Uncovering Ziferblat's Hidden Past: From Sauce Ads to Eurovision Glory

In the captivating world of music, few stories are more enchanting than that of Ziferblat, the Ukrainian trio that’s taken the music scene by storm. While fans know them today as the winners of Ukraine’s National Selection for Eurovision 2025, what many don’t know is the intriguing backstory of this talented group.

From Childhood Actors to Music Icons

Valentyn and Danyil Leshchynski, the duo from Ziferblat, have long been in the spotlight, even before their musical careers took flight. In a recently resurfaced vintage commercial from the 2000s, these young talents can be seen promoting the famous Chumak sauces. The role in this advertisement marked their first brush with stardom, as young as nine years old.

The Viral Nostalgia: A Blast from the Past

The commercial itself became a cultural phenomenon in Ukraine, airing incessantly on national television. In the clip, the young Valentyn and Danyil run eagerly into the kitchen, prompted by hunger, where their mother greets them with a delightful spread of dumplings and a selection of sauces. This commercial, now nostalgic for many, highlights a charming slice of life that captures the innocence and curiosity of youth.

A Mystery Unveiled: The Third Brother?

Interestingly, a third little boy appears in the footage, sparking speculation among fans that this was the third Ziferblat member, drummer Fedir Khodakov. However, Valentyn has since debunked these theories, adding an air of mystery to the clip.

"Our personal anguish lies in explaining who the third boy is. I haven't seen 'mom' from the ad ever again, " Valentyn revealed, hinting at the playful nature of this tale.

The Journey to Eurovision: A Dream Realized

With their band originally named Runnin' Blue during their school days, Valentyn, Danyil, and their friend have come a long way. After a rebranding to Ziferblat and participating in "X-Factor" in 2019, they’ve finally claimed victory in their third attempt at the National Selection. Their song "Bird of Pray" is set to represent Ukraine in the grand stage of Eurovision 2025 in Basel, Switzerland.

It’s a testament to perseverance and the serendipitous journey from childhood dreams to international recognition. As they prepare to spread their wings on the Eurovision stage, Ziferblat’s story reminds us of the unexpected paths to success and how early sparks of talent can lead to monumental achievements.

Editor: Yana Davydiuk