Anastasia Alekseevna Kamenskikh, known by her stage name NK, is a Ukrainian singer, actress, TV host, songwriter, and producer. She was born on May 4, 1987, in Kyiv, Ukraine. A multiple award-winning artist and one of the most recognizable pop performers in Eastern Europe, NK combines national traditions with the modern sound of pop and Latin pop music.
Early Life and Education
From an early age, Anastasia showed a strong interest in music, dance, and performing arts. During her childhood, she lived abroad with her parents, where she received an international education and mastered several languages — English, Spanish, and Italian. These linguistic skills later helped her build an international career and create songs in multiple languages.
As a child, Nastya studied vocals, choreography, and piano. Music became an integral part of her life, and her artistic family nurtured her creativity: her father, Alexey Kamensky, is a musician, and her mother is a ballerina.
Career Beginnings and the Duo “Potap & Nastya”
In 2006, Anastasia teamed up with Alexey Potapenko (known as Potap) to form the duo Potap & Nastya — one of the most successful musical projects in Ukraine and the CIS. The duo quickly gained popularity thanks to their charisma, humor, and catchy hits.
Among their most famous songs:
- "Ne para" (“Not a Couple”),
- "Chumachechaya vesna" (“Crazy Spring”),
- "Na rayone" (“In the Neighborhood”),
- "Sdelay mne krasivo" (“Make Me Beautiful”),
- "Vse puchkom" (“Everything’s Great”).
Over more than a decade, “Potap & Nastya” became a pop culture phenomenon, receiving numerous awards, including MTV Europe Music Awards, RU.TV, and M1 Music Awards. Their songs topped charts in Ukraine, Russia, Moldova, and Belarus, while their music videos gathered millions of views on YouTube.
In 2017, the duo announced a hiatus, allowing each artist to pursue solo careers.
Solo Career as NK
After the duo’s pause, Nastya Kamenskikh launched her solo project under the stage name NK. Her new image and sound came with a bright visual concept and international positioning.
First Releases and Albums
Her debut solo single, “This Is My Night” (2017), marked a powerful start, instantly entering the charts and establishing her as a modern pop diva. In 2018, NK released her first studio album "No Komments", featuring several hits:
- "Trymay" (“Hold Me”) — a heartfelt Ukrainian ballad that became a symbol of contemporary Ukrainian pop,
- "Popa kak u Kim" (“Booty Like Kim”),
- "Elefante" — a vibrant Latin pop track that conquered audiences across Latin America,
- "Peligroso" — a Spanish-language hit that entered the Billboard Latin Chart.
International Recognition
NK actively builds her international career, releasing tracks in Spanish and English. She became the first Ukrainian artist to appear on major Latin American radio stations and enter the Billboard charts. Her music videos aired on MTV Latin America and HTV.
NK has represented Ukraine at international music conferences, participated in global festivals, and collaborated with foreign artists and producers. Her style blends European pop sensibility, Latin passion, and Ukrainian soul.
Television and Other Projects
Beyond music, NK is a prominent television personality. She has served as a judge and mentor on shows like “X-Factor” and “The Voice of Ukraine”, helping discover new talent. She has also appeared as a host and guest on numerous entertainment and charity programs.
Additionally, NK pursues acting, appearing in music videos and short musical films that combine her vocal and acting talents.
Personal Life
In May 2019, NK married Alexey Potapenko (Potap), her former bandmate. Their marriage became one of the most talked-about events in Ukrainian show business. The couple often supports each other’s creative projects and occasionally performs together.
Public Image and Advocacy
NK actively promotes empowerment, self-expression, and femininity. She runs a popular blog dedicated to music, fitness, wellness, and self-development. As an ambassador of various social and cultural initiatives, she champions Ukrainian culture and language.
Awards and Achievements
- Multiple M1 Music Awards winner;
- YUNA and Top Hit Music Awards laureate;
- Featured on the Billboard Latin Chart (USA);
- Over 1 billion YouTube views and millions of social media followers;
- The first Ukrainian artist to release a full-length Latin Pop album.
Recent Work
Today, NK continues to expand her career, releasing new singles and music videos, touring across Ukraine, Europe, and Latin America. Her work bridges Ukrainian heritage with global trends, and each new release reflects her artistic evolution and inspirational message.
Fun Facts
- NK is fluent in five languages: Ukrainian, Russian, English, Spanish, and Italian.
- Her song "Elefante" was added to MTV Latin America rotation.
- She actively supports Ukrainian artists and the local music scene.
Conclusion
NK (Nastya Kamenskikh) is one of the key figures of modern Ukrainian pop music — an internationally recognized artist uniting cultures and languages. Her work embodies emotion, beauty, and strength, inspiring a new generation of performers and fans worldwide.
