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Joci Pápai through to Eurovision final

Joci will perform the song Origo, a hip hop influenced track which blends traditional Romani music with Hungarian. It was written by Pápai himself

Hungarian singer Joci Pápai has made it into the Eurovision song contest final on Saturday.

Joci will perform the song Origo, a hip hop influenced track which blends traditional Romani music with Hungarian. It was written by Pápai himself.

“I am so proud that, in the history of Eurovision, as a gypsy I managed to get to the final. It’s such an honor to be there. Today, I did not sing just for Hungarians, gypsies or minorities — this is for everyone who has ever felt oppressed. I left a piece of my heart here in Kyiv,” Pápai said.

Joci comes from the Hungarian city of Tata and has been a celebrity in his home country since shooting to fame in 2005.

The 35-year-old took part in Hungarian X Factor style show Megasztár but despite being knocked out in the early rounds, he still landed a record deal.

His first hit song was Ne nézz így rám in 2006, and after that he had successful records, both solo and with the rapper Majka.

In December, he announced he would be one of the acts vying to represent Hungary with the song Origo, which combines hip hop and music from around the world.