Nigar Jamal
Who was Nigar Jamal?
Pop singer who won the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 as part of the duo Ell & Nikki, becoming Azerbaijan's first Eurovision victory.
Biographical data adapted from Wikipedia’s article on Nigar Jamal (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Biography
Nigar Jamal, born Nigar Aydin qizi Mutallibzadeh on September 7, 1980, is an Azerbaijani pop singer known internationally for winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 2011. Born and raised in Baku, Azerbaijan, she studied at Khazar University before becoming a professional singer. In 2005, she moved to London to further her music career while keeping strong ties to Azerbaijan.
Jamal's career hit its peak when she paired up with Eldar Gasimov to form the duo Ell & Nikki, representing Azerbaijan at Eurovision 2011 in Düsseldorf, Germany. Their performance of "Running Scared," a dramatic ballad, mesmerized audiences all over Europe. This win was historic for Azerbaijan, marking the country's first Eurovision victory since they started competing in 2008.
After their Eurovision success, Jamal and Gasimov continued performing as Ell & Nikki, appearing at various international events and concerts. Their victory shone a spotlight on Azerbaijan's music scene and made Jamal one of the country's most well-known musical figures. This success also led Azerbaijan to host the Eurovision Song Contest in 2012 in Baku, raising the country's profile in European pop culture.
Throughout her career, Jamal has received recognition from the Azerbaijani government, including an honorary diploma from the President of Azerbaijan Republic. Her work has increased international awareness of Azerbaijani popular music, inspiring a new wave of performers from the region. She remains active in the music industry, living in London and continuing to be a prominent figure in both Azerbaijani and European entertainment.
Before Fame
Growing up in Baku during the late Soviet period and Azerbaijan's early independence years, Nigar Jamal lived through the cultural changes that came with the country's new sovereignty in 1991. She studied at Khazar University, a leading private institution in Azerbaijan founded in 1991, as the country embraced Western-style education and international collaborations.
When she moved to London in 2005, it was at a time when Azerbaijan was increasingly integrating into European cultural and political areas, especially after joining Eurovision and other international contests. During this period, many Azerbaijani artists were looking for opportunities in Western markets while keeping their cultural roots, acting as bridges between Eastern and Western musical traditions.
Key Achievements
- Won Eurovision Song Contest 2011 with 'Running Scared' as part of Ell & Nikki
- Achieved Azerbaijan's first Eurovision victory
- Received honorary diploma from the President of Azerbaijan Republic
- Established successful international music career based in London
- Contributed to Azerbaijan's cultural diplomacy and international recognition
Did You Know?
- 01.She adopted the stage name 'Nikki' for international performances, making it easier for European audiences to remember
- 02.Azerbaijan's Eurovision victory in 2011 led to the country hosting the 2012 contest in Baku
- 03.She has lived in London since 2005, before achieving Eurovision fame
- 04.The song 'Running Scared' was performed in English, helping to broaden its international appeal
- 05.Her maiden name was Mutallibzadeh before taking her current surname Jamal
Awards & Honors
| Award | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| honorary diploma of President of Azerbaijan Republic | — | — |
| First prize of the Eurovision Song Contest | 2011 | — |
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