The artist released a video work for the composition “Vilni”, which she dedicated to Ukraine.
Mika Newton released a song and a video for it for the first time in several years. The artist presented the Ukrainian-language composition “Vilni”, which she dedicated to the Ukrainians.
It was this song that Mika sang at the Grammy Awards to the piano accompaniment of John Legend. For the first time in the history of the Grammys, a Ukrainian song was performed on stage.
Mika Newton and John Legend / Photo: Associated Press
“The original version of the song “Vilni” was written by John Legend and it was a great honor for me to sing it at the Grammys. The energy on stage was incredible, and I am very grateful to John and the producers for bringing attention to Ukraine. The whole arena applauded we were standing for a few minutes. We felt a lot of support, “said the artist.
Newton noted that this duet was created at the last minute. She was contacted by a company that was looking for a Ukrainian singer for a secret project. Mika sent them her material, after which she was invited to the studio.
“I worked on the Ukrainian version of the song for only half a day, my friends Nick Koverina and Marina Skomorokhova helped me with the translation of the text. We did everything to ensure that the text was as close as possible to John’s English text. At the studio, when I was recording “Vilni”, it was just magic.It was one of the best moments of my life.It’s not every day you have to work with people like Harvey Mason Jr.He worked with world famous singers: Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears.Sound producers, not understanding Ukrainian language, felt every word and were able to convey with the composition of the song.From the first chords, I fell in love with this song, and it’s an honor for me that I was able to sing it in Ukrainian and now I present the single “Vilni,” Mika said.
Mika Newton at the Grammys / Photo: Associated Press
It was very important for the artist that the video for the track was edited by someone from Ukraine, a person who is going through a war here and now. Newton found a talented guy from Sarnes – Bogdan Krushelnitsky. He is 18 years old, and he is studying at the Faculty of Film and Video Studies. For four years he connects his life with video and is already working on the first short film.
“We immediately found a creative wave. I wanted to show hope for the freedom and will of our country, the beauty of Ukraine in the video “Vilna”! Pictures from the life of Ukraine: what it was like before February 24, 2022, what the Russians have done now, and show our dreams and faith that we are fighting for a free and peaceful future of the country! When Bogdan was editing in a bomb shelter, he said that working on the video distracted him from reality and the sounds of sirens outside. This work is people’s hope for freedom and light!” – said the singer.
Currently, Newton, along with other Ukrainian artists, performs as part of a US charity tour. Concerts have already been held in San Francisco and Seattle. One of these days there will be concerts in Miami, Los Angeles and other cities. Mika and Dmitry Stupka are the hosts of these concerts.
“Due to stress, my health is not in the best condition and my voice is also, but when they ask for Ukraine, you get up and do everything you need, without further ado. It is very important for me to help the country now. And I do this with all my heart as a citizen. I didn’t plan to sing this year. But everyone needs to do everything you can. Therefore, I put my life on pause and will participate in many events that will be held in America, “said the singer.
Mika Newton/Press Office
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