BELGIUM – This morning RTBF through a radio show announced Jérémie Makiese for Eurovision 2022. The reception of the news on social media was more than positive for THE VOICE BELGIQUE winner. The radio announcement was quite theatrical as you can see in the video. Naturally, the fans now anticipate the song and pray for an amazing composition (this time) for their home country.
🇧🇪 What do you think of Jérémie Makiese representing Belgium in #Eurovision 2022? @JeremieMakiese3 @RTBF #oikotimes #belgium
— OIKOTIMES (@theoikotimes) September 15, 2021
ABOUT THE SINGER
Jérémie was born in Antwerp, Belgium, to Congolese parents. He and his family (which included his three brothers and sister) relocated to Berchem-Sainte-Agathe when he was six years old, then to Dilbeek a few years later, and ultimately to Uccle. The town is a multilingual municipality in Brussels, Belgium’s capital. Jérémie began speaking both Dutch and French at a young age.
Jérémie has music running through his veins. His mother sings and plays the tam-tam (a gong), while his father used to sing in a choir. Jérémie used to sing in church as a kid, but it was when he took singing classes at his local school that his passion for music blossomed.
Want to relive Jérémie's extravagant announcement on Le 8/9? We got you! See how Jérémie was announced as the Belgian representant for Eurovision 2022 here 👇 pic.twitter.com/f7jqQ8Rqe3
— ESC Discord (@ESCdiscord) September 15, 2021
Jérémie’s father immediately saw his son’s potential and entered him in a school singing contest. Jérémie won the competition, which prompted him to audition for The Voice Belgique.
For his Blind Audition, Jérémie selected an angelic rendition of Labyrinth’s Jealous. All four judges (including former Belgian Eurovision contestant Loc Nottet) rotated their chairs. Jérémie went on to win the tournament and is still mentored by BJ Scott, his buddy, and coach.
Jérémie chose to put his geology studies on hold after winning the program and concentrate entirely on his passions for music and sports. Jérémie is a great goalkeeper who has just signed a deal with Excelsior Virton!
When it comes to Eurovision, Belgium annually switches between broadcasters. Since 2013, RTBF, the organization in charge of Belgium’s entry for Eurovision 2022, has chosen previous competitors from The Voice Belgique as their representative, putting Jérémie in a strong position to be chosen internally.
SOCIAL MEDIA REACTIONS
As mentioned above, the first reaction to the name of the Belgian representative for Eurovision 2022 was positive. After all, Jérémie Makiese seems to be quite a popular person in Belgium, not forgetting he won THE VOICE final with 54% of the votes. Following the Twitter feed, the first reactions for him were mostly positive.
Looks like a strong choice for Belgium! Can't wait to hear what kind of song Jérémie brings to Eurovision
— Arianna (@Arianna483) September 15, 2021
Jérémie Makiese. Don't worry, he has a great voice.
— Juliette Lepage (@LaTaupe2a) September 15, 2021
Pues Jérémie Makiese, futbolista y ganador de La Voz belga representará a Bélgica #ESC2022 #Eurovision2022
— LoreEmilyWorld 🇨🇭🇮🇹🇫🇮🇺🇦🇲🇫 (@LoreEmilyWorld) September 15, 2021
Please please @ RTBF pair Jérémie Makiese with a good songwriter (and hence with a great song for him).
Also think of the staging. Counting on ya 🇧🇪🤞🏼
— O'om (@dafbur) September 15, 2021
Welcome to the Eurovision family Jérémie Makiese 🇧🇪
— Mikkel, Arsoldiino 🕺 (@EscClap) September 15, 2021
an original oikotimes text