During the YUNA National Music Awards held on May 23 in Kyiv, the spotlight was on the radiant singer Jamala, who made a surprising and personal revelation. Jamala disclosed her due date, sharing that she was supposed to give birth on the very day of the awards ceremony.

Jamala's Emotional Speech at YUNA Awards

Receiving the award for "Best Album" for her work QIRIM, Jamala took the stage with grace and gratitude. She expressed her heartfelt emotions, emphasizing the collaborative effort behind the album.

"I don’t know how to express in words how much this award means to me. Many people worked on this album – practically hundreds. An incredible orchestra, which we gathered as a team. We worked on each word, piecing these works together like a puzzle, " said Jamala.

The Journey Behind QIRIM

Jamala revealed that she approached sound producer Serhiy Krutsenko with the idea for QIRIM in 2020. The project, however, faced numerous challenges, including the tragic death of Krutsenko in January 2023, just months before the album's release. Despite the obstacles, the album, comprising 14 songs, was saved during the occupation of Kyiv region in 2022, thanks to Krutsenko's efforts.

A Night of Celebrations and Surprises

The 13th YUNA National Music Awards celebrated outstanding achievements in music over the past year. Jamala’s victory in the "Best Album" category was a highlight of the evening, with her competition including notable artists like Max Barskih, CHEEV, and Artem Pivovarov. The night also saw Antytila winning multiple awards, including "Best Rock Band" and "Song of the Year" for their hit "Fortress Bakhmut, " although they were absent due to their charity tour in the UK.

Looking Forward

As Jamala eagerly awaits the birth of her third son, she humorously suggested naming her child Yuna, in honor of the awards. This moment marked not just a professional milestone but a deeply personal one, intertwining her musical journey with her personal life.

Editor: Emiliia Morozova