Main points
- Verka Serdyuchka, created by Andriy Danilko, has been performing for 35 years.
- Andriy Danylko does not plan to translate Russian-language hits into Ukrainian, but work on a Ukrainian-language album is ongoing.
How Verka Serdyuchka changed / Collage of Channel 24
Verka Serdyuchka, played by Andriy Danylko, has been a favorite of Ukrainians for many years. Although the artist is often criticized for continuing to perform her Russian-language repertoire during the war.
Verka Serdyuchka has been performing on stage for 35 years. How she has changed over the course of her career and how Andriy Danylko came up with the legendary image – read in the material of Channel 24 .
How has Verka Serdyuchka changed over the course of her career?
Andriy Danylko introduced the image of Verka Serdyuchka in 1989, appearing at the KVN in his hometown of Poltava. He borrowed his last name from his classmate, Anya Serdyuk.
At first, Serdyuchka was a saleswoman, and then she became a conductor. On March 8, 1991, the artist first performed on the big stage – at the Poltava Academic Regional Ukrainian Music and Drama Theater named after Mykola Gogol. At the same time, Danylko presented two miniatures – “The Conductor” and “The Table”.
Verka Serdyuchka – “The Guide”: watch the video online
Last year, in the “Tseiwo Podcast” with Vasya Baydak, Andriy Danylko told how he created Verka Serdyuchka's first costume. He took the skirt from his mother, the jacket from one of the conductors, bought the tights, and borrowed the beret from one of his acquaintances.
The artist recalled that at the beginning of his career, sweaters were used to simulate breasts, then condoms, and later foam rubber breasts were created for Serdyuchka.
Verka Serdyuchka, 1991, Poltava / Photo from the artist's Instagram
In 1997, the entertainment program “SV-show” was broadcast, hosted by Serdyuchka. The program brought the artist even greater popularity. Her co-host was the silent Gelya (Radmila Shchogoleva).
The studio was stylized as a sleeping car. Ukrainian, and later Russian, stars were invited there to communicate with Verka. “SV-show” was released until 2002.
Verka Serdyuchka and Gela (Radmila Shchogoleva) / Photo from Serdyuchka's Instagram
In 2007, Verka Serdyuchka represented Ukraine at the Eurovision Song Contest held in the capital of Finland, Helsinki. She performed with the song Dancing Lasha Tumbai and took 2nd place.
Verka Serdyuchka at Eurovision 2007: watch the video online
Now Andriy Danylko continues to perform as Verka Serdyuchka, and his constant partner is “mother” – Inna Bilokon. For example, they will soon go on a European and North American tour.
Verka Serdyuchka and Inna Bilokon / Photo from Serdyuchka's Instagram
Regarding the repertoire, Andriy Danylko has repeatedly stated that he will not translate his hits into Ukrainian. The artist compared his songs to “Chervona Ruta”, which, in his opinion, cannot sound in Russian.
At the same time, last year producer Yuriy Nikitin announced that work on Verka Serdyuchka's Ukrainian-language album was ongoing.