Onuka (band)

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Onuka is a Ukrainian electro-folk band formed in 2013 by Nata Zhyzhchenko and Yevhen Filatov. The name Onuka means “granddaughter” in Ukrainian, a tribute to Zhyzhchenko’s grandfather who made traditional folk instruments. They mix electronic music with Ukrainian folk sounds and use instruments like bandura and sopilka, along with electronic drums and brass.

Members
- Nata Zhyzhchenko (lead vocals)
- Yevhen Filatov (founder/producer)
- Daryna Sert (keyboard, backing vocals)
- Mariia Sorokina (percussion)
- Yevhen Yovenko (bandura)

What they do
- They combine modern electronic styles (electro, synth-pop, folktronica) with Ukrainian folk traditions to create a fresh, danceable sound.
- Their music often features stories and themes from Ukrainian life, history, and identity.

Key releases and moments
- Look (EP, May 15, 2014): topped iTunes Ukraine.
- ONUKA (album, Oct 15, 2015): ten tracks (eight English, two Ukrainian) mixing folk motifs with electronic music; also topped iTunes Ukraine.
- VIDLIK (EP, Feb 8, 2016): four tracks inspired by Ukraine’s history, including Chernobyl-themed material.
- 2017: Performed as an interval act at Eurovision with NAONI.
- MOZAЇKA (album, 2017): continued their blend of folk and electronics; features the anti-war track Guns Don’t Shoot and a contribution from Eric Mouquet of Deep Forest.
- Awards: MOZAЇKA was named the best Ukrainian album of 2019 by the APt Prize.
- KOLIR (album, June 18, 2021): their third album.
- ROOM (album, July 21, 2023): described as a manifesto to Ukrainians; a 2024 Prague show supported Ukrainian medics with proceeds for medical equipment.
- Collaborations: track UYAVY with DakhaBraha.

Other details
- The band has worked with designers and stylists (e.g., Lesya Patoka, Andriy Krupchynskyi) on their look and performances.
- They’ve been recognized in Ukraine with nominations for awards such as the Yuna Music Awards (Discovery of the Year).