Зара

Early Life and Education

Zarifa Pashaevna Mgoyan, known as Zara, was born in Leningrad to a Yezidi-Kurdish family. Her father, Pasha Binbashievich Mgoyan, was a Candidate of Sciences in Physics and Mathematics, while her mother, Nadi Dzhamаlovna Mgoyan, was a housewife. Zara excelled in her studies, graduating with honors from Gymnasium No. 56 in Saint Petersburg in 2000, and also completed a children's music school specializing in piano.

Artistic Career

Zara's musical journey began at the age of 12 when she met composer Oleg Kvasha, leading to her first recordings in 1996. By 1997, she gained recognition as a finalist in the Morning Star TV contest and continued to win various awards throughout her teenage years. After graduating from the Russian State Institute of Performing Arts in 2004, she participated in several notable music competitions and shows, including the Fabrika Zvyozd and the Two Stars project. Zara has released ten studio albums, with hits like "The Heart of Juliette" and "S счастье над землёй," and has received multiple Golden Gramophone Awards.

Personal Life

Zara's personal life has seen two marriages. She first married Sergei Matvienko in 2004 but divorced in 2006. In 2010, she married Sergei Ivanov, with whom she had two children, but they divorced in 2016. Zara's relationships have often been in the public eye, particularly her connection with State Duma deputy Leonid Slutsky, which reportedly helped her political career.

Legacy and Achievements

Zara has been recognized for her contributions to Russian culture, receiving the honorary title of Merited Artist of the Russian Federation in 2016. Her accolades include various awards from the Ministry of Defense and the Federal Security Service, highlighting her impact not only in music but also in social activism and support for military operations. Zara continues to be a prominent figure in the Russian music scene, blending genres such as estrada, folk-pop, and chanson.