In November, the National Palace of Arts “Ukraine” will host the Ukrainian Song of the Year Award ceremony, marking the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence. This event aims to honor Ukrainian artists who have contributed to the national music scene and promoted Ukrainian identity through song.
The announcement regarding the award preparations was made during a briefing at the University of Culture by the initiative’s author, general producer, and project benefactor Mikhailo Poplavsky, alongside co-organizer and People’s Artist of Ukraine Pavlo Zibrov. The project team is currently finalizing nominations, designing the stage, and the expert council has begun accepting applications and selecting candidates.
“The Ukrainian Song of the Year is a mega-project that has promoted Ukrainian song culture for over 20 years and has shaped Ukrainian identity.
This year’s award will bring together legendary artists and emerging performers who represent the country on the international stage, significantly contribute to supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and uphold the spirit of the nation. In addition to singers, honorary awards will be given to the creators of musical content—poets and composers,” stated Mikhailo Poplavsky, the founder of the award.
The expert council is chaired by People’s Artist of Ukraine and professor Pavlo Zibrov, with deputy chairs including Honored Artist of Ukraine Oleksiy Shportyko and Honored Artist of Ukraine, professor Andriy Knyaz.
In determining the winners, experts will consider:
- Popularity: radio rotation, presence on digital music platforms, and social media engagement.
- Cultural Contribution: the development and promotion of Ukrainian song.
- Civic Position: participation in charity events and concert activities supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Main award categories include: “Pride of Ukrainian Song,” “Legend of Ukrainian Song,” “Soul of Ukrainian Song,” “Hope of Ukrainian Song,” and “Guarantor of Ukrainian Song,” among others.
Project History: From Television to Guinness World Records
- 2004: The project “Our Song” launched on television during a time when the information space was saturated with Russian content, with Mikhailo Poplavsky and like-minded individuals publicly committing to preserve and develop Ukrainian song.
- 2012: The telethon “Song Unites Us!” entered the Guinness World Records as the longest live musical marathon of national song, lasting 110 hours, 3 minutes, and 27 seconds, broadcast in 150 countries.
On February 16, 2022, during the Day of Unity of Ukrainians, the anniversary ceremony of the National Music Award “Ukrainian Song of the Year” was held at the National Palace of Arts “Ukraine.”
The award ceremony is set to be a significant event in celebrating Ukraine’s 35th independence anniversary and serves as further evidence that Ukrainian song continues to unite generations, inspire the nation, and represent Ukraine on the global stage.
“I am happy that today, on the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, legendary songs by talented Ukrainian composers and lyricists resonate. Through Ukrainian song, we foster a sense of patriotism among the youth, promote the Ukrainian language, and support emerging artists, consolidating Ukrainian society. This is the future!
Without Ukrainian culture, song, and language, there is no nation. Let us hold together the Ukrainian wave! Glory to Ukraine!” – Mikhailo Poplavsky remarked.
The upcoming Ukrainian Song of the Year Award will honor artists contributing to the national music scene, coinciding with Ukraine's 35th independence anniversary. The event aims to recognize both established and emerging talents while promoting cultural identity and civic engagement.