ONUKA

ONUKA is a joint project of the famous Ukrainian sound producer and musician Eugene Filatov (The Maneken) and Nata Zhyzhchenko (former vocalist of Tomato Jaws and Kooqla). The first single of ONUKA was released in 2013. In the fall of 2014 Nata and Eugene presented the debut album 'ONUKA'. It includes the hits-songs 'Look', 'When I Met You', 'Time' and 'Misto'. In the winter of 2016 ONUKA announced the launch of their own label Vidlik. The first release of the label became same-name titled 5-track EP.

The signature sound of ONUKA is an organic mix of electronica, modern pop music and Ukrainian folk instruments.

Nothing is accidental. A series of events goes hand in hand with ideas and thoughts, which in the right moment form amazing combinations. That’s how something unique is born – worlds and concepts, width and depth of which grows and multiplies. The story of ONUKA is a striking example of that kind of combination. Two talented musicians – Eugene Filatov and Nata Zhyzhchenko – came to creation of joint musical project already having a ponderous creative baggage behind.
Eugene is an experienced sound-producer, creator and a frontman of The Maneken. Nata is an ex-vocalist of deep-house three-piece Tomato Jaws and a band Kooqla. Together they are strong creative tandem in which Eugene is responsible for innovative modern sound production, meanwhile Nata is the face and the soul of ONUKA. The name of the project (‘onuka’ means ‘granddauther’ in Ukrainian) refers us to Nata’s grandfather, who was a famous craftsman of traditional Ukrainian musical instruments. His most precious gift – handmade sopilka – is a kind of a symbol and an important element of many ONUKA’s songs.

ONUKA’s music is the bridge between the past and the future. The rich heritage of Ukrainian ethnic culture in the context of modern electronic sound acquires the weight, status аnd nobility, that has always been inherent to Ukrainian musical tradition. ONUKA is the first who managed to convey this to a wider audience, convincingly and with the taste.

ONUKA live show is a carefully thought-out program with its own internal dramatic composition and special atmosphere. It’s an intimate experience in which each listener is left alone with the artist's music. At the same time, it’s a powerful pressure of energy that is able to cover bigger venues like a wave.

The concert cast of ONUKA is eight musicians: vocals, keyboards, rhythm section and folk instruments - two trombones, French horn, bandura and bugay.
The audience will find many surprises at almost every ONUKA show. Nata plays some parts on the theremin, uses unique MIDI-Controller – the Tornado glove; overall concept complements the visuals. And finally, Evgeny Filatov (The Maneken) appears on stage to perform some of the tracks.