Cypriot member of boy band Blue Antony Costa on returning to the island and the band’s latest concert for a ‘few years’
ANNA Vissi, eat your heart out. You aren’t the only one who makes Cyprus proud. Antony Costa is a Cypriot and if his name doesn’t ring a bell then maybe the name Blue will. He is one of four members of the multi million selling band Blue, which has managed to break through the barriers of traditional boy band stereotypes. He can sing, he’s cute and he has collaborated with the likes of Stevie Wonder and Elton John. Anthony Costa is in Cyprus this week to take part (with Blue) in the Cyprus Splash Music Event, which will include many renowned names from the pop industry.
Costa was born in London but came to Cyprus with his Cypriot father and English mother when he was seven. “I went to the American Academy from the age of seven until nine but I have also been to Greek school,” he explained, “and then in 1991 we went back to London where I have lived ever since.” That turned out to be a wise move considering that Antony is now a member of one of the hottest acts in the UK and around the world.
Blue burst onto the music scene five years ago when Costa, Duncan and Lee decided to form a group. “We were singing with other bands at the time but thought it would be a good idea to leave and begin something new,” said Costa. “Simon was living with Lee at the time, so that’s how he ended up in the group as well. And because he brings a whole different aspect to the group as the sexy one,” he said laughing. ‘All Rise’ was the song that made everything else fall into place in 2001, as it entered the UK charts at no 4 and stayed in the top ten for five weeks.
But all that must seem very far away. “We never believed it would happen,” explained Costa “we were in the studio and decided to do an Elton John song. We had no idea we would end up singing with him. And Stevie Wonder was great. He came into the studio at 3 in the morning to record and then came to do the video with us.”
Although Costa has achieved all this by the tender age of 24 he still is a down-to-earth guy who loves his mum’s cooking and would love to live in Cyprus “eventually”. “As I love Cyprus and feel privileged to be Cypriot, this concert is one I have dreamt of,” he said. “We have played in Italy, Germany, Japan, France and I always wondered how come we never performed in Cyprus.” The original plan did not include all members of Blue as they were tied up with other projects, however, a dream for many fans in Cyprus has come true and the four will be singing, dancing and throwing a brilliant party on Saturday night. “This is an opportunity to put Cyprus on the map in a good way without having Ayia Napa involved,” Costa said, “and also this will be the last Blue gig as we will be having a break for a few years.” No, they are not breaking up but they are honouring us with an exclusive goodbye for now.
l Cyprus Splash Music Event also stars Javine, Liberty X, Lemaar and more. Saturday July 23 at Tsireion Stadium in Limassol. Tickets: £18 pre-sale, £25 at the door. Available at: Play Record Stores, Capital Radio, Hawaii Grand, Planet Sound and Vision.
SEVEN QUESTIONS
What car do you drive?
I don’t drive, I get driven around but I do own a jaguar.
Describe your perfect weekend
Waking up on a Saturday morning, having a cup of tea, watching football and then going out to a bar. Then on Sunday all I would do is chill.
What is your greatest fear?
Failure
What is your earliest memory?
Living in Cyprus and going to the American Academy
Assuming you believe in reincarnation, who or what would you come back as?
I would come back as Elvis because he is my hero, my idol
What did you have for breakfast?
I had some halloumi with watermelon.
What is the last item of clothing you bought?
I bought a suit two weeks ago
