50 years ago, the Swedish group Abba won the Eurovision Song Contest with "Waterloo"

As the Swedish city of Malmö prepares to host Eurovision in May this year, ABBA celebrates the half-century since their victory at the prestigious music competition, paving the way for the success of Swedish pop music.

50 years after this historic victory, Claudine, a longtime Belgian fan, remembers the group's energy, pioneers of global pop success. With their sparkling platform shoes and flamboyant costumes, Agnetha, Björn, Benny, and Anni-Frid captivated audiences. "They had a style different from all the others," she adds.

Sweden will actually host the contest for the seventh time, an opportunity to celebrate the jubilee of the group's victory. ABBA, who defined the disco era with their catchy melodies and unique style, separated in 1982. However, they have assured that they will not be present.

The group's success, with eight albums in as many active years, and their accessibility, have earned them a special place in Swedish music. "Before Eurovision, some thought ABBA was commercial, and others thought it was great," explains Mrs. Halling, curator of the ABBA Museum in Stockholm.

With the victory in Brighton on April 6, 1974, ABBA paved the way for many Swedish artists who succeeded abroad. Since then, Swedish music has been marked by artists such as Roxette, Ace of Base, The Cardigans, Robyn, Avicii, and Zara Larsson, as well as renowned composers and producers like Ludwig Göransson and Max Martin.

The Swedish education system has also played an important role by offering easy access to music through municipal conservatories, contributing to the success of many Swedish artists on the international stage. Today, Sweden is the world's third-largest net exporter of music, behind the United States and the United Kingdom, thanks in part to the enduring popularity of ABBA and other Swedish artists.