Royane, Royane Harkati (28) has origins from both Spain and Morocco, but grew up in Morocco before she moved to Norway when she was nine years old. She has been involved with music all her life, but has been serious for the past two years . The music she is inspired by varies, but most often includes strong, independent and original women both nationally and internationally. She has released several singles since her debut with “Antidote for Love” in 2019. Her latest release was “Takashi Aruto” on 22nd of January. Some know Royane through TikTok and Instagram. She has also been in season 3 of “Influenserne” (The Influencers). In the last two years, she has also received recognition as an artist with praise for original lyrics and melodies. She has especially excelled with her music video productions, where she takes responsibility for the design of clothes / costume, make-up and hairstyles. Royane is an unsigned, independent artist who takes responsibility for most of the links in the production itself, along with her own creative team consisting of manager, producer and videographer. She is the author of her entry while it was produced by Junior Paris and mixed by Simen Handeland.

Hello Royane, you were born in Morocco and at the age of 9 you moved to Norway what was the first moment in your life when you knew that music is going to be your occupation?

Yes I did. What a change! I think I always knew it, but it took me a while to go chase it. I guess I was afraid and didn´t know hot to even begin. I took that decision first for 4 years ago. That´s when my adventure as an artist started. It took me 2 years working in studio before I made my debut in 2019. It feels good to be home.

Norwegian people got familiar with you after you took part in 3rd season of “Influenserne” (Influencers) prior knowing you from Instagram and also TikTok. How was your experience in the show?

It was a really nice and fun experience although I only appeared in 2 episodes.

You are a singer, influencer and a single mother how do you manage to do well in all the things you are working with do you have any advice for your followers who are maybe going through the similar situation?

and a songwriter, actor, stylist, video producer and painter lol. My hands are full, but I love it! It was actually one of the reasons it took time for me to go this path, but the urge to chase my career was too big and I didn´t want to make any excuses any more. So I just went for it and never looked back. And to be honest I don´t regret it. They have a happier mom and I want to inspire them to chase their dreams. The only advice I have in this case is just go for it. Stop making excuses and don´t worry about what others might think as long as you´re happy.

Are your kids your biggest supporters and fans? How do they react to your music?

I don´t know if they´re my biggest fans, but they sure love what I do and they seem really proud of me.

What made you decide to take part at Melodi Grand Prix?

They asked me actually and I didn´t even hesitate to join because it´s such a huge opportunity and I love the concept!

Can you tell us what was the idea behind “Circus” given the fact that you are the author of it and what does the song mean for you?

I´ve had a tough childhood and was surrounded by toxic people. I was in a middle of chaos, but I started working with myself (still do) to get control over the chaos and learn to juggle. I found strength and wisdom in it and used it to my advantage. And that´s how I became the ringmaster of the circus.

Can you reveal us more about how will your performance on Saturday look like?

Well… It´s in the name of the song. You´ll join me in my mysterious, dark and fun circus.

This year’s Melodi Grand Prix will be held without the audience how will that affect your performance?

I know… It´s sad because I really love interacting with the audience, but I´m really good with the camera as well so I´m going to use it as an advantage to interact with people through the screen.

Last year Melodi Grand Prix marked 60 years from its first edition what is your favouritesong which competed at the stage of MGP and tell us why did you choose it?

I really love Euphoria by Loreen. What a song, voice and stage presence she had. Really talented woman.

Morocco took part at Eurovision 1980 with the song “Bitakat Hob” and Samira Said was the only representative of the country, recently the fans expressed their wish to see Morocco back at Eurovision, but there is also one winner of the show with Moroccan heritage, Loreen who won the show in 2012 with “Euphoria” how does it feel to know that your home country was represented at Eurovision? 

Really?? That´s crazy. I know who Samira is, but I didn´t know this. I knew Loreen was Moroccan actually. I love seeing my people do well and even tho Morocco can´t join, I hope I can represent my people in a good way. I´m actually half Spanish as well and even tho my parents aren´t from Norway, I feel Norwegian and I´m proud to represent Norway.

Do you watch Eurovision regularly, if so would you like to share a memory which you have of it or a favourite song from the contest?

I remember the year Alexander Rybak won, what a great song too! It was so huge for the Norwegian people and Alexander had an amazing stage presence. Looked like he was really enjoying the moment.

Before “Circus” you have released 6 singles with the newest one being “Takashi Aruto”  but still there wasn’t any album release so far can your followers maybe expect the first album this year?

I don´t think my first album is coming this year. I feel like I need to build bigger audience first. But you can sure expect more songs and maybe an EP too.

What are your plans after Melodi Grand Prix?

I have some song projects going on and some other cool projects that I can´t really tell about yet. I´ll rather surprise.

Thank you so much for your time Royane. We wish you the best of luck at Melodi Grand Prix. Do you want to share something else or you maybe have a message for followers of escbubble?

Ofc, Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy my circus show on Saturday. I really hope to get to the finals, so please vote for me if you like what you hear and see. Much love, Royane.

Give a listen to her entry “Circus”  on Spotify  or at Youtube below

If Royane is your favorite in the fourth semifinal which will take place tomorrow, make sure you cast your vote for her in our poll right here:

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