LAMA — a Ukrainian pop rock/alternative project founded by singer, composer, and songwriter Natalia Dzenkiv in 2005. The act became one of the most recognizable phenomena on Ukraine’s mid-2000s music scene thanks to melodic vocals, emotional lyricism, and a signature sound that blends contemporary rock, pop, electronics, and touches of folk. The group’s tracks consistently held radio airplay positions, appeared in TV soundtracks, and united an entire generation of listeners.
Early years of Natalia Dzenkiv
Natalia Dzenkiv was born on December 14, 1975, in Ivano-Frankivsk to a creative family. Music accompanied her from childhood: she studied piano, practiced ballet, and began writing poems and melodies at an early age. Her teenage years were marked by searching for her own style and experimenting.
Her first serious experience came with the band Magia, where Natalia met sound engineer and composer Vitaliy Telezin. Through this collaboration she first appeared on the radio, which inspired her to launch her own project.
Forming the LAMA project
The name LAMA came to Natalia in a dream while on vacation in Turkey: the image of a Tibetan monk repeating “lama” symbolized wisdom, tranquility, and spiritual energy.
The project’s concept was built from the outset on three key pillars:
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honest lyrics addressing the listener’s feelings and experiences,
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live, instrument-driven sound,
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an emotional female vocal with a distinctive timbre.
In 2005 the debut single “Мені так треба” (“I Need It So Much”) hit the rotations of Ukraine’s largest radio stations almost instantly. The success was later cemented by the hits “Літак” (“Airplane”), “Світло і тінь” (“Light and Shadow”), and “Знаєш як болить” (“You Know How It Hurts”), which became the project’s calling cards.
Lineup and creative team
Over the years, the lineup included:
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Oleksii Turianin — guitar,
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Vyacheslav Okhrymenko — drums,
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Oleh Dramaretskyi — bass,
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Pol Solonar — keyboards.
The sound production was supported by leading Ukrainian and European specialists.
Recognition and peak popularity
In 2007, LAMA won the MTV Europe Music Awards in the category “Best Ukrainian Act.” This historic moment for the Ukrainian scene triggered an active phase of touring and TV appearances.
The band performed at the country’s biggest festivals, took part in national TV shows, and appeared in the soundtracks of TV series and advertising projects.
Albums and hits
“Мені так треба” (2006)
A debut record featuring the hits:
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“Мені так треба”
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“Літак”
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“Moja drama”
The album received airplay on more than 40 radio stations across the country.
“Світло і тінь” (2008)
Commercial success was reinforced by:
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“Знаєш як болить”
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“Не мама”
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“Світло і тінь”
The record earned high critical praise for its melodicism and production.
“Назавжди” (2013)
A more emotional, mature release leaning toward pop rock.
Singles (2019–2024)
The return to the stage after a pause was marked by:
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“Дим”
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“Тримай”
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“Відпусти мене”
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“Враже”
The newer work features more grown-up lyrics and contemporary electronic elements.
Creative pause and rethinking
From 2013 to 2018, media pressure and intense touring led to a break. Natalia described it as a much-needed emotional reset and a search for a new sound.
In parallel, the artist:
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wrote material “for the drawer,”
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practiced spiritual disciplines,
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refined her vocal technique.
Style and sound
LAMA is instantly identifiable by:
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a sensuous vocal timbre,
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a dramatic delivery,
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a “light/shadow” contrast in the melodies,
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clear Ukrainian-language vocals,
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electronic layers over a live beat.
Recurring themes include:
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love,
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self-identification,
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pain and healing,
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inner conflicts.
Personality and philosophy
Natalia is passionate about:
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Hinduism,
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meditation,
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non-traditional breathing practices,
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yoga,
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self-discovery.
She is a vegetarian, supports environmental initiatives, and takes an interest in alternative medicine and Eastern culture.
These elements are reflected in the lyrics, music videos, and the project’s philosophy.
Awards and achievements
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MTV Europe Music Awards — “Best Ukrainian Act” (2007)
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Numerous Ukrainian radio awards
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Top-10 most-played artists, 2006–2010
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Over 25 million cumulative music-video views on digital platforms
Discography (key releases)
Albums:
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“Мені так треба” (2006)
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“Світло і тінь” (2008)
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“Назавжди” (2013)
Selected singles:
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“Мені так треба”
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“Світло і тінь”
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“Літак”
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“Знаєш як болить”
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“Дим”
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“Не мама”
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“Назавжди”
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“Моє серце”
Interesting facts
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The name LAMA came in a dream.
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Some songs contain hidden esoteric symbolism.
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Natalia is often called one of Ukraine’s most “live” vocalists for her ability to hold a venue with “breath.”
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Their videos have been widely broadcast on international TV channels across Eastern Europe.
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Instead of autographs, she sometimes writes short mantras.
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LAMA was among the first to actively use live looping on the Ukrainian scene.
Legacy and influence
The LAMA project has influenced:
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the development of Ukrainian pop rock,
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the popularization of the Ukrainian language in the mainstream,
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the shaping of emotionally driven female singer-songwriting.
Many young artists cite LAMA as an inspiration.
Conclusion
LAMA is more than a music project. It is a philosophy, the sound of a generation, and an emotional code of the Ukrainian scene. Natalia Dzenkiv has created a unique artistic language that fuses melodicism, spirituality, and sincerity.
Even years later, LAMA remains in demand, and the songs continue to live — on the radio, in playlists, and in listeners’ hearts.
