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OnukaUkrainian electro-folk group
Date of Birth: 01.01.2013
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
- ONUKA: Ukrainian Electro-Folk Fusion
- Debut Album (2014)
- VIDLIK (2016)
- MOZAЇKA (2018)
- Collaborations and Awards
- Members
- - Daria Sert (keyboards, sampler, backing vocals)
ONUKA: Ukrainian Electro-Folk Fusion
HistoryONUKA, founded in 2013, is a Ukrainian electro-folk band led by vocalist and songwriter Nataliia Zhyzhchenko (also known as Nata). Initiated by Zhyzhchenko, who had previously been part of Tomato Jaws and KOOQLA, the band blends traditional Ukrainian folk influences with modern electronic soundscapes. In addition to Zhyzhchenko, the core group includes Mariia Sorokina (drums), Daria Sert (keyboards), and Yevhen Yovenko (bandura).
The band's debut single, "Look," was released in October 2013, followed by a music video directed by The Maneken frontman Yevhen Filatov. Their live debut took place in June 2014 at a concert by The Maneken.
Debut Album (2014)
In May 2014, ONUKA released their debut EP, "LOOK," which included "Look." The band's self-titled debut album, released in 2014, topped iTunes charts in Ukraine, surpassing Okean Elzy. It featured traditional Ukrainian instrumentation (sopilkas, banduras, trembitas) fused with electronic arrangements by Filatov, who had also worked on Jamal's album.
The album received critical acclaim and earned ONUKA two Cultprostir awards for Best Debut and Best Debut Album. In December 2014, the band released an English-language single, "Zavtra," on the American label Most Addictive Records.
VIDLIK (2016)
ONUKA's second EP, "VIDLIK," released in early 2016, explores the themes of the Chornobyl disaster and its impact. Composed by Zhyzhchenko and Filatov, the five-song EP features Ukrainian and English lyrics and incorporates audio recordings from the fire brigade's communications during the accident.
Inspired by Zhyzhchenko's childhood exposure to the Chornobyl tragedy (her father was a liquidator), the EP reflects her artistic and personal connection to the event.
MOZAЇKA (2018)
Released in 2018, ONUKA's second album, "MOZAÏKA," developed the band's sound and lyrical approach. According to Zhyzhchenko, the album explores the concept of coincidences, serendipity, and symbolism.
Featuring elements of Zhyzhchenko's memoir, the album addresses her personal experiences, relationships, and reflections on contemporary events. It also includes an anti-war statement in "GUNS DON'T SHOOT."
Collaborations and Awards
ONUKA has collaborated with the National Orchestra of Folk Instruments of Ukraine and Alan Badoev on various projects. The band's music has been featured in films and international music compilations.
In 2019, "MOZAЇKA" won the Best Ukrainian Album of the Year award at the APrize.
Members
Current Members:- Nataliia Zhyzhchenko (vocals, sopilka, percussion, sampler, omnichord)
- Daria Sert (keyboards, sampler, backing vocals)
- Mariia Sorokina (drums)- Yevhen Yovenko (bandura, samplers, instruments)
- Andriy Voychuk (cymbals, drumla, vargan)
- Serhiy Kashin (trombone, trembita)
- Mykola Bloshkin (trombone, trembita)
- Vitalii Baklazhenko (trombone)
- Oleksandr Lisun (trombone)
- Taras Dovhopol (French horn, Cossack trumpet)
- Vladyslav Petrenko (French horn)
Past Members:
- Myroslav Lutskiv (trombone)
- Artem Sviridov (trombone)
