On Saturday, it applies to Maria Sur.
Photo: SVEN LINDWALL
Now she wants to show even more what she stands for.
Photo: SVEN LINDWALL
This spring, the artist spent two years in Sweden.
Photo: Björn Larsson Rosvall/TT / TT NEWS AGENCY
Maria Sur has not met her father for almost two years. When Russia launched its war of aggression against Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the family quickly made a decision that she must be taken to safety abroad.
This spring, Sweden has been her home for two years.
– I’m getting used to it. I like it, I’m working and building my life here, says the artist.
Despite the fact that she thrives in Sweden, the situation is anything but simple.
– It is difficult to explain, because in the last year I have felt quite a lot of anxiety. When I first came to Sweden, I hadn’t really grasped the whole situation, where I was, I was like in a bubble. Now I feel it more clearly, I live here, I work here, I have lots of Swedes around me. I have landed.
– With everything going on in the world, in my life, it’s not an easy balance.
The music has helped her land in her new existence.
– I am really happy about the opportunities I have been given here, to build my career. It gives me so much positive feelings, it’s what I love to do.
The contact with the father in Ukraine
When Maria Sur left Ukraine, she not only left her homeland at war, she also left her father at the front.
– He is still there. We try to stay in touch, it’s not easy. Time passes and I haven’t seen him in almost two years. It hasn’t gotten better or worse. We try to be strong, my family. My parents are so happy for me, and so proud of me. That’s probably the positive thing about this.
Here during Melodifestivalen 2023.
Photo: OLLE SPORRONG
Support for Ukraine has been high within the EU ever since Russia’s full-scale invasion, and in Sweden popular support is at some of the highest levels. But in recent months it has started to fail.
– I can really see and feel it, Swedes really support Ukraine. But it’s not just Sweden, but all over Europe people seem to have gotten a little tired. It’s like you forget sometimes, but it’s clear, it’s just going on, but sometimes I think people need to be reminded that the war is still going on. But I really feel the support of the Swedes.
“You’re almost not allowed to do anything”
Despite the fact that she thrives in Sweden and has learned to speak a lot of Swedish, life here is not always easy.
– I have a temporary residence permit, I wish it was permanent. I’m here on the mass displacement directive. I need to apply to have it extended for another year.
This means that she has not received a social security number. And without that, it can sometimes be tricky to get things together.
– The cards we have, we can only pay with them physically in store. Being without a bank ID is difficult, we can’t pay the rent ourselves, so others have to help me with it, she says and continues:
– I am not even allowed to become a member of Ica. So you understand, you can hardly do anything without a social security number.
“I feel that I have roots in Sweden”
Last year she went all the way to the final with the contribution “Never give up”. This year it’s time for “When i’m gone” – and now Maria Sur hopes to show off more of her record.
– Last year I was more like: “Okay, what is this? How does it work?” This year I’m more: “Okay, this is so big,” and I feel a much greater responsibility. But it’s so much fun, and it’s such a great opportunity for an artist to perform in “Mello”. This year I will show more.
READ MORE: Maria Sur fled the war – the father remained in UkraineREAD MORE: Melodifestivalen 2024: Guide to competition 2 • Artists • Songs
