Oleksandr Ponomaryov: From a boxer to a legend of Ukrainian show business

Today, August 9, Ukrainian singer and composer Oleksandr Ponomaryov celebrates his 51st birthday. The People's Artist of Ukraine, who repeatedly proved his devotion to his homeland, left an unforgettable mark in the country's musical history.

Childhood and passion

Oleksandr Ponomaryov was born in Khmelnytskyi and had a great passion for boxing since childhood. Until the age of 18, he was actively engaged in this sport, but due to a strong blow to the head, he was forced to leave his career as a boxer. Despite this, the future singer did not abandon his other hobbies. His mother noticed a talent for singing, but the family could not afford to pay for a music school. He got his first piano only after finishing the eighth grade, before that he played the guitar.

The beginning of a musical career

After school, Oleksandr entered the Khmelnytskyi Music School, and later continued his studies at the Lviv Music Institute named after M. V. Lysenko. In the 90s, he took part in numerous singing contests and festivals, such as "Chervona Ruta-93" and "Taurian Games". His popularity grew rapidly, which forced him to move to Kyiv and continue his studies at the National Academy of Music.

First successes

In 1996, Oleksandr released his first album "From Morning to Night", and a year later - the second "First and Last Love". In 1998, he became the youngest Honored Artist of Ukraine. The singer repeatedly refused offers to work in Russia, preferring the development of Ukrainian show business.

Eurovision and further career

In 2003, Oleksandr Ponomaryov became the first representative of Ukraine at Eurovision, where he took 14th place. In 2006, he released one of the most popular albums "I love only you" and received the title of People's Artist. In addition, from 2005 to 2007, he hosted the culinary program "Delicious Country" and became a coach in several seasons of the "Voice of the Country" project.

Stylistic changes and personal life

Over the years of his career, Oleksandr Ponomaryov has changed his style significantly - from jeans and jackets to elegant suits and tuxedos. The artist's personal life was also full: his first wife was Olena Mozgova, with whom they have a daughter Yevgenia. In 2006, he married Victoria Martyniuk, with whom he has a son, Oleksandr.

Response to modern challenges

With the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Oleksandr Ponomaryov condemned the aggression and actively covers the tragic events in Ukraine. He united Ukrainian artists and created the hit song "Ukraine will win", which collected more than 35 million views on YouTube. The artist continues to participate in charity events, collecting money to support Ukraine and the military.

Editor: Emiliia Morozova