A SINGER from Southgate has been selected to represent the UK at the first-ever International Cyprus Music Festival.

Eleni Christofi, 19, will be performing Leap Of Faith, written by singer-songwriter Astir, when she competes against performers from ten other countries at the festival next month.

A festival jury will decide the winners in a number of categories, including best lyrics and best song.

Eleni, of Lakenheath, told the Advertiser: “When the competition was announced, we submitted the song and the judges in Cyprus chose it and people could vote as well.

“The song was received quite well and other countries have shown interest, wanting to have interviews, which is really great. We have an interview with a Greek radio station soon.

“From a young age I was singing all the time, I can’t remember a time when I didn’t.”

Singing under her stage name Eleni C, the teenager has recorded a sample CD with songs written especially for her.

As well as being selected to perform at the International Cyprus Music Festival, Eleni was shortlisted for the MTV Brand New Unsigned for 2013 competition with Building Castles, a song also written by Astir.

Even though Eleni is pursuing her music career wholeheartedly, she is also continuing her studies at Goldsmiths, University of London, where she is currently in the second year of a media and communications degree. She added: “I do want my degree but I also really want a career in music. Then I wonder, ‘What happens if I don’t make it?’

“I need a plan B, but I’m doing everything I can to make it within music. This competition is therefore very important.”

The music festival takes place on May 11 at the Kyriakos Stavrou Amphitheater in Nicosia. There are three prizes in the best song category. The winner will receive a full scholarship from Neapolis University in Paphos for one year.

The runner-up will get 1,000 euros with 500 euros going to the third-placed singer.

North London press