On July 23, 2008, in Jurmala (Latvia), the seventh international competition of young pop music performers, New Wave 2008, opened. 

Greetings from the President of Ukraine V.Yushchenko to the participants, organizers and guests of this year competition were proclaimed by the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Latvia Mr. Raul Chilachava.

In the letter, the Head of the Ukrainian State noted: “...The song festival, which takes place in Jurmala, has powerful creative potential, contributes to rapprochement of cultures of many peoples. Talented youth has the great future; they continue the best performing traditions of national schools, increase them by their own inventions and discoveries...” 

From Ukraine, The Clips group and the singer Mika Newton take part in the competition.