Anna and Maria, the duo ANNA MARIA, are Ukrainian singers, songwriters, and musicians. They sing in 20 languages, were finalists in the National Selection for Eurovision 2019, and winners of the TV project Chance. Today, their voices resonate from hospitals to grand stages, carrying hope and strength. Their song To Be Happy (Бути щасливими) has become a true anthem of the present, and their video Light Up featuring Oleksandr Usyk has won international festivals. We spoke with them about the mission of music, inner resilience, motherhood, war, and the simple happiness that never loses its value.
You often perform in completely different spaces — from European stages to hospitals and the front line. How does your internal perception of music change in these contexts? What does it mean for you to perform now, during the war?
For us, the most important thing is always people. Wherever we know our songs and voices are needed — we’ll come and sing! On a big stage with an orchestra or in a hospital ward — for just two people…
Now we look at every performance and our mission as musicians differently in this crucial and difficult time for the country. Honestly, we’ve come to realize even more how powerful music truly is.
There was one moment that made us reevaluate a lot. We came to perform at the front line — a very hot spot. There was no equipment or microphones. Just a guitar and our two voices. And we sang for the soldiers.
After the performance, one of the defenders came up to us and said: “Girls, thank you. You did what no psychologist could… You healed our souls.” That’s something you never forget. No exaggeration.
The song “To Be Happy” resonated deeply with thousands of people and became a kind of soundtrack of the present. How was it born? And what does it mean for you — to be happy in such difficult times?
We wrote this song during a rather tough period in our lives. Actually, every moment a song is born is a little miracle. And this one was no exception.
The idea came instantly. We were walking around Kyiv, it was a warm autumn evening. Watching people, and suddenly a thought flashed: “We’re all so different, but each of us wants to be happy.” We quickly took out our phone and recorded a fragment on the voice recorder. That recording, by the way, still exists!
When the song was released, we couldn’t keep up with its spread — it went viral. It was everywhere. People loved it. We got many messages: “Your song gives hope,” “It’s an anthem of life.” And that’s incredibly important right now.
Happiness today lies in the simple: waking up, hugging your children, meeting with friends, getting a long-awaited call…
The video “Light Up” with Oleksandr Usyk is a powerful combination of strength, tenderness, and hope. How did this project come about? And what did you personally put into this story?
We’ve long been fans of Oleksandr Usyk, especially since we’re from the same hometown, Simferopol. We adore him as a boxer and deeply respect him as a person.
We’ve never missed a single fight, we always cheer him on. When we asked him to be the hero of the “Light Up” video — we were very nervous whether he’d agree. We waited a long time… And when the answer came — we were over the moon!
This is a story about the strength of spirit. About how you can only become a Champion by overcoming yourself. That even in darkness you can preserve your light — or be inspired by someone else’s. We chose to show this through boxing, because this sport inspires us.
Your duo has existed for many years, but each of you has your own unique journey: family, motherhood, a husband serving in the Armed Forces. How do these experiences shape you as artists and women?
Absolutely everything affects creativity. If we change — the songs change too. Because we write about ourselves, our emotions, what touches us.
Masha has two kids. They’re often the first to hear our songs! And they motivate us to work harder. By the way, Masha’s son plays the drums, her daughter loves to sing and especially enjoys “To Be Happy.”
Anna’s partner is in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He’s also a creative soul, a poet. But in 2022 he chose to defend the country. It was his conscious decision, and we’re proud of him. But it’s really hard: women with partners in the military will understand. Especially when he’s on missions and unreachable. That’s when support becomes most important.
You do a lot of charity work, performing for soldiers, doctors, and children. How do you balance emotional burnout and the need to give?
It varies. Sometimes there’s exhaustion, your hands drop. But what keeps us going is the understanding: we’re needed. We see how important what we do really is. We don’t spare our energy — we give 200%.
There’s an exchange of energy. People’s eyes after a concert, messages of gratitude — all of this is very inspiring. Sometimes it feels like we have no strength left — in those moments, we always turn to God. And strength comes. It’s a miracle — but it happens again and again.
You have impressive experience — TV victories, international awards, viral hits. How has your perception of success changed? What place does ambition have in your life?
Over the years we’ve had it all: highs, lows, turning points. But the main thing is to keep going. Didn’t work out? Try again. Everything will be okay.
We treat success more calmly now. We don’t chase it, because everything comes in its time. And what is success anyway? For some — it’s filling a stadium. For others — bringing a smile.
Of course, we have many plans, many ideas. But the most important thing is not to forget why we do this. We love music, people, the stage. It’s our air. And if you do it with love, the audience will feel it.
