurovision, could you tell us about your experience taking part in the contest?
“I was lucky enough to take part in Eurovision twice as a member of the group SunStroke Project, representing Moldova. The first time was in 2010, when we performed the song ‘Run Away’ and finished in 22nd place. It was a huge learning experience for us, and we decided then that one day we would return and do even better.
In 2017, with the song ‘Hey, Mamma!’, we won Moldova’s national selection and went back to conquer Eurovision once again. I’ll never forget the emotions and those moments when the countries and their rankings were being announced. In the end, we were among the final three contenders for the win. We took third place — the best result in Moldova’s history at the Eurovision Song Contest. Upon our return home, the President of Moldova awarded every member of the group the Order of Honour.”
— Why did you leave the group?
“As the saying goes, we had our differences. I suppose I had greater ambitions for self-realisation and career growth. There comes a time when you need to make a change and move forward. These days, I focus more on producing artists (Ray Bark, Manouki, IVI, Vlad Gorban), composing music, managing performers’ copyrights, and acting in films. In short, I finally have time for the things I never used to manage before.”
— As far as we know, you visit Estonia quite often and have even opened your own company here. Is that true?
“Yes, a few years ago I opened my own company in Estonia, which represents my label, Ragoza Music. And as for your country — I’ve been in love with it for a long time and visit very often. I have many friends and acquaintances in Estonia, and the country inspires me creatively.”
— Are you planning to search for young artists in Estonia and help them make their way in the music world? Or are you currently only doing that in Moldova?
“I’m always happy to work with different artists. Music knows no borders or nationality. Estonia has plenty of talented musicians, arrangers, and vocalists. I’m glad to collaborate with people who are passionate about music! The doors of my label are open to everyone.”
“Panorama”
