Armenian Singer ‘Superstar’ Raffi Ohanyan is Also a Chess Champion

Armenian TV program Hay Superstar (“Armenian Superstar”), organized by Shant TV channel and aimed at revealing talented children among Armenians, is drawing to an end.

Only two participants have reached the semi-final stage — Raffi and Raisa who have already performance and are waiting now for voting results. Tert.am took a moment to interview Raffi.

Born in the Syrian city of Aleppo in 1989, Raffi, apart from singing, has also been playing chess since his early teens and was the first Armenian to become a champion at the Aleppo chess tournament.

When did you first come to Armenia?

Several years ago my brother was studying in Armenia, when my father decided that our whole family must move to Armenia to stay permanently. It’s already been 8 years that my father, my mother, my brother, my sister and I live here in Armenia.

What do you like in Armenia?

Generally, I like everything: it’s always good in the homeland. I especially like the Armenian girls and I’m still searching for the one who will be by my side forever…

How do you approach criticism?

Very well! Without criticism it would be impossible to differentiate between what is good and what is not, of course, if it is healthy criticism. There are even occasions when I take criticism with humor.

Do you always agree to the jury’s opinion?

Not always, especially during the past concerts ... Whenever I perform poorly, I speak about it first.

Do you believe that you will win?

Yes, I do, as I believe those people who trust me. It is their trust that makes me believe: I am sure about my abilities, though one-sided certainty is not enough in this case. I must be trusted upon, and today the trust people show in me allows me to believe in my victory.