- Real name – Anastasia Olehivna Prudius
- Date of birth – October 19, 1992
- City – Kharkiv (Ukraine)
- Language – Ukrainian, French
- Activity – singer, songwriter
- Genre – pop music
History of the artist's development
KOLA – the stage name of the Ukrainian singer and songwriter Anastasia Prudius, originally from Kharkiv. The artist's pseudonym symbolizes unification, formation in the form of a circle. And it is in no way connected with the name of the famous drink. Nastya grew up in a family of engineers, far from music and creativity. However, it was thanks to her music-loving parents that she felt support in her artistic passion from an early age.
The girl sang for the first time at the age of two, making a bright debut. And at the age of seven, the little star began to study music professionally. She mastered the electric guitar and piano. From five to thirteen, the girl also attended ballet classes. This formed in Nastya the ability to hold herself in front of an audience and a sense of rhythm.
Despite the fact that after school, Anastasia entered the V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University to major in economics and international communications, the dream of the stage remained unchanged. Paving the way to recognition and popularity, the singer turned to influential Ukrainian producers and opinion leaders for support. However, she never received an answer. So she moved to Kyiv, where she continued her education in the music industry.
Anastasia Prudius Entered the Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts to major in Show Business Management. There, the girl not only improved her creative potential, but also gained practical knowledge. And later, applying all her talent and charisma, she became one of the brightest figures of the new Ukrainian stage.
Creative path
KOLA's musical path began with attempts to prove herself on television. Anastasia took part in several famous talent shows. In particular, in "Voice of the Country" in 2016 and 2021, where she conquered thousands of fans of strong vocals. In 2017, the artist performed on the stage of the national selection for "Eurovision" with the composition Flow. She was also a participant in the projects "X-Factor", "Star Factory". These stages became a school of life, which gave not only experience, but also important professional connections.
A separate period in KOLA's career is associated with the show "Dancing with the Stars", where she worked as a backing vocalist. Every day she performed several dozen songs at rehearsals and broadcasts, often "backing up" the number at the most crucial moments.
A real breakthrough came in 2022 after the release of the single "Together?" and the video clip of the same name. The video gained over 5 million views on YouTube. And the composition itself held second place in the Ukrainian Apple Music chart throughout the summer. It was this track that became a landmark for KOLA, opening a new stage in her musical career.
Style and creative development
Singer KOLA began writing her own songs back in 2016. And since then, her creative path has become a real search for herself. According to the star, since that period she has changed a lot internally: she has become the person she really wants to be. And this internal growth inspires her.
Today, KOLA's music is especially lyrical. The author and performer says that she gets great pleasure from writing meaningful songs. Creativity allows her to share her feelings, reveal painful topics, and reveal to the listeners what is on the singer's heart. Anastasia is sure that it is lyrical compositions that most deeply convey the artist's inner world and expose the soul. KOLA feels especially happy when she performs her own songs at concerts. It is during live shows, in the circle of devoted fans, that she feels most natural, in harmony with herself.
Cooperation with sound producer Ivan Klymenko has become invaluable for KOLA. Ivan helped her rethink music. He literally “turned over” Nastya’s ideas about songwriting and taught her to approach the writing process more deeply. Thanks to this collaboration, KOLA found her unique sound. Her musical style is a synthesis of modern pop music with elements of electronics, indie pop, soul, R&B, as well as Ukrainian musical traditions. Her vocals have a distinct emotionality that leaves no one indifferent.
KOLA sings about the most important things: love, self-discovery, loss, freedom, war, and love for the Motherland. Her music is a diary of feelings and reflections that evolved along with the artist. The artist’s work underwent particularly profound changes after the start of the full-scale invasion. The compositions became socially sensitive and honest.
Singer's discography
KOLA's repertoire includes one studio album ("Navkolo", 2022) and two EPs (Yo!yo!?, 2019 and "Musical Diary. Part One", 2023). Many of the tracks on the albums are real hits and have repeatedly occupied leading positions in the music charts.
Social activity
KOLA clearly demonstrates her civic position through participation in charitable events aimed at supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine. One of such initiatives was the song "Ukraine - We Are the Power", which the authororka created in just an hour on her phone. The emotional track is dedicated to the defenders of the country. The artist emphasizes that her voice and songs are the weapons she uses on her cultural front to inspire people and support the army. KOLA directs part of the funds raised at the concerts not only to the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, but also to help Ukrainians who have suffered from enemy missile attacks.
The singer also acts as an ambassador for the DONOR UA project, popularizing the culture of blood donation and assistance in crisis situations.
The singer's most famous hits:
- “Together?”;
- “By the Heart”;
- “People” (together with MamaRika);
- “Porichka” (together with YAKTAK);
- “To Be Simple”;
- Salut papa and others.
Awards and distinctions:
- YUNA 2023: Song of Unbreakable Ukraine (“By the Heart”);
- YUNA 2024: Best Performer.
Interesting facts about the performer:
- Before diving into music, Anastasia worked in various fields, in particular, she was an administrator at beauty salon;
- the star loves dogs, but is not very fond of cats;
- among the artists with whom KOLA has created bright collaborations are alyona alyona, Jerry Heil, DOVI, MamaRika, Skofka and others.
