Jam Sheriff is a known name for Eurovision fans. The singer, from Nigeria, took part in the national final for the first time in 2005, when he came second in Russia with Elena Teerleva. After some more tryings, he’s again again on Swiss selection, with the song “One big family”. Check out the exclusive interview JanelaESC made with Jam:

1 – First of all, tell us a bit about how you started your music career there in Nigeria.

Honestly, music as a career started not in Nigeria but in Moscow when I was still in the University. In Nigeria music was a hobby only. I took music serious in Moscow from 2003 just after the Fabrika zvyozd one. Although, i started writing songs since i was 15 years old in Nigeria.

2 – How come did you decide to move to Russia? What was the hardest thing to adapt when you moved there? How could you deal with russian language and habits?

My decision to move to Russia was to study medicine, which I fulfilled and even worked as a Doctor for sometime. Hardest thing to adapt to was the extraordinary cold climate. As for the language it took me 6 months to learn it. I also got adapted to common Russian habits as well, even learned to make and eat some Russian dishes as well too.

3 – Apart from being an artist, you are a doctor. How could you divide your time between studies and music? Which advice do you give to people who are facing the same situation?

I learned and studied to be a doctor but music is inborn and a gift from God, so I could handle the two fields easily. But after studies I started giving more time to music and hope to get a real international fame like Dr. Alban and Sade someday.

4 – You took part of very first edition of Fabrika zvyozd, in Russia. How was this experience, specially being a foreign competitor?

Yes, I took part without any earlier experience and knowledge about the Russian show business. But after the project I began to make stronger and better music for example “No more war” that won the semi-finals of the national Eurovision competition in 2005. So the First edition of fabrika zvvozd actually boosted my professionalism in music. So I am grateful to the 1st Russian channel for giving me that unique opportunity.

5 – You got near to go to Eurovision in 2005, together with Elena Terleeva (also a Fabrika zvyozd participant, but from another season). Who had the idea to put you two together? Did you expected that great response from people, who voted you 1st on semifinal and 2nd on final?

I made a request to Elena Terleeva to sing a duet song at the 2005 Eurovision national contest with me after listening to her performance live on the stage during the new year. She got interested and agreed! So I wrote the song and we went to the studio! After which the song “No more war” was cooked out! We were both surprised of the response from people. We got the highest votes to beat even Dima Bilan and many other Eurovision stars of today. Every time I remember the show I believe , we had a great duet at that year but we had no support from strong producers so the duet just died off. I am very thankful and grateful to all the people that voted for us in 2005. That was the best moment in my life…

6 – After trying for Russia, you’re trying again for Switzerland. Why did you decide to upload your song on Eurovision Plattform? How can you describe “One big family”?

Yes, I have tried for Russia many times and probably gain some experience but the thing is that I am a big fan of the Eurovision Song Contest. For me I could represent any country that gives me the chance and I will be grateful and thankful to such a country till I die… This is my dream and I’m going for it. I believe everything is possible in this world… I am trying to represent Switzerland next year. If the people like my song and my performance I could find myself in Sweden at the contest in 2013! The song “One big family” is my newest and probably the best song I have ever written, simply because: it has very good melody, positive lyrics, inspiring, relates to everyone and most of all, it brings and unite all of us together. One big family means: we are all children of Adam and Eve, we don’t need to offend each other, no war, never judge people by their race, religion and sex . This is what the song is all about. The Eurovision itself is just one big family!

7 – Send a message to our readers.

Love yourselves and love your neighbors; be happy and make others happy if you can; never hurt someone else; keep moving and carry it on… We are one big family…. God bless us all… Amen

JanelaESC wishes Jam Sheriff loads of luck on Swiss selection and on his career!

Link to the interview at JanelaESC:http://www.janelaesc.com/2012/10/janelaesc-interviews-jam-sheriff.html