Award Ceremony and Tribute to Stepan Hiha
On May 12, the Solomiya Krushelnytska Lviv National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater hosted a ceremony where posthumous awards were given to Heroes of Ukraine Nazariy Hryntsevych (Hrenka) and Dmytro Kotsiubailo (Da Vinci), as well as People's Artist Stepan Hiha. The recognition for Stepan Hiha was presented to his wife, Svitlana Duda.
Stepan Hiha passed away on December 12, 2025. His children, Stepan Jr. and Kvitoslava, stated that his death was caused by diabetes and an infection. In November 2025, it was reported that Hiha had been hospitalized and underwent a complex surgery, after which he remained in serious but stable condition.
Significance of the Award and Commemoration
A petition to grant Hiha the title of Hero of Ukraine was launched in March 2026, gathering 25,000 signatures. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy then asked Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko to review the matter and submit relevant proposals. A memorial concert for Stepan Hiha took place at the Kyiv Palace of Sports in late March. The singer's son, Stepan Jr., collaborated with alyona alyona to release a new version of the hit 'Smercky oseni ne znaiut.'
Stepan Hiha's family emphasized the award's importance, stating: 'This is not just an award. It is recognition of a life's journey, talent, love for the native land, and its people.'
They also noted that 'His songs brought joy, hope, and faith. He had a gift for uniting people through music that became part of our history.' The family concluded: 'Stepan Hiha will forever remain our Face of Independence.'
Commemorating Stepan Hiha highlights his substantial contributions to Ukraine's cultural heritage and reflects how society remembers and honors its heroes. The significance of this award for the artist's family underscores that his work and life remain relevant in the public consciousness, and it illustrates the power of music as a tool for unity and national identity. Such events not only pay tribute to outstanding individuals but also help bring society together around shared values and cultural traditions.
As the nation reflects on Stepan Hiha's legacy, the recent recognition of his contributions has sparked renewed discussions about his potential designation as a Hero of Ukraine. The response from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the petition highlights the ongoing importance of honoring those who have shaped the cultural and historical landscape of Ukraine. For further insights into what this means for Hiha's legacy and the steps ahead, read more about the official response to the petition for Hero of Ukraine status.