Nino Katamadze, a legendary figure on the Georgian music scene, recently made a powerful statement about her career and the future of Georgia. In an exclusive interview, Katamadze revealed the difficult circumstances that led her to perform in Russia for many years. Denied a U.S. visa, she had to make the best of the opportunities available to her.

The Early 2000s: A Struggle for Opportunities

In the early 2000s, as Georgia was just beginning its journey as an independent nation, cultural institutions were still developing. Katamadze sought to grow her musical career and applied for visas to the United States and the United Kingdom, but was turned down.

"In a world without choices, I had to choose what was at hand, " she explained.

Friendships Amidst Adversity

Despite her years in Russia, Katamadze formed lasting friendships with many Russians, some of whom she still meets in Georgia. She emphasized that her experiences taught her that there are both good and bad people everywhere.

"I've met many good people in Russia, and I still keep in touch with some of them, " she noted.

A New Path for Georgia

Katamadze is now clear that returning to Russia is not an option. She believes that Georgia is at a pivotal moment and must firmly demonstrate its European choice to the world.

"Thanks to the heroes of Ukraine, the situation in the world has changed. Together with our Ukrainian brothers, we have the opportunity to open European and American doors, " she stated passionately.

The Impact of Ukraine

Katamadze's support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia is unwavering. She believes that the bravery of Ukrainian fighters has not only altered the geopolitical landscape but also provided Georgia with a unique chance to align itself with Europe and the West.

In conclusion, Katamadze's journey serves as a testament to resilience and the power of seizing opportunities, even in the face of limited choices. Her story is a call to action for Georgia to embrace its European future.

Editor: Emiliia Morozova