He’s a singer, actor and judge on Drag Race Belgique. And now MUSTII is also a favourite to win the Eurovision Song Contest 2024.
The Belgian star will perform “Before the Party’s Over” — a progressive song that builds to a massive climax. He says the country’s broadcaster picked him for Eurovision before even hearing the song.
“They approached me without any views on the song,” he told our Cinan in Madrid at the PrePartyES 2024. “The big boss from the broadcaster came one morning to the shoot of Drag Race. She put two hands on my shoulders and said, ‘Do you want to represent Belgium next year in Sweden?’ It took me a few hours to say yes because it’s a dream. But she didn’t know any new song of mine.”
After accepting, he narrowed down his demos to three songs and eventually landed on “Before the Party’s Over.” The emotions just popped out for him and he knew it was the one.
“It has this mix between melancholy and also some kind of resilience. It’s a contrast between sadness and energy. I thought it was a good way to do Eurovision.”
“It’s a feeling of urgency. We know life is fragile. We have to give everything right now and not fake it.”
And nothing is faked in his official music video, which sees MUSTII baring it all and rolling around in sweat and glitter.
“It was one of the best days of my life,” he says. “I was in the moment. I was free. I think it’s linked to the meaning of the song. I was super closed and in my bubble as a teenager. But I don’t have any more time now. Live to the fullest. It was that. i needed this feeling in the video. Let it go. Be naked on the floor. I feel more confident and I really wanted to show that in the video for everyone who is struggling.”
As for the pre-parties, MUSTII doesn’t plan to give that level of drama. He wants to deliver something more intimate and focus on the crowd, not the camera.
“I just want to connect with the audience. I’m not into choreography. For me [these parties are about] connecting straight ahead in the eyes of the audience. I’m not preparing choreography. Malmö is another thing. Here, I just need to see them in the eyes. I need some flesh, some sweat.”
And MUSTII has had plenty of sweat lately. Preparations for Malmö are intense and ongoing.
“It’s an athlete’s way of life — going to the gym. [Eurovision 2023 artist] Gustaph told me that you need some space to let it go sometimes — see your friends, get some fresh air. It should stay a party, a process of joy. I don’t want to be completely crazy with that. And stay away from the comments sometimes. Everybody’s analysing everything. I’m staying far from that.”
In so many ways he already feels like he has won.
“The first thing is to follow your guts and feelings. I’m proud of this song. I already have some messages in that way: ‘Your song came at the right time in my life, I’m struggling with something, and this song touched my heart at the right time.’ For me, this is everything. That’s the power of music and art in general.”
