- Real name – Anastasiia Olehivna Prudius
- Date of birth – October 19, 1992
- City – Kharkiv (Ukraine)
- Language – Ukrainian, French
- Occupation – singer, songwriter
- Genre – pop music
The Artist’s Journey
KOLA is the stage name of Ukrainian singer and songwriter Anastasiia Prudius from Kharkiv. The artist’s pseudonym symbolizes unity and formation in the shape of a circle. It is in no way connected to the name of the famous soft drink. Nastia grew up in a family of engineers with no connection to music or the arts. However, thanks to her music-loving parents, she felt supported in her artistic passion from an early age.
The girl sang for the first time at the age of two, making a remarkable debut. From the age of seven, the young star began studying music professionally. She learned to play the electric guitar and the piano. From the age of five to thirteen, she also attended ballet classes. This helped Nastia develop confidence on stage and a strong sense of rhythm.
Although after graduating from school Anastasiia enrolled at V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University to study economics and international communication, her dream of performing on stage never changed. In pursuit of recognition and popularity, the singer sought support from influential Ukrainian producers and opinion leaders. However, she never received a response. She therefore moved to Kyiv, where she continued her education in the music industry.
Anastasiia Prudius enrolled at Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts, majoring in Show Business Management. There, she not only developed her creative potential but also gained practical knowledge. Later, applying all of her talent and charisma, she became one of the brightest figures of the new Ukrainian music scene.
Creative Career
KOLA's musical journey began with attempts to make a name for herself on television. Anastasiia participated in several well-known talent shows, including «The Voice of the Country» in 2016 and 2021, where she impressed thousands of fans with her powerful vocals. In 2017, the artist performed the song Flow on the stage of Ukraine's National Selection for the «Eurovision Song Contest». She also took part in the projects «The X Factor» and «Star Factory». These stages became a school of life that provided not only experience but also valuable professional connections.
A separate period in KOLA's career was connected with the show «Dancing with the Stars», where she worked as a backing vocalist. Every day, she performed dozens of songs during rehearsals and live broadcasts, often supporting performances at the most crucial moments.
Her real breakthrough came in 2022 after the release of the single «Together?» and the music video of the same name. The video gained more than 5 million views on YouTube. The song itself held second place in the Ukrainian Apple Music chart throughout the summer. This track became a defining milestone for KOLA, opening a new chapter in her musical career.
Style and Creative Development
Singer KOLA began writing her own songs in 2016. Since then, her creative path has become a true journey of self-discovery. According to the artist, she has changed greatly since that period: she has become the person she truly wants to be. This inner growth continues to inspire her.
Today, KOLA's music is especially lyrical. The singer-songwriter says she finds great satisfaction in writing meaningful songs. Creativity allows her to share her feelings, explore deeply emotional topics, and reveal to listeners what is in her heart. Anastasiia believes that lyrical compositions best convey an artist's inner world and lay bare the soul. KOLA feels especially happy when performing her own songs at concerts. It is during live performances, surrounded by devoted fans, that she feels most natural and in harmony with herself.
Collaboration with sound producer Ivan Klymenko became invaluable for KOLA. Ivan helped her rethink music. He literally "turned over" Nastia's understanding of songwriting and taught her to approach the creative process more deeply. Thanks to this collaboration, KOLA found her unique sound. Her musical style is a synthesis of contemporary pop music with elements of electronic music, indie pop, soul, R&B, and Ukrainian musical traditions. Her vocals are marked by striking emotionality that leaves no listener indifferent.
KOLA sings about the things that matter most: love, self-discovery, loss, freedom, war, and love for her homeland. Her music is a diary of feelings and reflections that has evolved together with the artist herself. Her work underwent particularly profound changes after the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Her songs became socially conscious and deeply honest.
Singer's Discography
KOLA's discography includes one studio album («Navkolo», 2022) and two EPs (Yo!yo!?, 2019 and «Music Diary. Part One», 2023). Many tracks from these releases became genuine hits and repeatedly reached leading positions in music charts.
Social Activity
KOLA clearly demonstrates her civic position through participation in charity initiatives supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine. One such initiative was the song «Ukraine – We Are Strong», which the songwriter created in just one hour on her phone. The emotional track is dedicated to the country's defenders. The artist emphasizes that her voice and songs are the weapons with which she fights on her cultural front, inspiring people and supporting the army. Part of the funds raised during concerts is directed not only to the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine but also to helping Ukrainians affected by enemy missile attacks.
The singer also serves as an ambassador for the DONOR UA project, promoting blood donation and assistance in life-threatening situations.
The Singer's Most Famous Hits:
- «Together?»;
- «Near the Heart»;
- «People» (with MamaRika);
- «Porichka» (with YAKTAK);
- «Being Simple»;
- Salut papa and others.
Awards and Honors:
- YUNA 2023: Song of Unbreakable Ukraine («Near the Heart»);
- YUNA 2024: Best Female Artist.
Interesting Facts About the Singer:
- before fully dedicating herself to music, Anastasiia worked in various fields, including as an administrator at a beauty salon;
- the star loves dogs but is not particularly fond of cats;
- among the artists with whom KOLA has created notable collaborations are alyona alyona, Jerry Heil, DOVI, MamaRika, Skofka, and others.
