This summer, when strict quarantine restrictions were lifted in Ukraine, the summer capital of our country and its guests were chosen by artists - everyone's favorite Ukrainian idols, and those who have not been heard or seen for a long time.
One of them is the singer Svetlana Loboda, who on August 15 gave a concert for the first time in a long time at the IBIZA nightclub in Arcadia.
After the annexation of Crimea, she continued active touring in Russia, which is why her concerts in Ukraine were often disrupted by activists. As a result, the singer refused concerts in Ukraine altogether.
Now the concert hall was once again filled with hundreds of fans of the singer. The return of the pop star to the domestic stage — from the first mouth for the ElitExpert agency.
— What connects you with Odessa?
— I love Odessa and the people here, they are always amazing. We flew in early, we already had time to go to the sea, we ate flounder - we revived our ancient tradition. Whenever we come to this city, we go to the sea, breathe the sea air, eat delicious food, because the cuisine in Odessa is amazing. True, a few mosquitoes bite
- What inspires you?
— I have a beloved family, music that inspires me, that's why I'm happy, I'm in my country, it can't help but inspire me. Odessa is the same, it does not change. There is always the feeling that everyone is relaxed and doing nothing. There is a sense of excitement here, people are like that - they enjoy life from morning to evening. This is what tourists come here for.
— Today, the fans gave you a portrait of you - a large painting that barely fit in your hands...
— I love and appreciate my fans, regardless of geographical boundaries and politics. There is someone I know personally, who has been with my work for many years. These are "my" people, a small part of whom are here today. The most devoted.
We note that there were no provocations at the concert in Odessa, like a few years earlier. Moreover, the artist's statement that she is "ours" became a loud statement, although Loboda did not call herself a Ukrainian artist.
— Today I stand on this stage, and such a number of people are here in a beautiful city that I adore, in which I spent my youth. I'm very glad, I'm very happy, - said the singer from the stage.
- After all, you were not in Ukraine for a long time. Tell me, where do you live now?
— Two years ago, my big dream came true. I bought a house in a European city, on the seashore. And now, waking up every morning, my daughters and I say "Thank you!", because we breathe sea air, palm trees surround us and nice people who don't recognize me on the street...
It's just that at some point I realized that my life passes under the constant sight of cameras and this actually leaves my entire family free, and I'm quite a private person who likes to protect my personal space from prying eyes
- Where do you feel at home?
— I have lived in different countries, so it is not a geographical point that gives me the feeling of home, but the opportunity to gather with the whole family around a large table. I can only say that sometimes I miss the frantic rhythm of megacities, but we live in the 21st century: just a few hours on the plane, and here you are again immersed in the energy of a big city.
— How much has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your life?
— During the quarantine, I worked much less, so I spend quite a lot of time with my children. Last year, they finally understood what a real mother is, who goes with them to zoos and for walks. We have a wonderful tradition of walking along the embankment - they ride scooters, we play a lot, and around ten in the evening we come home tired and trained.
One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the singer's new Ukrainian-language track. It should be noted that the last time the artist released tracks in her native language was more than 6 years ago.
Note that Svetlana Loboda in Odessa also helped pay for an urgent leg operation for little Alina Tkacheva, and also visited the little Odessa girl.
— I believe that if there is an opportunity to help, it should be done. When my heart gives me a sign, I always trust this feeling. Now is the time to reach out. Since I started to earn money, I believe that I have to help, and I have been doing it all my life. A share of the fee from the concert has already been transferred to Alina for an operation that will help her get back on her feet. We will keep in touch even after the operation, and I believe that little Alina will definitely make a full recovery.
