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Potap
Potap photoshooting at Laima Rendez Vous Jurmala 2017 (cropped).jpg
Potap in 2017
Born
Oleksiy Andriyovich Potapenko

(1981-05-08) 8 May 1981 (age 44)
Kyiv, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union
Education National University of Ukraine on Physical Education and Sport, Kyiv National Economic University
Occupation
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • songwriter
  • record producer
Years active 1997-present
Spouse(s)
Iryna Horova
(m. 1999; div. 2014)
(m. 2019)
Children 1
Musical career
Genres Hip hop
Instruments Vocals
Labels MOZGI Entertainment

Oleksiy Andriyovich Potapenko (Ukrainian: Олексій Андрійович Потапенко; born May 8, 1981), is a famous Ukrainian singer, rapper, and producer. He is better known by his stage name, Potap (Потап). He is famous for his work in music groups like Potap I Nastya, Vremya I Steklo, and MOZGI. Over his career, he has helped create more than 300 songs.

Early Life and Education

Oleksiy Potapenko was born on May 8, 1981, in Kyiv, Ukraine. His father, Andriy, was in the military, and his mother, Lyudmila, was a world champion in finswimming. Growing up, Potap was a talented athlete. He was skilled at swimming and water polo, and even earned the title of Master of Sports.

After finishing school, he went to college and earned two degrees. His first degree was in physical education, training him to be a P.E. teacher and water polo coach. His second degree was a Master's in Economics and Business.

Music Career

Starting Out

From 2000 to 2006, Potap was part of a rap group called "VuZV". One of his songs, "Na Svoey Volne" ("On Its Own Wave"), was used in the movie "Odin za vseh" ("One for All"). He also co-wrote a song that became the main theme for the Ukrainian horror movie "Shtolna" ("The Adit").

Potap & Nastya

In 2006, Potap teamed up with singer Nastya Kamenskykh (NK) to form the duo "Potap & Nastya". Potap was the producer, songwriter, and a performer in the group. Their first song, "Ne Para" ("Not a Couple"), became a huge international hit. In 2008, they released their first album with the same name.

Their second album, "Ne Lubi Mne Mozgii" ("Don't Mess With My Brain"), came out a year later. It had popular songs like "Na Rayone" ("In the Neighborhood") and "Novii God" ("New Year").

The duo won many awards across Eastern Europe, including the Golden Gramophone Award, "Pesnya Goda" ("Song of the Year"), and "Muz-TV Awards". Their 2013 album, "Vse Puchkom" ("Everything's Cool"), was also very successful. The title song won a Gold Gramophone award and was a top hit in many countries.

"Potap & Nastya" became one of the most popular touring groups in the region. They won over 50 awards for their music. In 2017, the duo announced they were taking a break to work on solo projects. Potap started his solo project called PTP, and Nastya started hers, NK.

The Band MOZGI

In 2014, Potap started a new band called MOZGI. He is the producer, songwriter, and a singer in the group. The band has been nominated for many Ukrainian music awards and has won several times.

Performing in Russia

In 2014, Potap and Nastya received some criticism in Ukraine for performing at award shows in Russia. This was during a difficult time between the two countries. In response, they said, "It's a shame that we have to collect the journalists to tell them that we are from Ukraine and love our country!" Some of their concerts in Ukraine were later disrupted by protestors.

Work as a Producer

Potap photoshooting at Laima Rendez Vous Jurmala 2017
Potap performing in 2017.

Potap is the head of his own record label, "MOZGI Entertainment." The label manages popular artists like the band MOZGI, the duo Vremya I Steklo, and singers Michelle Andrade and Ingret.

His production company has created many hit songs and music videos. In 2015, the song "Imya 505" ("Name 505") by Vremya I Steklo became a massive hit. That same year, Potap was named Best Producer at a major awards show.

Potap has also written hit songs for NK's solo career. One of these songs, "Peligroso" ("Dangerous"), was so popular that it appeared on the American Billboard music charts for six weeks.

Movie and TV Work

Soundtracks

Potap has created music for several movies. In 2011, "Potap & Nastya" performed the main song for the movie "Vikrutasi" ("Monkey Business"). In 2018, he produced the entire soundtrack for the hit Ukrainian comedy "Bezumnaya Svad'ba" ("Crazy Wedding"), in which he also had a small role.

Television

Potap has been a familiar face on Ukrainian television for many years. He has been a judge and mentor on the popular singing competition The Voice of Ukraine and its kids' version, The Voice. Kids. He has also been a coach on the comedy show Laughter League. On these shows, he helps new artists grow and show off their talents.

Personal Life

For a long time, fans guessed that Potap and his music partner, Nastya Kamenskykh, were a couple. They were right! The two got married on May 23, 2019.

Selected Discography

  • 2008 – Potap & Nastya – Nepara ("Not a Couple")
  • 2009 – Potap & Nastya – Ne lubi mne mozgi ("Don't Mess With My Brain")
  • 2013 – Potap & Nastya – Vse Puchkom ("Everything's Cool")
  • 2015 – Mozgi – Bikini Album
  • 2017 – PTP – Spelie Slivi EP ("Ripe Plums EP")

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Potap para niños

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