Biography
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Years Active
2000 – 2015 (14 years)
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Founded In
Kyïv, Ukraine
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Members
- LOBODA (2004 – 2004)
- Єва Бушміна (2010 – 2013)
- Айна Вильберг (2013 – 2014)
- Альбина Джанабаева (2004 – 2013)
- Алёна Винницкая (2000 – 2003)
Foundation and early years (2000-2002)
The group was created in 2000 by Ukrainian producer Dmitry Kostyuk and composer Konstantin Meladze. Initially, the project was conceived as a trio, but started as a duet: Alena Vinnitskaya and Nadezhda Granovskaya. The name "VIA Gra" is an allusion to the drug "Viagra", but is also interpreted as a "vocal and instrumental ensemble" (VIA) and "game" (from Ukrainian "gra"). The debut hit "Attempt No. 5" (2000) brought popularity to the group, and the first album was released in 2001 under the Sony Music label.
"Golden line-up" and the peak of popularity (2003–2007)
After Vinnitskaya left in 2003, the legendary line-up was formed: Anna Sedokova, Nadezhda Granovskaya, and Vera Brezhneva. This trio recorded the main hits: "Don't leave me, my love", "There is no more attraction" and "Okean i tre reki" (with Valery Meladze). The group became a symbol of the 2000s, receiving the "Golden Gramophone" and "Stopudovy Hit" awards, and their performances were distinguished by their outrageousness.
Frequent change of members and crises (2008–2012)
After the departure of the "golden line-up", the group went through a series of changes. Among the new members were Svetlana Loboda (2004), Albina Dzhanabaeva (2004–2012), and Meseda Bagaudinova (2007–2009). In 2011, the project was temporarily closed, but revived through the reality show "I Want V VIA Gra" (2013), where a new lineup was chosen: Erika Herceg, Misha Romanova and Anastasia Kozhevnikova.
Recent years and breakup (2013–2022)
Despite attempts to remain relevant, the group's popularity was declining. In 2020, the lineup was updated to Ulyana Sinetskaya, Ksenia Popova and Sofia Tarasova. In 2022, due to military action in Ukraine, the group officially ceased to exist, although previously only the reorganization of the legal entity was discussed in the media.
Legacy
- Over 22 years, more than 20 girls participated in the group.
- 5 studio albums, dozens of hits and videos have been released. - "VIA Gra" became a cultural phenomenon of the 2000s, popularizing the image of the "sexy trio" in the CIS.
Former members such as Vera Brezhneva, Svetlana Loboda and Anna Sedokova built successful solo careers, while maintaining a connection with the band's legacy.
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