Evgeniy Filatov Ukrainian musician, composer, arranger, producer Date of Birth: 28.05.1984 Country: Ukraine

1. Early Life and Musical Background
2. DJing and Remixing
3. The Maneken and Solo Career
4. ONUKA and Eurovision Involvement
5. National Eurovision Jury and Collaboration with Jamala
6. Family Life

Early Life and Musical Background

Yevhen Filatov was born in 1983 in Donetsk, Ukraine, into a musical family. His father was a conservatory graduate in percussion, and his mother hailed from Tomsk and taught at the Donetsk State Music Academy. From an early age, Yevhen exhibited a natural musical ability. By the age of five, he could play drums, and he soon mastered other instruments. Without formal musical education, he became proficient on guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, and turntables.

DJing and Remixing

In 1999, Yevhen began performing as a DJ under the alias Dj Major. His breakthrough remix of "Belle" by pop duo Smash brought him widespread recognition. In 2002, he relocated to Kyiv and established himself as an arranger and sound producer. He collaborated with numerous renowned Ukrainian pop artists, including Ani Lorak, Tina Karol, Svetlana Loboda, and Gaitaana.

The Maneken and Solo Career

In 2007, Yevhen adopted the stage name "The Maneken" and released his debut album, "First Look," in 2008. He composed and recorded every track on the album, performing all musical parts himself. In 2009, he opened his own production studio, Major Music Box, which catered to leading Ukrainian artists, brands, and television channels.

ONUKA and Eurovision Involvement

In 2013, Yevhen partnered with Nata Zhizhchenko to form ONUKA. The group garnered national acclaim and he played a pivotal role as a music producer, music video director, and live performer. In 2016, he arranged three of the six songs that reached the finals of the Ukrainian Eurovision Song Contest, including "1944" by Jamala, who ultimately won the international competition.

National Eurovision Jury and Collaboration with Jamala

Yevhen served as a jury member for the Ukrainian National Selection for Eurovision in 2018 and 2019, alongside Jamala and Andriy Danylko. As a sound producer, he worked closely with Jamala on her debut album, "For Every Heart," her second album, "All or Nothing," and her EP, "Thank You."

Family Life

Yevhen married Nata Zhizhchenko, the leader of ONUKA, in 2020. They welcomed their son in May of that year.