- Real name – Aliona Olehivna Savranenko
- Date of birth – June 14, 1991
- Place of birth – Kapitanivka village (Ukraine)
- Language – Ukrainian
- Occupation – rapper, songwriter
- Genre – rap, hip-hop
The artist's early years
alyona alyona (real name – Aliona Savranenko) is a Ukrainian rapper, songwriter, and opinion leader. The future music star was born in the village of Kapitanivka in the Kirovohrad region. When she was 13 years old, her family moved to the Kyiv region. Her parents had no connection to the creative industries. During her youth, Aliona also worked in professions far removed from music. She worked as a market vendor, cashier, cleaner, and even as a debt collector.
As a child, alyona alyona experienced bullying because of her appearance, particularly due to her excess weight. This had a significant impact on her self-esteem and psychological well-being. However, instead of giving up, she searched for a way to express herself and found it through music and rap. She began writing lyrics at the age of 12, inspired by artists such as Eminem, 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and others. At the same time, she experimented with creating simple beats on her computer, gradually discovering the technical side of music production.
Despite her passion for creativity, Aliona received a solid education. She graduated from Hryhorii Skovoroda Pereiaslav-Khmelnytskyi State Pedagogical University with degrees in Psychology and Primary Education.
Later, she continued expanding her skills by studying English and completing courses in marketing, copywriting, SEO, SMM, and design. She also studied photography, videography, and video editing. This constant desire for self-improvement helped the performer develop her unique artistic style and elevate rap to a new level within Ukrainian culture.
Creative journey
After graduating, alyona alyona worked as a kindergarten teacher at the «Teremok» preschool in Baryshivka. She later became the head of a preschool in the village of Dernivka in the Kyiv region. She genuinely loved both her profession and the children she worked with, yet she never abandoned her dream of becoming a rapper. In her spare time, she wrote songs and recorded them in her home studio.
At the beginning of her career, the artist performed under the stage name Aliona Al.kaida. Later, she changed her stage name to alyona alyona to emphasize her individuality and national identity. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in her creative career and the start of her path toward widespread recognition among rap fans. In October 2018, she released her first music video for the song «Little Fish». The striking debut immediately attracted media attention and captivated a broad audience. The song addressed themes of childhood, bullying, and believing in one's dreams.
Only a month later, three more music videos were released for the hits «Heads», «Open Up», and «Leaving My Home». All of them gained millions of views and received critical acclaim. Her unique rap delivery, sincerity, authentic language, and subject matter quickly made her one of the most recognizable figures on the Ukrainian music scene. Despite receiving offers from well-known record labels and producers, the artist chose to remain independent.
In 2019, her debut album «Cannon» was released, featuring 13 tracks. Among them were collaborations with renowned artists and bands including Jamala, Nina Matviienko, Alina Pash, MONATIK, and Kyivstoner. The album received high praise from critics and was nominated for a YUNA Award. Later that same year, she also released two EPs – «At MA's House» and «Halyna Takes a Walk».
The artist's creative development
In 2019, alyona alyona gained international recognition. The influential American magazine Vogue described the charismatic performer as the most unexpected star of rap. That summer, she represented Ukraine at one of Europe's largest music festivals, Sziget, held in Budapest.
In December 2019, a music video for alyona alyona's collaboration with the band Kalush was released. The video quickly entered the list of the one hundred most popular Ukrainian-language music videos on YouTube (as of November 2021). During the same period, she also wrote the lyrics for the song «Free». Performed as a duet by Tina Karol and Yuliia Sanina, it became the official soundtrack to the Ukrainian film «Devoted».
On February 7, 2020, a new stage of the rapper's career began when Aliona Savranenko signed a contract with the Polish record label Def Jam Polska. Later that autumn, she announced the launch of her own label, ENKO, which was joined not only by its founder but also by members of the group Kalush.
Participation in Eurovision
On August 26, 2022, alyona alyona and singer Jerry Heil released their collaborative EP «God Willing». The release featured four collaborations with European artists:
- «The Wind Blows» with Polish rapper Gedz;
- «God Willing» with Lithuanian singer Monika Liu;
- «Kupala» with ela.;
- «The Cuckoo» with Latvian rapper Ginger Mane.
To promote the joint EP, the artists performed several concerts as part of a nationwide Ukrainian tour.
In November 2023, the duo alyona alyona and Jerry Heil reached the final of Ukraine's national selection for Eurovision 2024. With the song Teresa Maria, they performed in the national final on February 3, 2024. The following day, after the public vote, they won the competition and earned the right to represent Ukraine in Malmö, Sweden. The song Teresa Maria further expanded the artists' popularity and entered numerous music charts.
Social activity
Today, alyona alyona is a true ambassador of Ukrainian culture around the world. The rapper believes that being a Ukrainian artist abroad means, above all, having the opportunity to thank the international community for supporting Ukraine. Aliona Savranenko has repeatedly emphasized that at every concert and in every interview she first expresses gratitude to the countries helping Ukrainians.
While performing for international audiences, the singer strives to serve as a bridge between the front line and civilians, conveying the emotions, requests, and messages of Ukrainian soldiers—what she describes as a delicate thread connecting two different worlds.
The rapper also actively participates in charitable and civic initiatives. As part of the «This Is How Memory Works» campaign, dedicated to the fallen patriot Danylo Didik and everyone who gave their lives for Ukraine, alyona alyona took part in the musical program. Among her notable works are the poignant song «When the Young Are Buried» and the collaboration with Okean Elzy, «The Country of Children», released on International Children's Day.
Artist's discography:
- «Cannon» (2019);
- «At MA's House» (2019);
- Galas (2021);
- Lava (2021).
Awards and distinctions:
- «Most Promising Young Talent» (Anchor Award, Reeperbahn Festival, 2019);
- YUNA 2019 Awards in the categories «Best Album» («Cannon»), «Best Duet» («Bastard» featuring Alina Pash), and «Best Hip-Hop Hit» («Cannon»);
- «Women in Music» (Women in Arts);
- YUNA 2020 Awards for «Best Female Artist» and «Best Hip-Hop Hit» («Mountains» featuring KALUSH).
