Romanian band Mandinga, which represented Romania at the Eurovision semi-final last night in Baku (May 22 ) qualified for the final on May 26, despite the technical issues the band faced during the qualification show. Mandinga, with the song Zaleilah, seem to have gained fans in Baku, where journalists reportedly started to dance while listening to the live performance.

The organizers of the show issued a statement apologizing for the technical difficulties. The lead singer Elena's ear piece monitor stopped working, so she could not hear the voices of her colleagues or the music clearly. Romania was the first country announced as qualified by the organizers. Watch performance below. 

“It was difficult to sing without hearing anything. I am happy I did not disappoint and our performance received so many votes from viewers,” said lead singer Elena.

Mandinga's target is to end up in the final five bands at the show on May 26. From last night's semi-final, the viewers also chose to send to the final representatives of the Republic of Moldova, Iceland, Hungary, Denmark, Albania, Cyprus, Greece, Russia and Ireland.

Romania was represented by Hotel FM last year in the Eurovision competition. The band got the 17th place in the competition, which was won by Azerbaijan, the country which hosts the competition this year.

editor@romania-insider.com

(photo source: Eurovision)