Kateryna Smagliy: Jamala’s triumph at Eurovision reminds Ukraine to take cultural diplomacy seriously
Ukrainian singer Jamala gestures as she arrives at the Kyiv Boryspil airport on May 15 after winning the final of the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest.
The 2016 Eurovision Song Contest has energized Ukrainians, whose spirits had been low due to “Ukraine fatigue,” continuous political feuds, and lack of reforms. Jamala’s win and her powerful song about persecution and the abuse of Crimean Tatars has filled our hearts with pride and solidarity. It also reminds us that culture is a powerful instrument for building trust, understanding, and peace.
