The Buranovskiye Babushki (Бурановские бабушки), meaning “The Grandmothers from Buranovo,” are a Russian ethno-pop group from the village of Buranovo, Udmurtia. They gained international fame for representing Russia at the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest in Baku, Azerbaijan, with their song “Party for Everybody.”
The group’s origins are rooted in a local cultural center, where the grandmothers, mostly retired, gathered to sing traditional Udmurt folk songs. The Udmurt language is a Uralic language spoken primarily in Udmurtia, a region within Russia. The grandmothers initially began performing covers of popular Russian and international pop and rock songs, translated into Udmurt and performed in a unique, folksy style.
Their performances became a local phenomenon, drawing crowds with their charm, traditional costumes, and unexpected song choices. They covered songs by artists like The Beatles, Victor Tsoi (Kino), and Boris Grebenshchikov (Aquarium), always adding their distinctive Udmurt twist. They would often perform in traditional Udmurt clothing, which included brightly colored dresses, aprons, headscarves, and woven shoes made from birch bark.
The Buranovskiye Babushki entered the Eurovision selection process with the primary goal of raising money to build a church in their village. The existing church had been destroyed in the Soviet era, and the grandmothers considered rebuilding it their mission. Their participation was initially seen as a novelty act, but their heartwarming personalities and catchy song resonated with the Russian public.
At Eurovision 2012, they sang “Party for Everybody,” which incorporated elements of traditional Udmurt folk music with a modern pop beat. The song, sung primarily in English with some Udmurt phrases, described the joy of cooking and inviting guests to a party. The grandmothers’ performance was simple but effective, with them baking traditional Udmurt pastries on stage while singing and dancing. They captured the hearts of viewers across Europe with their sincerity and joyful energy.
They finished in second place, a remarkable achievement that brought international recognition to the group and their village. More importantly, their Eurovision success helped them achieve their goal of funding the construction of the church in Buranovo. The new church, a testament to their dedication and faith, stands as a lasting legacy of their musical journey.
While the original lineup of the Buranovskiye Babushki has changed over the years, their impact on Russian and international music remains significant. They demonstrated the power of music to connect people across cultures and generations, and their story is a reminder that dreams can come true, no matter one’s age or background. They proved that authenticity and heartfelt performances can resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.