Faith Kakembo: “It’s a song about hoping for something better and to find freedom in who you are.”
The third semi-final of Melodifestivalen 2022 will take place tomorrow evening in the Avicii Arena in Stockholm and one of the 7 competing acts is the returning artist Faith Kakembo!
Faith Kakembo is a Swedish-Ugandan singer and songwriter who has started her musical career through singin in church choirs in her youth. For a year, she has a also studied music at a folk high school. In 2019, Faith Kakembo was one of the participants at P4 Nästa, with the song “Through Fire And Rain“. She sadly did not win the wildcard for Melodifestivalen back then, but that would not stop faith, as she made her debut at Melodifestivalen just one year later with the song “Crying Rivers“. She finished in 5th place in the third semi-final, only missing out on the Andra Chansen (Second Chance) round by a few votes. Despite not making it to the final of Melodifestivalen, “Crying Rivers” still made it to the Swedish single charts, peaking at number 18. This year, Faith is back at Melodifestivalen and is very determined to reach the finals!
Right ahead of the competition, we got the chance to have a quick chat with Faith Kakembo, about her participation at Melodifestivalen 2022 and her song “Freedom”!
Hello Faith! Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us, we are really glad to have you! You have sung in church choirs, participated in several music competitions and even studied music for a year. What does being a musician mean to you?
It means the world to me! Its the best feeling in the world creating music with talanted musicians. 🤩
If you could work with any musician in this world, who would it be?
India Arie
In your teenage years, you have been singing in church choirs. Are you a religious person?
I call myself a Christian, so yes I am.
Can you describe your experience at Melodifestivalen 2020 in a few words?
Exciting, fun, scary, amazing
Why have you decided to return to Melodifestivalen?
Why not 🤗
“Freedom” was co-written by yourself. How do you feel knowing you are going to perform your own song on such a big stage?
It makes it a little bit more personal.
Can you tell us a bit more about your song “Freedom“?
It’s a song about hoping for something better and to find freedom in who you are.
Do you already have plans on what your performance is going to look like?
Currently working on it!
As you surely know, the format of Melodifestivalen have slightly changed this year. The Andra Chansen round is gone, and there will be a Semifinal instead. What is your opinion on the new concept?
Don’t really have an opinion, but we will see how it works out!
Do you consider yourself a Eurovision fan?
I do 🤩
How would you feel if Sweden decided to send you to the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 in Turin?
🤩🤗😭😁😅😳🤯😆🥳
What is your personal goal for Melodifestivalen 2022?
To get to the finals!
Thank you so much for answering our questions today, Faith. Let me wish you the best of luck for Melodifestivalen and all your upcoming shows. Lycka till!
You can listen to a preview snippet of Faith Kakembo’s “Freedom” here! Don’t forget to tune in and root for her during tomorrow’s show!
FAITH KAKEMBO – FREEDOM
Photo: SVT
