Jamala
Who was Jamala?
Crimean Tatar singer who won the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 with '1944,' a song about Stalin's deportation of her people.
Biographical data adapted from Wikipedia’s article on Jamala (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Biography
Susana Alimivna Jamaladinova, professionally known as Jamala, was born on August 27, 1983, in Osh, Kyrgyzstan. A Ukrainian singer with Crimean Tatar roots, she's become internationally recognized for powerful performances that tackle historical trauma and cultural identity. Her Crimean Tatar background deeply influences her music, especially in addressing the historical struggles of her people.
Jamala studied music formally at the Ukrainian National Academy of Music, honing her skills as both an opera singer and songwriter. This classical training gave her the technical expertise that sets her apart on international stages. Her education mixed traditional opera with modern music styles, leading to a unique voice that blends classical and popular music.
Her big break came at the Eurovision Song Contest 2016, where she represented Ukraine with the song "1944." The song talked about the deportation of Crimean Tatars under Stalin, inspired by her grandmother's experiences. The song's strong message and her captivating performance won her the competition, making her the second Ukrainian artist to win Eurovision and bringing global attention to Crimean Tatar history.
After Eurovision, Jamala continued her career and stayed committed to cultural advocacy. From 2017 to 2025, she was a judge at Vidbir, Ukraine's national selection for Eurovision, where she helped mentor and choose future participants. Her role here shows her ongoing contribution to Ukrainian music and her influence on the country's international music scene.
Jamala's career includes many honors for her artistic and cultural achievements. She has been named a People's Artist of Ukraine, received honorary citizenship of Kyiv, and won the Shevchenko National Prize. She was also awarded the Order of Princess Olga, 3rd class in 2025, and the Women in Arts Award in 2024. In November 2023, her advocacy and artistic work led to her being listed on Russia's wanted list, highlighting the political side of her cultural activism.
Before Fame
Growing up in Osh as part of the Crimean Tatar community, Jamala heard stories of her people's forced deportation from Crimea in 1944. Her grandmother's personal accounts of this traumatic event would later inspire her most famous work. Her family's experience of displacement shaped her understanding of cultural preservation and the power of music to convey historical memory.
Her musical career started with classical training in opera at the Ukrainian National Academy of Music. During this time, she developed a unique style that blends operatic technique with contemporary songwriting, often including elements of her Crimean Tatar heritage. Her academic training gave her the technical skills to compete at the highest levels of international music competition.
Key Achievements
- Won Eurovision Song Contest 2016 representing Ukraine with "1944"
- Received the Shevchenko National Prize, Ukraine's highest honor for cultural achievement
- Awarded People's Artist of Ukraine title for contributions to national culture
- Served as judge at Vidbir (Ukrainian Eurovision selection) from 2017-2025
- Received Order of Princess Olga, 3rd class in 2025
Did You Know?
- 01.Russia added her to its wanted list in November 2023 due to her cultural advocacy and artistic work
- 02.Her Eurovision-winning song "1944" was inspired by her grandmother's personal experience of Stalin's deportation of Crimean Tatars
- 03.She served as a judge at Ukraine's Eurovision selection process Vidbir for eight consecutive years from 2017 to 2025
- 04.She holds both the title of People's Artist of Ukraine and honorary citizenship of Kyiv
- 05.Her professional name Jamala is derived from her full name Susana Alimivna Jamaladinova
Awards & Honors
| Award | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| People's Artist of Ukraine | — | — |
| honorary citizen of Kyiv | — | — |
| Shevchenko National Prize | — | — |
| First prize of the Eurovision Song Contest | 2016 | — |
| Women in Arts Award | 2024 | — |
| Order of Princess Olga, 3rd class | 2025 | — |