After a small break we are back on the interview tour. Today we talk to Takasa from Switzerland, who will perform their entry You and me as song number 16 in the second semi-final of the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö on 16 May.

1. Takasa, can you please introduce yourself to our readers?

On 15 December 2012, the Swiss public chose a group from the Salvation Army as Switzerland’s entry for the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest. The group rechristened itself “Takasa” to comply with the rules laid down by the Eurovision Song Contest organisers. This enigmatic name means “to make pure” in Swahili, and epitomises the pure joie de vivre and love of music that the band embodies. It also represents their spirituality. Takasa is made up of six individuals for whom music is a passion. Sarah is 21 years young, and Emil celebrated his 95th birthday in February. They are brought together by a shared love of music and belief in God.

The band was casted. It was composed of people who are musically talented and at the same time fit together – even if their background and life situation is completely different.

2. How was your initial reaction after you were asked to change the name of the band? Why did you choose a name in Swahili?

We complied with the rules of the EBU and did not want to provoke. Takasa means “to make pure” in Swahili, and epitomises the pure joie de vivre and love of music that the band embodies. It also represents their spirituality. The name is thought in the way of “Hakuna matata” from Lion king. It shall spread positive feelings.

3. How come the idea of take part in the Swiss selection? Have you considered representing your country in the Eurovision Song Contest before?

The Salvation Army has a long tradition in music and is used to different kinds of venues. The Band are as happy playing their music on the street as they are in church, as comfortable in a prison as they are in the Federal Parliament Building. Takasa’s journey will now take them this tradition to the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö.

4. Which is the best way to describe You and me?

The song intends to spread positive emotions and feelings and therefore fits very well into the Eurovision Song Contest context. The contest intends to connect cultures and people by music and that’s what we do and believe as well. We believe that only supportive relationships can last in the long run and finally create a healthy community. It’s about respect, trust and love.

5. Have you listened to the others entries competing in the contest? Do you have any favourite?

We first make our minds up for our semi-final. As soon as we (hopefully) will make it to the final we will think about the other candidates. Ask us again in Malmö!

6. What can we expect on stage in Malmö? Will your performance be similar to the one at the Swiss final?

The focus will rather be on the band and the song than on wild choreography.

7. Songs performed late in the draw usually have more chances of qualify? Do you believe in statistics? Do you think the number 16 will bring luck to Switzerland in Malmö?

This depends on the song. If your song is catchy every starting position is OK. However with a catchy song and a high number this could even be better. We are more than happy with our starting position.

8. Finally, do you have a message for all the readers of esctoday.com?

A better world begins with every individual person and the will to build long lasting relationships. That’s the message of our song and we hope it will pass across Europe. Please help us to do so.

The esctoday.com team wants to thank Takasa for taking the time to answer our questions and to wish the band the best of luck in Malmö!