Ukrainian singer Khrystyna Soloviy has shared photos on social media from her trip to Los Angeles, where she met with 1990s Ukrainian music star Viktoria Vradiy, better known as Sestrychka Vika. This meeting took place ahead of the release of a joint musical project—a new version of Vradiy's early track titled "Proshchay", scheduled for premiere on October 30. The artists spent time in conversation, discussing their creative journeys and the significance of early Ukrainian pop culture.
Unexpected meeting on another continent and exchange of experience
Khrystyna Soloviy described meeting the legendary performer as one of the most valuable discoveries during her extensive research into 1990s Ukrainian music. Since Viktoria Vradiy does not have active social media pages, Soloviy publicly expressed her gratitude for the trust and for preserving her artistic identity. During their conversation in Los Angeles, Khrystyna continued to address her senior colleague with formal respect, emphasizing her appreciation for Vradiy's contribution to national music culture.
The history of the song "Proshchay" and the new album concept
The song "Proshchay", which Sestrychka Vika entrusted to her younger colleague to reimagine, has a rich history. Vradiy recorded the track as part of the VIA "Arnika" vocal-instrumental ensemble in the late 1970s, long before establishing her famous stage persona. The updated version of the track will be included in Khrystyna Soloviy's upcoming album, which is entirely dedicated to rediscovering and popularizing Ukrainian music from the 1990s.
Generational symbolism and Sestrychka Vika's legacy
The paths of the two singers intersected not only in creative spaces but also through symbolic timing: Viktoria Vradiy emigrated to the United States in 1993—the exact year Khrystyna Soloviy was born. Vradiy gained widespread popularity following her triumph at the first "Chervona Ruta" festival in Chernivtsi, where her vibrant style combined elements of rock, punk, and electronic music. Her iconic hits, created in collaboration with notable authors, remain an essential chapter in modern Ukrainian music history.
Significance of the event for the contemporary Ukrainian scene
Such creative collaborations between artists of different generations serve an important bridging function, connecting the roots of the independent Ukrainian scene with modern musical trends. Returning to 1990s classic compositions through a modern sonic lens allows younger audiences to reassess the legacy of domestic pop and rock culture. The release of "Proshchay" will mark another step in popularizing the golden treasury of Ukrainian music and demonstrate generational continuity.
