The debut videoclip for the song Rybky, released in October 2018, launched the career of the Ukrainian rapper known as Alyona Alyona. Born Aliona Olehivna Savranenko in 1991, she spent years working in education before transitioning into the music industry. Today, she is recognized internationally for her contributions to hip-hop and her vocal performances.
Early Career and Education
Before achieving fame, she resided in Kapitanivka and later Kyiv Oblast. She obtained two bachelor's degrees, one of which was awarded by Hryhorii Skovoroda University in Pereiaslav. For four years, she served as a teacher at the Teremok kindergarten in Baryshivka and subsequently managed the kindergarten in Dernivka. She began experimenting with rap music during the mid-2000s, initially performing under the alias Alyona Al.kaida.
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Her rapid ascent began in 2018 with the release of several music videos. The track Holovy achieved one million views on YouTube within its first month of release. In 2019, she issued her debut studio album, Pushka, followed by the extended play V khati MA. Her work received international attention, including a mention in The New York Times and a feature in Vogue, highlighting her unique position within the Ukrainian pop music scene.
Awards and International Recognition
Her impact on European music was acknowledged when she received the ANCHOR Award in 2019 and the Women in Arts Award in 2020. In early 2020, she signed with the record label Def Jam Polska. She also secured the Public Choice Award at the Music Moves Europe Talent Awards in 2021. Beyond her own studio recordings, she has contributed lyrics to soundtracks, including the film Viddana.
Eurovision Participation
In 2024, she collaborated with artist Jerry Heil to represent Ukraine at the Eurovision Song Contest. The pair performed the song Teresa & Maria, winning the national selection on 4 February 2024. During the competition, they successfully navigated the semi-final rounds and eventually secured third place in the grand final with 453 points.
Fast facts
- Born: 1991, Kapitanivka
- Citizenship: Ukraine
- Education: Hryhorii Skovoroda University in Pereiaslav
- Debut Album: Pushka (2019)
- 2019 ANCHOR Award winner
- 2020 Women in Arts Award recipient
- Eurovision 2024 third-place finisher
Questions readers ask
What was her profession before becoming a rapper?
She worked as a kindergarten teacher and administrator in Baryshivska Hromada for four years.
What song did she perform at the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest?
She performed the song Teresa & Maria alongside Jerry Heil.
Achievements
- Instruments: voice
- Genres: hip-hop
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