Ukrainian representative, Zlata Ognevich, took some time to respond on our questions. She told us something more about her Balkan origin, about her artistic name and also she descovered some details regarding the performance in Malmö.
Zlata Ognevich is a very beloved celebrity in Ukraine. She was born in the city of Murmansk located in northwest part of Russia. Her father is a military doctor serving on submarine. Zlata’s life sharply changed when the family moved to Ukraine, a picturesque city of Crimean’s peninsula Sudak. Since then two passions appeared in Zlata’s life – the mountains and the sea. And a little bit later the third one – music.
Hello Zlata! How are you, how’s everything going lately?
– Hi! Thank you, I am good but busy! Too many things going on and many things to take care of before the Eurovision.
Congratulations for being selected as Ukranian representative in Eurovision in Malmö! Did you think you would win the national final with Gravity? How would you describe the song?
– This time I had more confidence in my entry song. It was my third bid to win the national final and we had prepared very well. I think Gravity won because it has an inspirational sound and gives the feeling of magic. The song encourages to be yourself, follow your heart and obey your gravity. Gravity is there where your heart takes you.
You tried to represent Ukraine back in 2010 and 2011. Did that experience help you for the final last December? If you failed to win for the third time, would you try again?
– I think this year it was just the right moment and the right song. I wasn’t making plans to apply again, I was more concentrated on performing well this year.
Tell us something about yourself; when did you realize you wanted to be a singer, who were your musical idols, how’s your ordinary life off the stage going…?
– I never really thought of becoming a singer because this is who I am and who I have always been. Since my early age I would always sing. My musical idols were and will always be Whitney Houston and Celine Dion. In my ordinary life I have many hobbies. I love my bike and I practice classical ballet. I take English classes and read a lot. And I sing!
Since when are you watching Eurovision Song Contest and what are your favorite songs from the festival ever? What’s your favorite Ukranian and Serbian entry in the contest?
– I have been following Eurovision closely since Ukraine joined the contest in 2003. Before that I had heard of it because one of my favourite singers – Celine Dion – became known after her victory in the contest. My favourite Ukrainian entry would be Ruslana with her winning song Wild dances. My producer Mikhail Nekrasov was also responsible for arranging Ruslana’s song. My favourite Serbian entry would be Molitva. I also enjoyed other songs composed or performed by Željko Joksimović. He is a super talented composer.
Ukraine has won the contest once, back in 2004. Do you think you can bring the second victory to Ukraine this year? What can we expect from your performance, and are you preparing some surprises for the show in Sweden?
– I know that Ukraine is one of the favourites this year and of course I hope to bring Eurovision home. At the same time I realize that there are several very strong contenders to win. So we shall see who the voters will like the most. My stage performance will reflect the main message of the song. The stage story will feature a giant who brings me to the “magic circle”. In the fairy forest I will gain a supernatural power. The giant is a metaphor character to showcase the inner strength which helps to achieve our dreams despite the obstacles which arouse on my way to the final destination. We are now working on the graphic design of the show and I am very excited to present it to viewers.
Will you visit some European countries before May, as a promo tour?
– I have only visited Amsterdam’s Eurovision in Concert. Other than that I am not planning on travelling more for promo. I would rather foucs my efforts on rehearsing my vocals and choreography.
Are you working on your new music? When can we expect your album?
– Yes, I am indeed working on some new musical material but I would like to keep the details unrevealed right now. But you will know very soon!
Have you ever been to Serbia or nearby and are you planning to visit us one day?
– Last summer my friends went to Kotor for vacations and told me I also had to go some day. I have never been to Serbia but I would love to visit. I have parental Balkan roots and it would be nice to explore Serbia one day.
Plus travelling is my hobby.
Have you heard the Serbian song Ljubav je svuda by “Moje 3” and if you have, what do you think of it?
– Yes, I have heard the girls in Amsterdam and we made friends. They are lots of fun and I am sure the viewers will appreciate that! The girls have nice vocals and the song is easy to remember. I really like their trio!
What are your expectations from this whole journey? You’re one of the favorites for achieving a great result, does that make you nervous or you don’t think about it?
– I am trying to keep calm but the excitement is taking over me. Only two weeks left before me and my team take off to Sweden. I want to explore the new country, to absorb every emotion of the huge celebration of music and love.
If you were not a singer, what would you be?
– I would be a lighthouse. The gulls would find their shelter, the wind would sing its songs, I would shine through the night directing the ships.
Is it true that you have Serbian roots and can you tell us more about that? People here are crazy about you after that info!
– My father is originally from the South of Ukraine and is mixed blood. This is why I have mixed Italian and Balkan blood in my veins. My stage name is a tribute to my Balkan roots. Zlata means gold and Ognevich means fiery. Unfortunately, the connections with my relatives are lost but the fire in me will be burning forever.
Message for Serbia and ESC fans?
– I wish you all to enjoy the wonderful show and show your support to the most worthy contender!
Zlata, thank you so much for taking time to answer my questions! I wish you good luck in Malmö, have a great time and an even better result! Greetings!
To read this interview in Serbian, click here >>
httpv://youtu.be/-onH40yB2uk
