Why Ani Lorak Moved to Russia
Ukrainian singer Ani Lorak, who now lives and performs in the Russian Federation, has explained her decision to move there. She has accused fellow singer Tina Karol of applying pressure that effectively pushed her out of the Ukrainian show business scene. Lorak supported the suggestion made by Ukrainian People's Artist Ivo Bobul, who stated that conditions were created for performers like Lorak and Taisiya Povaliy that hindered their career development in Ukraine.
Ani Lorak's Career Trajectory in Russia
Ani Lorak began her professional activities in Russia following her participation in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2008, with the peak of her touring in that country occurring between 2008 and 2010. She also holds the title of People's Artist of Ukraine, an honor she says provoked negative feelings in some individuals.
"I achieved everything possible in this country. You have to move forward, to develop. And then you are simply told: either you stay, or we will block you." - Ani Lorak
The singer emphasized that much changed after her Eurovision success and receiving the People's Artist title. She stated: 'Everything converged after Eurovision. In 2008-2010 was the peak of my touring in Russia. I became a People's Artist of Ukraine. That award and the success that came crashing down on me, of course, caused unpleasant feelings in people... Let history be the judge; eventually, everything will surface one day and we will learn the whole truth.'
Ani Lorak also noted that she felt pressure from a national level, which complicated her position: 'When I felt this avalanche upon me, who was I to go to for clarification? I felt it on myself... When you are targeted at the level of the country, what am I supposed to do?' In this way, the singer explained her choice to remain and perform in Russia, pointing to the pressure she felt in Ukraine.
Ani Lorak's comments reflect the complex situation many Ukrainian artists have faced, particularly following the events in Ukraine in 2014. Her statements highlight the pressures creative individuals encounter while trying to find their place in a shifting political climate. The singer's career shift is part of a broader pattern of cultural and professional realignments in the region following geopolitical changes. Her remarks are likely to fuel discussions about national identity in the arts and the need to support artists in their choices, regardless of political circumstances.