Exclusive Interview with Harem Girls: Breaking Boundaries at PZE 25

 

The world of drag has long been a vibrant expression of art, individuality, and creativity. This year, Harem Girls—a dynamic drag collective from Serbia—is bringing their unique flair to the stage of PZE 25 with their entry "Aladin." Blending diverse musical influences, bold staging, and the transformative power of drag, they aim to captivate audiences and break new ground in Serbia's entertainment scene.

In this interview, the talented members of Harem Girls share insights into their origins, the creative process behind "Aladin," and their vision for the Serbian National Final. With a blend of Eastern-inspired mystique and contemporary artistry, Harem Girls are not only redefining the drag performance landscape but also setting their sights on the global stage of Eurovision. Get ready to meet the queens who are turning their dreams into dazzling reality!

Can you tell us about the origins of Harem Girls? How did the band come together, and what inspired the name?

Nina Lee: 
Our group has existed for 2 years, but we have known each other longer, and drag brought us even closer together, and that's how our collective was born. A lot of friends have been with us since our beginning, so one of them who also sometimes likes to perform as dreg gave the name Harem - considering that in the beginning we had a dreg king. At that time, his inspiration for appearance was Eastern culture and the Sultan, so all that connected with us who are in drag in female roles to have a Harem. Now there are 6 of us drag artists in female roles, so we added Girls in addition to Harem.

What are the musical influences behind your entry Aladin?

Titta Foureira:

There will be several genres involved as we wanted to connect a bit of k-pop instrumental with the plot twist of traditional Serbian momentum in the chorus, but also heavily inspired by oriental vibes as the name of the song suggests.The whole process came so naturally. We knew who the dream team was in terms of who we wanted to work with, it all clicked and the name of our group led to the direction of the song as well - the team of lyricists came up with the Aladin concept which then led to the melody and staging ideas. 

How would you describe your musical style to someone who’s never heard your music before?

Nastasja Filipovna Baraškova: 

Imagine having to go somewhere on foot, and according to google maps, it’s a 20 minute walk, BUT you are listening to Harem Girls, and you arrive at your destination in 10 minutes. Our music is upbeat, fun, it builds your confidence and it makes you feel like the whole world is your runway.

Drag is a powerful form of self-expression. How does your drag persona influence the music you create?

Lady Siren:
Drag is something truly special to me—it’s like a superpower that lets me embody a fearless, amplified version of myself. When I step into my drag persona, I feel unstoppable, bold, and unapologetically creative. It’s a space where I can experiment with fashion, pushing boundaries and bringing to life visions that feel larger than life. Drag allows me to blend performance, storytelling, and artistry into something that’s not just an expression of who I am but also a celebration of transformation. Whether it’s through the details of a look, the energy of a performance, or the way I carry myself, drag lets me create a world where I feel powerful, glamorous, and completely free to be myself.

Can you describe the concept and vision behind your stage design for the Serbian National Final? What should we expect to see?

Lola Love: 

The stage design for the Serbian National Final is a journey into a world of enchantment and intrigue. Inspired by the timeless allure of Arabic nights, we've crafted a setting that will transport the audience to a realm where day and night intertwine in mesmerizing harmony. Expect to see vibrant backdrops that shift with the time, reflecting the radiant beauty of daylight and the enchanting mystique of the night. The costumes will be a vibrant mix of colors, each adding to the story and enhancing the magic of the evening. What lies at the heart of our design is a symbol, subtle yet powerful, that will guide the audience through this odyssey. It’s a glimpse into a world where the familiar meets the fantastical, where every detail holds a secret waiting to be uncovered. Prepare to be captivated by a spectacle that blends tradition with the extraordinary, creating a moment that lingers long after the final note has played.

How do you hope the Serbian audience will react to your performance and staging at PZE 25? Is there a particular emotion or message you want them to take away?

Lefkada Tsunami: 

This is a unique opportunity to show drag to the Serbian public for the first time on TV. That include a huge responsibility but also, we have desire to raise drag to the mainstream level. We believe that there will be divided opinions, but we believe in us and our team, above all in the song! We want to show how ready we are and how much we love what we do! Some popular celebrities have already given us their support but also, we would like to have support from the people who are not following drag. This is definitely a challenge for all of us, but we are ready for it.

Eurovision is one of the most high-profile music events in the world. What would it mean for Harem Girls to have the opportunity to perform on the Eurovision stage?  

Nastasja Filipovna Baraškova: 

Each of us has a unique set of talents and skills that we want to share with the world. Competing at Eurovision would for sure help grow our platform and give us opportunity to bring all of our creative ideas to life, both as a group and individually.

Thank you so much Harem Girls for sharing your incredible journey, creativity, and passion with us. We can’t wait to see your performance at PZE 25 and wish you all the best of luck in bringing 'Aladin' to life on stage. Good luck, and may your Eurovision dreams come true!