Злата Огнєвіч

Early Life

Zlata Leonidivna Ognevich was born on January 12, 1986, in Murmansk, Russia, although she later identified Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, as her true birthplace. With Italian roots from her mother and Serbian heritage from her father, she grew up in the picturesque Crimean city of Sudak. At the age of 18, she moved to Kyiv to pursue her passion for music, graduating from the Rheingold M. Glière Music College. During her studies, she began performing with live bands and promoting her own music, laying the groundwork for her future career.

Musical Career

Ognevich is best known as a pop singer and represented Ukraine in the Eurovision Song Contest 2013 with her hit song "Gravity," where she achieved a remarkable third place. Her journey to Eurovision began in 2010 when she first attempted to enter the contest with "Tiny Island," finishing fifth. She made another attempt in 2011 with "The Kukushka," which placed second. After winning the national selection in 2012, she captivated audiences in Malmö, Sweden, scoring 214 points in the final. Beyond Eurovision, she is also a soloist with the Ensemble of Song and Dance of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, showcasing her commitment to her country's culture.

Political Career

In addition to her musical endeavors, Ognevich ventured into politics, running as a non-partisan candidate for the Radical Party in the 2014 Ukrainian parliamentary elections. She was elected to parliament, where she focused on cultural and copyright issues. However, she resigned in 2015, citing a lack of cultural focus in the parliament and expressing her belief that culture is essential for a healthy society.

Personal Life

Ognevich has been vocal about her views on the political situation in Ukraine, particularly regarding the annexation of Crimea, which she described as a "very painful tragedy." She has also been active in humanitarian efforts, raising funds for the Ukrainian military during the ongoing conflict. Her diverse background and experiences have shaped her into a multifaceted artist and advocate for her country.