Estonia is making headlines as it prepares to send rapper and singer Tommy Cash to the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest with his provocative entry, “Espresso Macchiato.” Now set to occur next week, the competition has already sparked controversy, most notably in front of Italian audiences and officials. Critics respond that the song continues harmful stereotypes of oppressed people, whereas supporters hail it as a courageous piece of art examining the complexities of cultural exchange.
Tommy Cash, known for his satirical take on different music genres, previously garnered attention for his song “Untz Untz,” which parodied German techno culture. His most recent release, “Espresso Macchiato,” is a reflection of his travels to Italy. It’s on these trips that he often lays down his tracks. The notion of Espresso Macchiato supposedly arrived without any knowledge of the cultural connotations, perfectly illustrating his artistic stream of consciousness.
Paolo Prato, a lecturer in Italian Studies, weighed in on the controversy, suggesting that many Italians find Cash’s performance credible. At best, all the entry could level as is a type of cultural dialogue, at worst, a lazy parody.
Estonia’s recent history with Eurovision only lends another layer to the discussions. The country has much previous success in the contest to build on. Its win back in 2001 was a time of renaissance for reintegration into Europe after gaining independence from the Soviet Union. His win was regarded as one of the most important moments in Estonia’s post-Soviet history.
John Kennedy O’Connor, a regular commentator on Eurovision, remarked on the entry’s visibility heading into the competition. No matter what happens, he’ll be remembered on Monday,” Cash said, indicating that Cash’s performance is sure to make a lasting impact.
Not everybody is happy with Estonia’s entry. Italian senator Marco Centinaio has been one of the most vocal critics, declaring that “those who insult Italy should stay out of Eurovision.” Codacons, an Italian consumer rights association, has filed a lawsuit. They have officially called for Cash’s disqualification from the competition over fears of damaging racist stereotypes.
Even with this push back, “Espresso Macchiato” has unexpectedly become popular with users on TikTok in Italy. Notably, the “grannies from Ostuni,” a group of elderly women who gained fame on TikTok, have been seen dancing to the song, highlighting its appeal beyond the controversy.
In response to the backlash, Tommy Cash reiterated his commitment to his art. He stated, “That’s just not entirely true. If this were all some big joke for me, I wouldn’t be putting all this work into it. I’d just stand at the back of the stage, drink coffee, and wait for the lights to come back on.” His commitment to showcasing Estonia’s unique perspective is evident in his assertion that “my purpose as an artist is to show people, 100 percent, that a person from Estonia can do anything.”
In recent years, the Eurovision Song Contest has become a symbol of European culture, cooperation, and soft power. According to Anna G Piotrowska, an expert in cultural studies, “The purpose of Eurovision is to unite Europe.” She added that it’s valuable in enabling audiences to experience diverse traditions. Beyond that, it centers modern day expressions from Black, Indigenous, Brown, and immigrant communities.
As Estonia prepares for its participation in the upcoming competition, questions linger about whether “Espresso Macchiato” will be embraced or condemned by audiences. Regardless of the outcome, Tommy Cash’s entry is poised to spark dialogue about national identity and artistic expression in a forum designed to celebrate diversity.
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