2019 marks the tenth entry from the Serene Republic. This year, they will be sending Say Na Na Na written, composed, and performed by Serhat Hacıpaşalıoğlu – the 2016 representative from San Marino. He returns to Eurovison with another uptempo dance song in hopes of bettering his previous attempt – twelfth place in the First Semi-Final.
Who is Serhat?
Serhat, who goes by just his first name, is a singer, producer, tv show host, and actor. He is most known for producing and hosting Riziko, the Turkish version of the American quiz show Jeopardy! as well as his rousing dance numbers. His biggest hits include Je M’adore, his first charting hit. The remix of his 2016 Eurovision entry I Didn’t Know featuring Martha Walsh charted on the US Dance charts. His most recent version of Total Disguise featuring Greek Eurovision winner Helene Paparizou was released last year to great reception. Serhat brings his experience, charisma, and trademark voice to Tel Aviv with the self-penned song Say Na Na Na.
What about the song?
Say Na Na Na is an uptempo dance track with a light disco feel. In addition to Serhat’s vocals, we can hear a chorus of backing singers that help create a sound of everyone in a dance club singing along. f The lyrics tell a story of Serhat encouraging a friend to overcome their hardships and self-doubt by adopting a care-free attitude captured by the phrase “na na na.” He offers himself as a source of support for this friend. We can expect to see another lively stage show from Serhat in Tel Aviv with bright lights and dancers, much like the song’s music video and his 2016 staging.
We wish San Marino and Serhat good luck! Say Na Na Na will be performed in the second half of the First Semi-Final on 14 May. We know that SMRTV “dares to dream” of a return to the Grand Final for a second time (the previous being in 2014).