The Composer Behind Armenia’s Eurovision 2024 Hit “Jako”: How Vahram Navasardyan Shaped Ladaniva’s Success

When Armenia’s Ladaniva took the stage at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 with their infectious track “Jako,” they didn’t just deliver a performance—they brought a cultural statement. The song, blending traditional Armenian melodies with global influences, clinched 8th place in the final, earning Armenia its first top-ten finish since 2016. Behind the music? A collaboration with one of Armenia’s most respected composers: Vahram Navasardyan.

Who Is Vahram Navasardyan?

Vahram Navasardyan is a trained composer, singer, and pianist whose work spans classical, folk, and contemporary Armenian music. With a career rooted in preserving and innovating Armenian musical traditions, Navasardyan has become a key figure in the country’s modern music scene. His contributions to Eurovision 2024’s “Jako” highlight his ability to bridge heritage and global appeal—a skill that has defined his career.

Navasardyan’s Role in “Jako”

While the song “Jako” was officially written by Audrey Leclercq, Jaklin Baghdasaryan, and Louis Thomas—the duo behind Ladaniva—Navasardyan played a pivotal role in refining its musical structure. According to official Eurovision sources, his expertise in Armenian folk melodies and harmonic composition helped elevate the track, ensuring it resonated with both local and international audiences.

The song’s lyrics, which challenge gender norms with lines like “They inform me, ‘Jako, be humble! Don’t talk too much! Behave like a girl!’ But I am a free girl, so I will dance and you will watch!” were paired with a melody that Navasardyan helped shape to reflect Armenia’s rich musical heritage. This fusion of modern messaging and traditional sound became a key factor in the song’s success.

Ladaniva’s Journey to Eurovision 2024

Ladaniva, formed in 2019 by Jaklin Baghdasaryan (vocals) and Louis Thomas (multi-instrumentalist), quickly gained attention for their unique blend of Balkan, maloya, jazz, and reggae influences. Their debut album, released in 2023 under the French label PIAS, showcased their ability to transcend borders, drawing from their travels across Latin America, Africa, and Réunion Island.

For Eurovision 2024, Armenia’s Public Television of Armenia (AMPTV) internally selected Ladaniva to represent the country. Competing in the second semi-final, “Jako” secured a third-place finish with 137 points, advancing to the final where it ultimately placed 8th with 183 points. This marked Armenia’s third consecutive qualification to the final, solidifying the country’s growing influence in the contest.

Why “Jako” Stood Out

The song’s success wasn’t just about its catchy melody—it was about its cultural authenticity and bold messaging. Navasardyan’s contributions ensured that the music stayed true to Armenian roots while still feeling fresh and globally relevant. The lyrics, which critique societal expectations of women, resonated with audiences worldwide, particularly in a contest where themes of freedom and self-expression often dominate.

the song’s multilingual appeal—with lyrics available in Armenian, English, Azerbaijani, Bosnian, Croatian, and 30+ other languages—helped it connect with diverse audiences. This accessibility, combined with Ladaniva’s energetic performance, made “Jako” a standout moment in Eurovision 2024.

The Broader Impact of Navasardyan’s Work

Navasardyan’s involvement in “Jako” is part of a larger trend in Armenian music: the revival and modernization of traditional sounds. His work often explores how folk music can evolve without losing its essence, a balance that has made him a sought-after collaborator in both Armenia and beyond.

For Eurovision, this approach has proven particularly effective. Armenia’s entries have historically struggled to balance local identity with international appeal, but with Navasardyan’s touch, “Jako” achieved that balance flawlessly. The song’s success could pave the way for more Armenian artists to blend tradition with contemporary styles in future contests.

Key Takeaways

• Vahram Navasardyan is a composer, singer, and pianist who helped refine the musical structure of “Jako” for Eurovision 2024.
• The song, written by Audrey Leclercq, Jaklin Baghdasaryan, and Louis Thomas, placed 8th in the final with 183 points.
• Navasardyan’s expertise in Armenian folk melodies ensured the song stayed true to its roots while appealing globally.
• Ladaniva’s performance of “Jako” marked Armenia’s first top-ten finish at Eurovision since 2016.
• The song’s multilingual lyrics and bold messaging about gender norms contributed to its widespread appeal.

FAQ

What role did Vahram Navasardyan play in “Jako”?

Navasardyan contributed to the song’s musical composition, particularly in refining its Armenian folk elements and harmonic structure. While the lyrics and core melody were written by Ladaniva’s members, his expertise helped shape the track’s final sound.

How did Armenia perform in Eurovision 2024?

Armenia, represented by Ladaniva with the song “Jako,” placed 8th in the final with 183 points. This was Armenia’s first top-ten finish since 2016 and its third consecutive qualification to the final.

What makes “Jako” unique?

The song blends traditional Armenian melodies with global influences, including Balkan, jazz, and reggae. Its lyrics, which challenge gender norms, and its availability in over 30 languages also set it apart.

Who are the members of Ladaniva?

Ladaniva is a duo consisting of Jaklin Baghdasaryan (vocals) and Louis Thomas (multi-instrumentalist). They formed in 2019 and are known for their innovative approach to world music.

What’s next for Armenian music in Eurovision?

The success of “Jako” could encourage more Armenian artists to explore traditional sounds with modern twists. Navasardyan’s work suggests that blending heritage with global appeal is a winning formula for future contests.

Conclusion

Vahram Navasardyan’s contributions to “Jako” underscore the power of collaboration in music. By merging his deep understanding of Armenian folk traditions with Ladaniva’s global influences, he helped create a song that resonated far beyond the Eurovision stage. As Armenia continues to build its mark in the contest, Navasardyan’s work serves as a reminder of how tradition and innovation can coexist—and thrive.