Fresh Track and Visuals from Dyadya Zhora
Ukrainian performer Dyadya Zhora—whose real name is Vadym Mychkovsky—has released a new single and accompanying music video titled 'Graduation'. This project holds special meaning for the artist, as it draws on memories of his own 1990s-style graduation ceremony, as well as the milestone events for his two daughters: older daughter Ulyana, who finished school in 2019, and younger daughter Ustyna, set to graduate in 2024.
Having personally organized his daughters' graduation parties, Mychkovsky emphasized that this event is a pivotal life moment.
“Graduation happens just once in a lifetime. It’s a special day and a celebration for your class, your friends, and everyone around you at that time. That’s why you should make it unforgettable. It’s like an album you open later to remember how great, carefree, and peaceful it all was”– he remarked. He also described the atmosphere of his own graduation: “We gathered in the assembly hall, wearing 'Graduate' sashes, and received our diplomas. Tables were set up in the gym—we ate, drank, danced to music from speakers—that classic 90s vibe—and then went to watch the sunrise.”
Planning the Perfect Graduation and Capturing Emotions in Music
Mychkovsky gave a detailed account of how he arranged Ulyana’s graduation: “We took full charge of Ulyana’s graduation, and everything went flawlessly. I added performances by groups, arranged for a host. We had our own ensembles—a boy band, a girl band, magicians, and shows—all to make it bright.” He stressed that giving his daughter the best possible graduation was a priority, which is why he got so hands-on with the planning.
When creating the new song 'Graduation', the artist aimed to channel the feelings and emotions tied to this rite of passage.
“Every song I write, I live through personally. It comes from the heart, pulled straight from the soul. Music is a wonderful medium because you can pack half a lifetime into a single track”– he explained. Mychkovsky believes 'Graduation' has the potential to become timeless: 'I think we need to make a song that lasts forever. This is a song for the ages.'
The artist also shared that early listener reactions to a snippet of the track were deeply emotional: “When we posted the first preview, people wrote to me on social media: ‘We’re crying from the very first lines.’” He highlighted the importance of the visual element: “In the music video, we captured that nostalgic feeling of returning to your old school many years later.”
Ultimately, the new song and video 'Graduation' not only reflect Vadym Mychkovsky’s personal experiences but also convey the atmosphere of a pivotal stage in everyone’s life.
Graduation is more than just the end of school—it symbolizes a transition to new chapters, underscoring the significance of this moment for young people and their parents. According to the artist, this track could serve not only as a memory of the past but also as a source of inspiration for future generations, since it captures universal emotions felt by all graduates. In this way, Dyadya Zhora infuses his work with both personal stories and shared human values, making his music resonate with a wide audience.