About Takasa

Heilsarmee, who were selected to represent Switzerland in the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest, have now changed their name and outfits in compliance with the EBU rules which forbid the promotion of any kind of organization through the contest. The band will now compete under the name Takasa, an East African Swahili word which means clean. Salvation Army explains: The new name sounds mysterious and embodies vitality. The name stands for pure listening pleasure and also incorporates "a meaning close to the spirituality". The trademark Salvation army outfits also had to go according to the EBU directives and now Takasa will perform in plain white shirts and dark trousers. Takasa is a unique band, made up of six individuals who share their passion for music. Their ages range from 21-year-old Sarah Breiter to 95-year-old Emil Ramsauer, who will set a new record for being the oldest ever musician to perform on the Eurovision Song Contest stage. Takasa is made up of six individuals for whom music is a passion. Sarah is 21 years young (in 2013), and Emil celebrated his 95th birthday in February 2013. They are brought together by a shared love of music and belief in God. Katharina, Sarah, Emil, Michel, Christoph and Jonas are as happy playing their music on the street as they are in church, as comfortable in a prison as they are in the Federal Parliament Building