This month marks the first anniversary of the Ukrainian crisis. And while the media spotlight may have moved elsewhere, the conflict shows little sign of abatting. The troubles have drawn in many Ukraininan personalities, not least those from the Eurovision world. Over the past 12 months Ruslana, Mariya Yaremchuk, Gaitana, Anastasia Prikhodko and Ani Lorak have all been vocal on the state of their nation. Zlata Ognevich even ran for parliament, and now it’s transpired that she’s the lady behind the nationalistic anthem “Pray For Ukraine”.
Zlata Ognevich “Pray For Ukraine” Studio Version
The track first appeared online in April, but was credited to an “Unknown Artist”. The song is completely different to both “Gravity” and “My Melody”, but the vocals are unmistakeably Zlata’s. And sure enough, Zlata came out as the singer a few weeks ago, performing it live soon after.
Zlata Ognevich “Pray For Ukraine” Live
Subject matter aside, “Pray For Ukraine” marks a major shift in direction for the 2013 ESC star. In fact this is about as far removed from the toothache inducing sweetness of her Eurovsision effort as possible. Set to a pulsing EDM beat, Zlata oozes sass, proving that she’s much more than a bargain bin Disney princess. She sings “STOP!” with enough ferocity to slay even her most ardent critics. In a sense she’s let down by the lyrics, but then again this is an anthem for the masses – there’s no room for butterfly inspired metaphors.
The prospect of Zlata channeling this inner warrior into her future work leaves us very excited indeed.
Zlata Ognevich “Pray For Ukraine” Lyrics
Open your heart to Ukraine
Believe and pray
I wanna be happy today
No tears, no pain
No pain (x6)
STOP!
Open your heart to Ukraine
Believe and pray
I wanna be happy today
No tears, no pain
Open your heart to Ukraine
Believe and pray
I wanna be happy today
No tears, no pain
No pain (x6)
STOP!
I hope Ukraine will return to ESC 2015! 😀
I love this song! Thanks Zlata I cried watching this video. Your amazing voice does not leave anyone indifferent. I am glad that we have in Ukraine there are people like you) good work in Parliament, and look forward to new songs!
OMG. They should so send this song to eurovision . I love the beat! Please Ukraine come back
Happy to see Zlata sing this! She is still one of my favorite singers! 🙂