Ukraine is an Eastern European nation that has frequently been equated with its distinction as a former member of the USSR. But, many people might not know that Ukraine is a nation of people teeming with musical talent. Although anyone outside Europe likely hasn’t heard of a great deal of Ukrainian artists, they have still managed to churn out consistently innovative and beloved musicians. Ukraine is known around Europe for their outstanding female recording artists, many of whom have received a great deal of fame. Here we have compiled a list of the top 5 female recording artists from Ukraine.
1. Ruslana
Born Ruslana Lyzhychko, Ruslana is the only Ukrainian singer to have won the Eurovision Song Contest. She won in 2004 with the final song of “Wild Dances,” a song she co-wrote with Oleksandr Ksenofontov. After winning the competition, she went on to have an illustrious career, winning multiple awards (including a World Music Award) and being given the prestigious title of People’s Artist of Ukraine. Of course, Ruslana is not only a good singer, she’s also a politician. She was an MP in the Ukrainian Parliament and has been one of the major faces of the current protests dubbed “Euromaidan” in Kiev and throughout Ukraine. Ruslana is truly a national treasure who has worked both as an excellent singer and a political leader.
2. Ani Lorak
Mixing a powerful voice, traditional Ukrainian influences, and impressive dance moves, Ani Lorak won the hearts and minds of many Europeans during her run at the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest. Unlike Ruslana, Lorak came in second in the competition, but she still made quite an impact on Europeans and Ukrainians alike. She also held the title of People’s Artist of Ukraine. Her catalog of music is extensive as she has been releasing music consistently since 1996 at the age of 18. She also appeared on the Moscow-based television program “Morning Star” when she was only 15 years old. It was there that she came up with the stage name, Ani Lorak, which is just “Karolina” (her real name) backwards.
3. VERONIKA
Although still new to the scene, VERONIKA has made quite a lasting impression. Her dance pop songs and their videos have attained great notoriety on YouTube and even MTV.com. The video for her single “Ain’t Russian Doll” reached over 2 million views within a month in 2012. That certainly put her on the map as a formidable recording artist. VERONIKA has also been trained in the art of classical ballet and pole dancing, which gives her videos an added flair. Her career isn’t quite as prodigious as the two ladies above, but VERONIKA could soon give them a run for their money. She’s also got the looks and brains to match. Her interest in fashion led her to a brief run as a model and her passion for human rights led her to study social work and law with an emphasis on helping orphans, disabled children, and patients in alcohol rehabilitation.
4. Irina Bilyk
Bilyk is perhaps best known for her 1995 performance for United States President Bill Clinton. She was seen as a beacon of Ukrainian songwriting and singing talent and she gave a performance that was shown the world over. Valued for her beauty and her catchy dance tunes, Bilyk has impressed countless Ukrainians and citizens of the world of the years. She is another recipient of the People’s Artist of Ukraine title and her ongoing charitable work as led her to tackling issues like AIDS.
5. Tina Karol
Known for her lively performance of “Show Me Your Love” at the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest, Tina Karol has always been a shining star for Ukraine. Karol was born Tatyana Liberman, but she decided to change her name in 2005 after performing at the “New Wave” festival in Latvia. In 2009, Karol was awarded the title of Honored Artist of Ukraine and she was also ranked number 92 in Focus magazine’s list of the most influential women in Ukraine. Her charitable work has taken her to war-torn locations like Kosovo and Iraq, and she has also campaigned against AIDS.
Of course, this is an abbreviated list, but it gives you a good place to start if you’re looking for Ukrainian female recording artists to listen to.
