Zhanna Ltavska Wins Her Battle for Ukrainian Chanson

The Artistic Journey of Zhanna Ltavska

According to РБК-Україна — Lite: Zhanna Ltavska, a Ukrainian singer who helped bring the genre of Ukrainian chanson to major stages, spoke about her creative path in a recent interview. She emphasized that her music uniquely blends Ukrainian chanson with Romani and Odesa influences. According to Ltavska, she has always aimed to craft a distinct style that sets her apart from other performers.

“I never wanted to be like anyone else. It was important for me to create a style that is impossible to confuse with another.” - Zhanna Ltavska

How the War Shaped Her Music

The singer recalled how, on February 24, 2022, the day the full-scale war began, her family woke her with the words: 'The war has started.' 'I remember that moment in detail. It felt like the world had stopped,' she shared. This period had a profound impact on her work, leading to the creation of the song 'Vkraly tsyhany tank' ('The Gypsies Stole a Tank').

“That song quickly caught on with people. They started singing it, sharing videos, and recording their own clips. You could say it marked a new chapter in my work during the war,” the singer noted.

Additionally, Zhanna Ltavska has released several songs with military themes and actively supported Ukrainian defenders through charity performances and volunteer initiatives. Recently, she unveiled the track 'Chervoni vyshni' ('Red Cherries'), another vivid example of her artistry.

She stressed the importance of staying authentic in music:

“These days, many artists chase trends. But listeners can always tell when the music is genuine.” - Zhanna Ltavska

The singer also recalled a funny incident during a concert in Lokhvytsia, where part of her skirt detached and fell onto the stage. 'Luckily, I had another short skirt underneath. The audience loved it, and I later joked that many towns dream of undressing Zhanna Ltavska, but only Lokhvytsia managed to do it,' she added.

Zhanna Ltavska continues to refine her style and promote Ukrainian chanson, infusing it with fresh elements and motifs that reflect both modernity and the depth of Ukrainian culture.

Her remarks about creating a unique style and staying true to oneself in music highlight not only her individuality as an artist but also a broader trend among Ukrainian performers seeking to find their voice in times of change. Amid the war, her work has taken on special significance, serving not only as a means of self-expression but also as a way to bolster the national spirit. Ltavska's songs, which capture the experiences and hopes of Ukrainians, help strengthen cultural identity during a difficult period.