Azernews.Az

Participation at the 2012 Eurovision song contest is the most important moment in the history of Mandinga, members of the Romanian band Elena (lead singer), Alex (trumpet) and Chupi (drums), who will represent Romania at the song contest due in Azerbaijan in May, told Trend news agency.

``Going to Baku is an all new experience for us,`` Chupi said. ``No matter what happens we expect to have a good time. This is our chance to experience something unique. It will be very interesting to find out what the people in other countries of Europe feel about the song Zaleilah.``

The Eurovision 2012 semi-final rounds will be held in Baku on May 22 and May 24 and the final on May 26. The 57th Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Baku Crystal Hall, which is under construction near the National Flag Square.

Elena said both the people watching the National Eurovision Final in Romania and the panel of judges voted for the band.

``We were optimistic when we entered the competition, but we did not expect so much support from our fans. The number of votes we received from them was very impressive,`` she said.

Chupi said this will be the band members` first visit to Azerbaijan.

``We know that Azerbaijan is a Muslim nation and that there is a strong cultural and historical heritage there. We also know that Baku is very close to the Caspian Sea. Therefore, we expect to come back to Romania with some great stories to tell our friends and with beautiful pictures to convince them to come visit you,`` he said.

Elena said the band was still working on its performance. ``We want it to be better that the one we gave in Romania. What we can tell you is that there will be some pyrotechnics involved and some special elements,`` the lead singer said.

Given that this is their biggest event so far, the band members expect to be a little more nervous than on other occasions.

``When we are on stage we know what we have to do, but it`s those moments before you go live that are very important. We will have to focus on the show and set our emotions free afterwards,`` Alex said.

The band`s performance will bring excitement and fun to the contest in Baku, Chupi says.

``What we want is to share our song with the people of Europe. Zaleilah has a positive vibe to it and we believe it will make people dance and smile. Who doesn`t love fun?``