Shadu, a talented Ukrainian artist, hails from the picturesque town of Partenit in Crimea. Her musical journey began early, as she started studying the violin at the age of six. After completing her education with honours, Shadu ventured into the world of television, directing for Ukrainian TV channels before fully diving into her music career in 2022.
As a former contestant on Holos Krainy (The Voice Ukraine) and winner of The Narodna Zirka competition, Shadu quickly rose to fame. She released her debut EP, Gravity, in September 2022. The five-track EP, including hits like Gravity, Take Me Away, and Au Au, garnered international attention, making waves on the worldwide retro wave charts.
In 2023, Shadu’s single Apologize was launched by a U.S. record label, bringing her music to American listeners. Her next EP, Babylon, achieved even more success, charting in Canada, the USA, and China. The album featured three tracks—Dancer, Babylon, and Somebody Again—all of which earned her global recognition.
Frequenting Dubai for her recordings, Shadu praises the city’s vibrant DJ culture. “People here know the essence of music and are exposed to global trends,” she notes. Her love for Bollywood is equally evident. “I grew up with Bollywood movies, as they were always on TV when I was younger. Bollywood movies are all about celebration. They’re bright and mesmerising. I enjoyed watching these movies so much. I felt happy for the characters and I laughed and cried with them. You have hundreds of dancers, all moving together in perfect unison.
They’re dressed in gorgeous, bright outfits and jewellery. When I was younger, I was so captivated by Bollywood movies. I even dreamed of becoming a heroine in one of these films.”
When asked about her favourite musicians, Shadu revealed her admiration for Black Coffee. “I just love Black Coffee. He’s an amazingly talented musician with incredible willpower. Even though he was going through a really rough time, he found the strength and inspiration to become one of the most popular artists in the electronic scene.” She also expressed her love for The Weeknd, saying, “His view of modern trends is so precise. And his songs just make me feel so good. The gentle sound of his voice soothes my soul, almost bringing me to a state of catharsis.”
Shadu’s own music is deeply emotional, transcending language barriers. “Music is a universal language — one that everyone on the planet can understand. It captures moods, experiences, and emotions. Words are just an addition, one of the elements. That said, I often include a few important phrases in my tracks that beautifully complement the melody.”
For Shadu, technology is a game-changer in the music industry. “Thanks to modern technology, we can now create music without the need for a large studio. In the past, you couldn’t do this without 20 synthesizers, drum machines, and mixing consoles. But now, all of that can fit into a small laptop, with access to all the samples you need. This means we can create music anywhere—in a plane, a car, or a hotel.”
Like many artists, Shadu transforms her personal experiences into art. “I’m a very creative person, so any dramatic events in my life have always influenced my art.
Often, these were negative events or experiences for me, and, you know, it was during these times that new melodies were born. Over time, I learned how to readjust myself and write not only when I feel bad, but also when I feel good,” she reflects. To protect her inner peace, Shadu seeks solace in nature. “Artists must balance inner and outer worlds. It’s important to keep your unique spark while staying interesting for your audience. Walking alone in nature helps me a lot. I find inspiration in its shapes, sounds, and smells.”
Highs and lows are part of every artist’s career, and Shadu embraces her mistakes. “You see, I step back to see my mistakes. Mistakes are good for you because they teach you. I love the saying, ‘Only people who do nothing [don’t] make mistakes’. Despite errors in my life, I keep living and moving forward.”
When asked what she would title her memoir, Shadu confidently responds, “I’d call it Dream On! It’s my life’s motto.”
