The Ukrainian House in Kyiv was abuzz with excitement on February 3rd as it hosted the prestigious "Golden Star Lirum" awards. This annual event celebrates the best in Ukrainian music, and this year, it brought forward a plethora of surprises and heartfelt moments.

An Innovative Voting System Shines

This year marked a significant shift in the voting process. For the first time, fans were given a voice, contributing 30% to the final verdict, with the remaining 70% decided by the media team. This change highlighted the growing trend of audience participation in award shows, making the results all the more thrilling.

Jamala and Herman Nenov's Winning Collaboration

Jamala's mesmerizing video for "ARAFAT DAĞINDAN, " directed by Herman Nenov, took home the coveted "Video of the Year" award. Their collaboration stood out among tough competitors like Monatik and Okean Elzy, sparking conversations about the power of storytelling in music videos.

"It's not just about the music; it's about the journey we take our viewers on, " Herman Nenov shared.

Celebrating Remarkable Talent

Among other highlights, Dorofeeva was named "Artist of the Year, " a testament to her outstanding impact on the music scene. The legendary band Okean Elzy was awarded "Band of the Year, " celebrating their prolific year, including two album releases and multiple sold-out concerts.

Rising Stars and Emotional Collaborations

The night also honored new talents, with the band "MUR" crowned "Breakthrough of the Year" for their impressive debut album "(Ти) Романтика". Meanwhile, a poignant collaboration between "Kryhitka" and "Hatespeech" on the song "Under the Spring Rain" was awarded "Collaboration of the Year, " drawing attention to the emotional depth of their work.

A Night to Remember

The "Golden Star Lirum" awards not only celebrated artistic excellence but also ushered in a new era of audience engagement. As the evening came to a close, it was clear that Ukrainian music is thriving on innovation, collaboration, and a deep connection with its listeners.

Editor: Emiliia Morozova