Real name: Elizaveta Valeryevna Ivantsy (Elka)
Date of birth: July 2, 1982
Place of birth: Uzhhorod, Ukraine
Genres: Pop, Soul, R’n’B, Reggae, Electronic Music
Professions: Singer, songwriter, TV host
Active since: 2001
Early Life
Elizaveta Ivantsy was born in 1982 in Uzhhorod (Ukraine) into a musical family. From childhood, she showed an interest in creativity — singing in a school choir, taking vocal lessons, and participating in KVN (a comedy competition). As part of the team “Ward №6,” she became the winner of the Ukrainian KVN League, first gaining recognition from the public.
After finishing school, Elizaveta worked in a café and sang backing vocals for the rap group “B&B”. During this time, she began performing on stage and mastering the basics of production and performance art.
Start of Her Musical Career
In 2001, Elka and the group “B&B” traveled to Moscow to participate in the International RAP MUSIC Festival. There, she caught the attention of renowned producer Vlad Valov (SheFF). As the group was breaking up, Elizaveta started her solo career under the stage name “Elka”.
From the very beginning, she stood out with her unique timbre, sincere performance style, and the ability to blend rap, pop, reggae, and soul. By the mid-2000s, she had become one of the most recognizable artists on the Russian music scene.
Breakthrough and Popularity
The road to success was not instant — Elka achieved recognition through persistence, hard work, and optimism. Her first major hits — “City of Deception”, “Pretty Boy”, “Student Girl”, and “Don’t Lose Heart” — topped the charts and became fan favorites. These songs were heard on the radio, in clubs, and even as popular ringtones of the early 2000s.
Musical Style
Elka’s music defies genre boundaries. Her style blends R’n’B, pop, soul, ethnic motifs, reggae, and soft rock. The singer herself notes that she doesn’t set limits and “likes to experiment in different directions.” Thanks to her emotional delivery, sincerity, and warm, “velvety” voice, her songs resonate with a wide audience.
Discography
- 2005 — City of Deception
- 2006 — Shadows
- 2008 — This Wonderful World
- 2007 — reissues of her early albums
- 2008 — compilations Duets, Remixes and The Best
- 2010 — single Provence (a new creative era)
After parting ways with Vlad Valov, Elka began working independently with new authors and producers. The song “Provence” (2010) marked a turning point — a light, uplifting pop track that became one of the biggest hits of the year.
Stage Name and Image
The nickname “Elka” (which means “fir tree” in Russian) appeared in her childhood, though the singer has never revealed its exact origin. It might be connected to her bright personality, sense of humor, or love for unusual outfits. Over time, the name became an integral part of her stage persona.
Elka adheres to the concept of a “simple girl” — sincere, witty, and down-to-earth. This image shines through both in her songs and her interactions with the audience.
Personal Life and Image
Elka prefers to keep her personal life private, focusing on her art. This has sparked various rumors, which she usually meets with humor. She emphasizes that she “seeks fame on stage, not in scandals.” The singer leads a modest lifestyle, enjoys city walks, visiting cafés, talking with fans, and caring for her pets.
Stage Persona
Her persona combines sincerity, liveliness, and self-irony. Her performances are marked by openness and a strong emotional connection with the audience. Elka always sings live and admits that she “doesn’t like lip-syncing.”
Character and Outlook
Elka is known for her positive attitude, sense of humor, and humility in the face of fame. She stresses that her success is the result of hard work rather than luck: “I wasn’t hit by fame at 14, so I kept my head straight.”
Interesting Facts
- Her stage name was given by friends in her youth.
- She loves cats and calls herself a “cat person.”
- Started her career in rap but has always loved jazz and soul.
- Incorporates ethnic and alternative elements into her music.
- Winner of multiple awards, including Golden Gramophone, Muz-TV, and MTV Russia Awards.
Legacy and Influence
Elka became one of the key figures in Russian pop music of the 2000s–2010s. Her songs are known for their optimism, melody, and sincerity. She remains in demand, regularly releasing new tracks and appearing on television. Her style and voice are instantly recognizable, inspiring a new generation of performers.
