Latvia’s Eurovision Hope: Tikasha Sakama and the Rise of Personal Storytelling in Music
Latvia is gearing up for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 with Tikasha Sakama, the stage name of Nansija Garkalne and her deeply personal song, #010126 Coda. Her journey to the national final, Supernova, highlights a growing trend in music: artists embracing vulnerability and sharing authentic experiences.
From Personal Struggle to Eurovision Stage
Sakama’s song originated during a challenging period in her life, described as a low point marked by feelings of depression. She channeled these emotions into her music, creating a track that explores the feeling of losing oneself in societal expectations. This resonates with a broader cultural shift where audiences are increasingly drawn to artists who are open about their struggles and offer relatable narratives.
The creation process wasn’t immediate. The song was initially written five years ago but required technical refinement and collaboration. Sakama found key partners in musicians Kristīne Pāže and Didzis Bardovskis from the group Kaut kaili, and composer Andis Ansons, demonstrating the importance of collaborative networks in bringing artistic visions to life.
The Power of Visual Storytelling
Accompanying the song is a music video nominated for a Zelta mikrofons award in the Gada mūzikas video (Music Video of the Year) category. Sakama intentionally used visual metaphors to represent her internal conflict. The white version of herself symbolizes authenticity, while the blue-costumed counterpart represents a “perfect” persona, highlighting the potential pitfalls of striving for unrealistic ideals. This emphasis on visual storytelling is a key element in modern music promotion, extending the narrative beyond the song itself.
The video’s production involved a team led by director Tina Zariņa and cinematographer Kalvis Kulačkovskis, with Ivo Ceplevičs as producer. Sakama emphasized the collaborative nature of the project, noting that many involved gained their first film experience through it.
Navigating the Supernova Competition
Sakama’s entry into Supernova was a last-minute decision, spurred by encouragement from her team. She aimed to recreate the visual narrative of the music video on stage, incorporating choreography by Sintija Skrabe. Despite feeling it was her weakest vocal performance, she advanced to the final, demonstrating the impact of a compelling artistic vision and strong stage presence.
This experience underscores the challenges of live performance and the importance of mental fortitude in competitive environments. Sakama acknowledges the necessitate to improve and approach the final with greater confidence.
Nansija Garkalne: Beyond the Music
Nansija Garkalne is a multifaceted artist with experience in television and youth education. She hosts the LTV program Virtuve bez kāposta and has appeared on TV3 shows like Pielaiko profesiju and Ekvadora pa ekvatoru. She also facilitates discussions on current events in the Runa:jam program on TV4.
Garkalne actively engages with young people as a trainer and producer at the Young Media House, and works as a digital content creator. Notably, she was the winner of the 4th season of Balss maskā (The Masked Singer), showcasing her versatility and appeal across different media platforms.
Did you understand?
Garkalne’s musical journey began in the youth choir Lai top at the Kuldīga Centre Secondary School.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Supernova? It’s the Latvian national final to select the country’s entry for the Eurovision Song Contest.
- Who is Tikasha Sakama? She is the stage name of Nansija Garkalne, the Latvian representative in Supernova 2026.
- What is the song #010126 Coda about? It explores themes of self-discovery and the pressures of societal expectations.
As Latvia prepares for Eurovision, Tikasha Sakama’s story exemplifies a trend towards authenticity and vulnerability in contemporary music. Her journey, from personal struggle to national recognition, demonstrates the power of music to connect with audiences on a deeper level.
Explore more about Latvia’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest: Latvia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026
Watch Tikasha Sakama’s performance: TIKASHA SAKAMA – #010126 CODA | Supernova 2026
What are your thoughts on Tikasha Sakama’s song? Share your opinions in the comments below!
