Aleksandar Cenov known as Sandi is Croatian singer, composer and songwriter born in Rijeka on 17th of July 1968, As a kid he was learning how to play drums and guitar but later on he decided to concentrate on playing just the guitar. During high school he formed his teenage band “Bedž” (Badge) after that he played guitar and has been the vocalist of several bands (Uran, Hard Time, Fantomi) While being in Fantomi he also worked on his first solo album. He rose to fame in the 1990s with the release of his debut solo album “Sve je to samo rock’n’roll” (It’s all just rock’n’roll). Sandi took part at the first ever Dora in 1993 in a duet with Alka Vuica. They performed the song “O.K.” which received 10 points and ended on 11th place out of 15 competing entries. Some of his biggest hits include “Ljubav za Sve”; “Nebo” ;“Žena budi mi ti”;“E da mi je” ; “Da mogu biti njen”; “Rano je za kraj”; “Sve što imam”
and “Malena” which was very popular song in the whole Balkan region.  Sandi is married and has a daughter and a son. The second time he took part at Dora was in 2006 in another duet with Mirela Bunoza their entry “To nisam više ja” didn’t manage to reach the final and now he is back at the contest for the 3rd time with the song “Kriv” (Guilty).

Hello Sandi, you participated back in 1993 at the first ever Dora and your entry “O.K.” was performed together with Alka Vuica. Since then you took part at Dora 2006 in another duet – “To nisam više ja” was the song you performed with Mirela Bunoza but you didn’t qualify through to the finals with it, and now after 15 years you are getting back to the contest as a solo artist. How does that make you feel and what inspired you to get back at the stage of Dora this year?

This corona situation is the worst thing that has ever happened to musicians globally. Dora is very well covered by the media, so since I’m not the type of guy who puts up with the situation and cries over my musical destiny – I decided to send my new song to Dora. I’m not sure that the song has that Eurovision range, but I’m sure that it’s a great song and that my audience, which follows my music, will be satisfied and that this song will be sung in our region for a long time.

How did the cooperation between the  producer and composer of the song Siniša Reljić – Simba and you start and what are the plans for the future?

I have known the composer of the song for a very long time, since my tours in Sweden, where Simba once lived and where we met. But we’ve never clicked before. I think he matured in the meantime and wrote the song as created for me. It is, of course, about the song “Kriv”. All plans depend on the situation, which was conditioned by the corona pandemic.

The whole of Balkan knows your hit song “Malena”. Will your entry “Kriv” (Guilty) be similar to your recently released song “Naša Mala Tajna” (Our little secret) or to one of your biggest hits “Malena”, or it will reveal us a totally different side of Sandi?

I’ve always said that a song is good if some new kids can play it on a guitar at some beach. And the song “Kriv” is like made for that. And that’s it!!

What about your performance, can you share some information about it with us?

In addition to the suits, which will be absolutely unusual, I will concentrate on providing as much emotion as possible on stage. The stage performance will be spiced up by two beautiful girls, who play guitars.

Given the fact that Dora 2021 will be held without the live audience, how does that make you feel?

In keeping with the situation. It’s a big handicap for me, of course, because we all love that applause from the audience, but what can be done. We are happy that in these strange times Dora is still being organised. 

The competition of this year’s Dora 2021 has got some artists which competed at Eurovision stage, are well known at Croatian music scene and some young musicians. Which act do you see as the biggest competitor/eager to hear the most?

That’s something for what the audience needs to be asked. Tony Cetinski is my generation and an old friend, so I know him best.

Your producer Siniša Reljić – Simba is the author of another song in the competition “Come This Way” which will be performed by Ella Orešković. What do you think which song will be better received by the audience and will end up higher on the scoreboard?

Time will tell. Ella has a more modern song, but I believe my song will go deeper into the hearts of the audience in this area.

What is your first memory related to Eurovision? Do you watch the show regularly and which song is your favourite?

I was little when ABBA started their mega-successful career at the Eurovision Song Contest.

You have a long career as a musician and many songs behind you. Which of the songs you released is the one you enjoy performing the most?

My original songs, which were created, are inspired by real life.

What is your hobby?

Rally races, motorcycle trips and everything related to raising adrenaline.

What are your plans after Dora 2021?

Welcome the spring to normal and finally start with the concerts.

Thank you so much for your time Sandi. We wish you the best of luck at Dora 2021. Do you want to share something else or you maybe have a message for followers of ESCBubble?

My message is about music, and that is, follow your heart and enjoy the music, which touches your soul.

Dora 2021 is scheduled for this Saturday 13th of February. Sandi Cenov will be performing his entry “Kriv” as 5th  act of the night. You can listen to the minute snippet of it below

If Sandi is your favourite don’t forget to vote for him in our poll below! You can vote for up to five songs!

[democracy id=”20″]

Let us know your impressions and thoughts about “Kriv” by Sandi Cenov in the comments below and at our social media links!