Belgium’s Eurovision candidate Jérémie Makiese to sing ‘Miss You’ in second semi-final

Belgium’s Eurovision hopes rest this year on multi-talented Jérémie Makiese and his track ‘Miss You’.

Makiese, 21,  will be delivering the ballad in the second semi-final round of the Eurovision Song Contest in Turin on 12 May.

The Uccle resident was selected by French-language public broadcaster RTBF last year. Wallonia and Flanders take it in turns to choose an entry for the international competition.

Makiese was a popular choice after being crowned the winner of The Voice Belgium 2021. Citing Damso, Stromae and Otis Redding as musical influences, he’s the first black solo performer to represent the country at Eurovision.

Born in Antwerp to Congolese parents, Makiese moved to Brussels with his family and began singing in a church choir as a child with his brothers and sisters. But he was side-lined by the choir leader who thought he wasn’t good enough, reports RTBF.

“I was on the side and watching the others. I was storing information. Honestly, I don't know how I got that voice.”

Ahead of his performance before an estimated audience of more than 220 million, Makiese said: “I was singing in my shower, it wasn't serious. And today, I will represent my country at Eurovision. It's incredible."

The youngster has also been torn between his passion for football and music; he’s currently on a one-year contract as goalkeeper for Excelsior Virton in the 1B Pro League.

The Eurovision contest kicks off with the first semi-final on 10 May ahead of the final on 14 May.