Ukrainian singer and bandurist Anastasiia Voitiuk, known as Banduragirl, has taken part in creating the new international music album «Supernatural». Released on October 16 by Northern Irish artist Brona McVittie, the record features the Ukrainian performer's composition titled «Bila Ptashka» (White Bird). This release marks a significant milestone in cultural exchange, bringing together folk motifs from several European countries into a single large-scale project.
Continuing Folk Motifs Through Personal Reinterpretation
The Ukrainian bandurist's new composition was created as an artistic continuation of the well-known Poltava folk song «Oi tam na hori» (There on the Mountain). The original folklore plot tells of a pair of doves, where after the male dove's death, the female forever refuses to choose another partner. In the track «Bila Ptashka», this dramatic story takes on a completely new development, touching upon themes of finding the inner strength to live on and the ability to spread one's wings once again. The musician dedicated this work to Ukrainian women who have lost their loved ones in the war.
International Context and European Collaboration
The album «Supernatural» is the fourth solo record by Northern Irish singer, songwriter, and harpist Brona McVittie. The release serves as a musical accompaniment to her book «A Way with the Fairies», which unites traditional fairy tales, legends, and folklore from Ireland and other European regions. Each song on the album reimagines one of the stories from the anthology, with Ukraine represented in this ambitious project by a plot tied to the song «Oi tam na hori».
Participant Geography and Cultural Diplomacy
Alongside the Ukrainian performer, Spanish guitarist Antonia Jiménez and Lithuanian vocalist and composer Jausmė joined the recording sessions. Each of the invited artists prepared an independent track, drawing on the authentic folklore of their respective countries. For Anastasiia Voitiuk, this collaboration became a vital opportunity to share Ukraine's current reality with a foreign audience, drawing attention to the nation's culture, pain, and resilience through the traditional and academic sound of the bandura.
Project Significance and Future Creative Plans
Participation in international releases allows Ukrainian artists to strengthen cultural ties with the European community and find new ways to express modern realities through centuries-old traditions. Anastasiia Voitiuk blends the sound of the bandura with various musical genres and actively collaborates with foreign peers, having previously created notable works such as the protective military song «Boryviter». The artist is currently also working on a comprehensive album of Galician and Donbas carols and shchedrivky with the support of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation.
