Hanna Latiuk's TikTok Fame
Hanna Latiuk, an 89-year-old woman from the Vinnytsia region, has become a social media sensation. Her daughter, Tamara Misinkevych, posts videos of Hanna performing traditional Ukrainian folk songs on TikTok, where she has amassed 5,000 followers and 80,000 likes. The first song she shared, the Ukrainian folk song 'Zakhotila vrazha baba ta y zabahatity' ('A Wicked Woman Wanted to Get Rich'), alone garnered over 200,000 views. This phenomenon highlights how digital platforms are helping to preserve cultural heritage for new audiences.
Preserving Tradition and Memory
Hanna comes from a musical family; her father was a professional singer. She sings from the heart, as she explains:
“I sing from my soul, to ease my soul a little. Otherwise, I'll start crying.” - Hanna Latiuk
Her daughter, Tamara Misinkevych, is also involved in preserving their family's legacy. She transcribes her mother's songs into a special notebook she calls a 'family memory songbook,' hoping future generations will continue the tradition.
“I copy the songs I like into this songbook. I hope maybe my grandchildren will find these songs and sing them, because my daughter doesn't want to sing.” - Tamara Misinkevych
The family has endured profound hardship: Hanna's grandson, a soldier, was killed in the Donetsk region on July 14, 2023. Despite this loss, Hanna continues to share her historic songs, which form part of Ukraine's cultural heritage, bringing joy to her online followers. Her creative presence on TikTok acts as a bridge between generations, keeping traditions and memories alive. In a world dominated by fleeting digital trends, her story is a powerful reminder of art's enduring role in connecting people and honoring the past, even amidst personal tragedy.