Jeffery from TVORCHI responds to his language skills criticism

He made the response in an interview with TSN, a Ukrainian news channel.

The band, which the audience chose to represent Ukraine at the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool, became subject to criticism. Among other things, in particular, users of social media accuse the artists that the vocalist of TVORCHI Jeffery Kenny does not speak Ukrainian.

The musician noted that in Liverpool, where Eurovision 2023 will be held, English will be very appropriate. 

"We are going to Liverpool. We have a Ukrainian and we have someone who can communicate with people there. So, I do not understand such criticism. If they want to talk about it, fine," Jeffery replied.

Kenny understands Ukrainian perfectly and does not need an interpreter. However, another band member Andriy Hutsulyak notes that Jeffery speaks Ukrainian, but is anxious of speaking it in public since he is afraid of making mistakes. The vocalist is attending Ukrainian language classes.

"I understand everything. I'm in the process now, I'm learning. Everything will be ok. I have a teacher and I will continue to learn the language when I return home," Jeffery added in Ukrainian.

The winners of the National Selection for the Eurovision Song Contest, which took place on December 17, were the band TVORCHI. They managed to win the hearts of the audience, receiving 10 points from them. The judges rated the performance at 9.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2023 was supposed to take place in Ukraine, since Kalush Orchestra won the song contest this year. However, due to the Russian war in Ukraine, the European Broadcasting Union transferred the right to hold the contest to the UK. On behalf of Ukraine, it will be held in Liverpool. The first semi-final will be held at the Liverpool Arena on May 9, the second on May 11, and the grand final on May 13.

Yana Shemayeva, better known as Jerry Heil, announced that she will no longer participate in the national selection for Eurovision.