Tooji
| Tooji | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Touraj Keshtkar |
| Also known as | Tooji |
| Born |
May 26, 1987 Shiraz, Iran |
| Origin | Norway |
| Genres | Pop, Dance, House, Electronic |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, Model, Television host, social worker |
| Years active | 2008–present |
| Labels | f |
Touraj Keshtkar (Persian: تورج کشتکار) (born May 26, 1987), better known under his stage name Tooji, is a Norwegian-Iranian singer, painter, model and television host. Tooji represented Norway in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 in Baku, Azerbaijan and finished 26th in the final.
Tooji holds a bachelor's degree in child welfare. He has worked in asylum reception centers helping children and teenage refugees and victims of human trafficking. This work motivated him to use his songs and profile to speak out for those who suffer in silence. Tooji is a supporter of LGBT and women's rights, as well as a supporter of Green Wave, Iran's democratic reform movement. Tooji wore a Free Iran green bracelet during his performance in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
In June 2015, Tooji came out as gay to the Norwegian website Gaysir, stating that he hoped he could make it easier for young gay people by being open about his own sexuality. He was praised for his decision by the Norwegian National Association for Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgender People.
Tooji was born in Shiraz, Iran, and moved to Norway when he was one year old. At the age of 16 he started modeling. After the model work, he started working on MTV Norway where he presented "Super Saturday" and "Tooji's Top 10". He was also educated as a social worker and has worked in asylum reception centres. Now he works as a child protection consultant in the department of after-care.
He won Melodi Grand Prix 2012 and was given the opportunity to represent Norway in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 in Baku, Azerbaijan with his entry "Stay" which qualified from the second semi-final and went on to place 26th (last) in the final, scoring 7 points.
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