STÉPHANE HERZOG The Swiss singer Gjon’s Tears released his first album, “The Game”, in April. However, this young man, who hails from Gruyère but now lives in Paris, is by no means a newcomer to the music industry. He already has hosts of fans, after representing the country at Eurovision and appearing on TV talent shows. His fame has also been amplified many times over by YouTube views, with “Tout l’Univers”, Switzerland’s 2021 Eurovision entry, attracting comments from more than 3,600 users. He came third in the contest, notching up 55 million views. Gjon’s Tears came to fame on the internet, which continues to serve him well. A user named Domups wrote “World class, our Federer of singing” about his song “Cancer”. “You’ve got me crying in bed at 00.42 in the morning,” wrote another fan. The song conveys an unfathomable sense of melancholy. Gjon Muharremaj, who performs on stage with trademark blue or black tears drawn onto one or both cheeks, has devastated listeners with the lyrics about how the disease will catch up with you and cause insomnia before taking you in its embrace. “I cried listening to ‘Cancer’,” wrote acidlulluby on YouTube, who admitted to not understanding the words but explained they were moved by Gjon’s Tears’ hauntingly high voice, which made them “feel the song with my heart”. The track in question is dedicated to a friend who died of leukaemia. Duet with Géraldine Chaplin “The Game” showcases the full range of Gjon’s talents, with a voice that spans several octaves. It expresses sadness, melancholy and joy. Some tracks simply have chart smash written all over them. A case in point is “Pure”, which is built on an electronic bassline and has a very slick video – like his others – that begins with a converGjon’s Tears – the Swiss voice making the whole world sob After years of success on TV and YouTube, the Swiss singer with Kosovan roots has brought out his first album. “The Game” is packed with poetic pop songs tugging at heartstrings the world over. sation with Géraldine Chaplin. Gjon sings that life is hard, but it’s worth it, and when it’s pure, my God, it’s beautiful. He evokes the need for sharp elbows in order to succeed, but also backstabbing. There are parallels with the setbacks that Gjon encountered after moving to Paris. “The world of show business is not always a very nice place to live,” he explained in an interview. A musical childhood in Gruyère This sensitive young man’s story can be read as an ode to a pluralist Switzerland. Gjon Muharremaj was born in Gjon Muharremaj – fake tears, real feelings. Photos: Keystone (left), Jo&Co (above) Swiss Review / August 2023 / No.4 28 Sounds
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