A new section dedicated to Ukrainian music has appeared on Minatrix.FM. Discover everything about the culture, genres, artists, war-time songs, and the sound history of Ukraine — from folklore to modern pop hits!
A brand-new section dedicated to Ukrainian Music has appeared on Minatrix.FM!
We are excited to share great news: on Minatrix.FM, a new section fully dedicated to Ukrainian music is now open! This is a unique space that collects the best tracks, useful information, interesting facts, and inspiring stories from the musical culture of Ukraine.
Now you can discover:
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Modern Ukrainian artists and rising talents
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Cult tracks that shaped the music scene
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A variety of genres — from folk and indie to electronic music and pop rock
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Fascinating facts about the origins of the Ukrainian sound and its influence on Europe
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Lyrics, translations, and artist biographies
Ukrainian music is not only rich history and tradition — it is a powerful energy of freedom, identity, and creativity. We collected everything in one place so you can not only listen, but deeply understand and feel the culture that speaks through the heart.
The section is already open — visit, listen, explore, get inspired: https://minatrix.fm/mp3/s254-ukrainian_songs
Historical overview of the Ukrainian music scene
The Ukrainian music scene is a powerful, multilayered, and surprisingly vibrant cultural phenomenon that has come a long way from folk chants to global pop and electronic music. Its development reflects the fate of the country: the struggle for identity, freedom, and self-expression. Below is a concise yet rich overview of the evolution of Ukrainian music from its origins to modern times.
Roots: folk music and sacred chants
Since ancient times, music has played an important role in the life of the Ukrainian people. Its foundation was a rich heritage of folk songs — dumy, kolomyikas, shchedrivky, vesnyanky, Cossack marches, performed with kobza, bandura, and tsymbaly.
Ukrainian musical folklore reflected seasonal cycles, daily life, history, and worldview. The unique melodicity and lyricism, which later became the hallmark of Ukrainian music, were already forming at this stage.
19th century: national awakening
In the 19th century, Ukrainian music received classical embodiment thanks to composers such as:
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Mykola Lysenko — the founder of Ukrainian classical music who integrated folk melodies into symphonies and operas.
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Stanyslav Lyudkevych, Kyrylo Stetsenko, and Lesya Ukrainka (as librettist and poet) contributed to the development of a professional music school.
Music became a tool of national self-awareness and an important cultural weapon in the struggle against imperial bans on the Ukrainian language and culture.
Soviet era: censorship and duality
In the 20th century, the Ukrainian scene was influenced by Soviet ideology. On one hand, state philharmonics, choirs, and ensembles were developing (such as Veryovka Choir, Dumka, Beregynia). On the other hand, free artistic expression was strictly limited.
Nevertheless, even under censorship, bright artists appeared, whose creativity went beyond official guidelines:
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Sofia Rotaru — one of the first to bring the Ukrainian language into Soviet pop music.
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Kvitka Cisyk — a Ukrainian-American singer whose voice became symbolic for the diaspora.
1990s: musical explosion in the era of independence
With the collapse of the USSR in 1991, Ukrainian music experienced a true explosion of diversity and freedom. Genres that had never existed before emerged:
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Rock: “Skryabin”, “Tabula Rasa”, “Plach Yeremiyi”
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Electronic music: Gorchitza, Esthetic Education
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Alternative: “Okean Elzy”, “Tartak”
Music TV channels, festivals, and strong local scenes in Lviv, Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa began to grow rapidly.
2000–2010: a new generation and global recognition
Ukraine made its mark on the world:
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Ruslana with Wild Dances wins Eurovision 2004
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GreenJolly, Tina Karol, Alyosha, Ani Lorak, Jamala represent the country internationally
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The indie/electronic scene evolves: Onuka, The Hardkiss, Dakh Daughters
Ukraine becomes a multi-genre scene with its own festivals: ZaxidFest, Atlas Weekend, Respublika.
2014–2022: music as the voice of revolution and war
After the Revolution of Dignity and the beginning of Russian aggression, Ukrainian music gained a strong patriotic, mobilizing, and protest character:
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Jamala with 1944 wins Eurovision 2016
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Kozak System, Zhadan i Sobaky, Pianoboy, Antytila, Boombox, Kalush Orchestra support the army and volunteers
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Many artists switch from Russian to Ukrainian.
Since 2022: revival in the time of war
The full-scale invasion became a turning point. Artists who previously sang in Russian switched to Ukrainian. A massive layer of songs about war, resilience, love, and hope appeared:
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Kalush Orchestra with Stefania wins Eurovision 2022
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Skofka, Wellboy, Jerry Heil, Artbat, Zbaraski, YAKTAK, SHUMEI
Ukrainian music has become part of the information front and cultural diplomacy.
Songs born during the war
1. Kalush Orchestra — Stefania
A hit that became an international anthem of the Ukrainian people.
“Stefania, mother, mother Stefania…”
2. Jerry Heil & alyona alyona — Ridni Moi
A modern hymn of love and pain.
3. Antytila — Fortetsya Bakhmut
A tribute to one of the most symbolic cities of the war.
4. Wellboy — Vyshni
Cherries as a metaphor of home and childhood.
5. Okean Elzy — Koly My Dvoie
A new wartime ballad about love stronger than fear.
6. Skofka — Chuty Himn
A viral rap-portrait of a country on fire.
7. Artem Pivovarov — Moya Nich
Cinematic sound wrapped in wartime emotions.
8. Serhiy Babkin — De By Ya
A tender song from the early months of the invasion.
9. Tina Karol — Vilna
A powerful ballad about freedom.
10. Jamala — Thank You Stranger
A song about refugees and people who help.
Why does this matter?
These songs became the soundtrack of the new Ukrainian reality, conveying the emotions of millions.
Conclusion
The Ukrainian music scene is a symbol of resilience, creativity, and national spirit. Evolving from ancient folklore to modern hits, it continues to inspire and unite. Music is the voice of Ukraine — and today it sounds stronger, truer, and freer than ever.
