Anastasia Kamenskikh (NK)
Anastasia Alekseevna Kamenskikh was born on May 4, 1987, in Kyiv, into a creative family. Her mother was a ballerina in the Pavlo Virsky Ensemble, and her father was a musician and conductor. Nastya was an only child, and her parents supported her artistic ambitions from an early age.
At the age of five, she first said she wanted to become a singer. Her parents sent her to France to study vocal performance and choreography. After returning home, Nastya continued her education at the prestigious Pechersk Gymnasium while also taking ballet, vocal, and English lessons.
At 15, she entered the Ukrainian-American Humanitarian Institute, where all courses were taught in English. In 2004, she participated in the Black Sea Games Festival, and the following year received the UBN Award in London — “Discovery of the Year”. Around the same time, she signed a contract with the Music Motors production center and released her first solo single, “Kakaya raznitsa” (“What’s the Difference”), which became her breakthrough radio hit.
Potap (Aleksey Potapenko)
Aleksey Andreevich Potapenko was born on May 8, 1981, in Kyiv. His early years were more about sports than music — he was a professional swimmer and water polo player, earning the title of Candidate for Master of Sports.
After high school, he enrolled at the National University of Physical Education, and later — at his parents’ request — pursued a degree in economics.
His passion for music came later, when he got into rap in his youth. In the early 2000s, he adopted the stage name Potap, began writing lyrics, recording tracks, and performing in Kyiv’s underground clubs. Success didn’t come easy — he worked as a loader and physical education coach to support himself and his family.
Things changed when he founded his own production center, KIEV-NRGO, where he started producing other artists and writing songs for them.
The Turning Point
In 2006, producer Iryna Gorova proposed combining the charismatic and vibrant Kamenskikh with the already well-known rapper Potap.
This is how the duo “Potap i Nastya” (originally “Potap i Nastya Kamenskikh”) was born. Their first studio sessions revealed a perfect mix:
- Her vocals + his humor and rap,
- Pop + R’n’B + Ukrainian cultural flavor — all merging into a future hit project.
The Duo’s Beginning, Early Hits, and Rise to Fame
Formation of the Duo (2006–2007)
By late 2006, Nastya, under contract with “Music Motors,” met Potap, who was already known as a rapper and songwriter. Producer Iryna Gorova (Potap’s wife at the time) proposed joining them in a single project.
Their official debut track was “Pochemu” (“Why”), but true popularity came with the song “Bez lyubvi” (“Without Love”). Initially, radio stations were reluctant to play it, but once aired, it instantly became a hit.
In 2007, the duo took part in the TV contest “Five Stars” in Sochi and won 1st place, surpassing many well-known performers — marking the start of their national fame.
First Albums and Official Success
| Year | Album | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | “Ne para” (“Not a Couple”) | Debut album featuring “Ne para,” “Krepy Oreshek,” “Bez lyubvi.” Turned them into superstars. |
| 2009–2011 | Series of hits | “Na rayone,” “Ne lyubi mne mozg,” “Novogodnyaya,” “Chumachechaya vesna.” |
| 2011 | “Vse puchkom” (“All Good”) | Second album — solidified their status as Ukraine’s top pop-R’n’B act. |
The song “Krepy Oreshek” (“Die Hard”) became viral thanks to its humorous music video parodying the Bruce Willis film.
The hit “Chumachechaya vesna” (“Crazy Spring”) became Ukraine’s most popular song of 2011.
Awards and Recognition
The duo “Potap and Nastya” received numerous awards:
- MTV Russia Music Awards — Best Pop Group
- Golden Gramophone (2008, 2009, 2010)
- RU.TV — Duo of the Year
- M1 Music Awards (Ukraine)
- Song of the Year (Russia, Ukraine)
Television and Media Presence
- In 2008, Nastya became the host of the show “Two Stars” (Channel One) alongside Garik Kharlamov.
- Potap took part in Comedy Club Ukraine projects as a writer and producer.
- The duo frequently appeared on shows like “Fabrika Zvezd,” “Bolshaya raznitsa,” and “Comedy Woman.”
Style and Originality of the Duo
Their success formula was unique:
✔ Pop + R’n’B + Hip-Hop + satire and humor
✔ Flirty and provocative — but in a playful tone
✔ Catchy phrases and memes (“Ne para,” “Chumachechaya vesna,” “Ne lyubi mne mozg”)
✔ Nastya — the bold yet romantic diva
✔ Potap — the witty “guy from the block,” hitmaker, and lyricist
Fame, Crisis, and Transformation
Peak Popularity (2012–2014)
During these years, the duo evolved into true superstars whose songs were heard everywhere — from radio to stadiums.
Key hits of this era:
- “Chumachechaya vesna” — anthem of spring, one of the most viewed music videos in the CIS.
- “Papa tebe ne mama”
- “Esli vdrug”
- “Prostye slova”
- “Vse puchkom”
Major performances:
- Tours across Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia.
- Sold-out concerts at the Palace “Ukraina,” “Olympic Stadium,” and Crocus City Hall.
- Appearances in “Song of the Year,” “New Year’s Gala,” “Golden Gramophone.”
Creative Roles in the Duo
| Member | Main Role | Signature Style |
|---|---|---|
| Potap (Aleksey Potapenko) | Songwriter, producer, rap performer | Irony, double meanings, humor + pop culture |
| Nastya Kamenskikh (NK) | Vocals, charisma, pop-diva persona | Feminine sensuality + sincerity and strong vocals |
Turning Point and Crisis (2014–2016)
By 2014, changes were visible:
- Nastya began expressing a desire for a solo career.
- Potap focused on producing other acts: Vremya i Steklo, MOZGI, Iryna Bilyk, Michelle Andrade.
- Music trends shifted toward deep house, hip-hop, and minimalism.
Nastya released her first solo single “Eto moya noch” (“This Is My Night”), followed by “Obiymi”, and later launched her English- and Spanish-language project NK.
Official Split
✔ In 2017, the duo officially announced a pause — later a breakup.
✔ Their final joint single — “U mamy”.
✔ Potap’s honest statement:
“The project isn’t dead — it simply fulfilled its mission.”
What Happened Next?
Nastya Kamenskikh → NK
- Launched her solo career under the name NK.
- Released hits “#EtoMoyaNoch,” “Popa Kak U Kim,” “Elefante,” “Peligroso” — in Spanish, Ukrainian, and English.
- Became the first Ukrainian singer to enter Latin pop charts.
- Appeared in TV shows like “Dancing with the Stars” and “The Voice Kids”.
Potap → MOZGI Entertainment
- Founded the production company MOZGI Group / MOZGI Entertainment.
- Created and produced acts such as:
- Vremya i Steklo
- MOZGI
- Michelle Andrade
- Positiff, Dilemma, Ingret Kostenko
- Served as a coach on TV shows like “The Voice of Ukraine” and “League of Laughter”.
- Composed soundtracks for films such as “Crazy Wedding,” “Servant of the People,” “Love in the Big City.”
Personal Life — From Secret to Reality
- For years, fans thought Potap and Nastya were just a stage duo.
- By 2017–2018, rumors of their romantic relationship began circulating.
- In May 2019, they officially got married.
- The ceremony was private, with photos surfacing only days later.
- Today, Nastya uses the surname Kamenskikh-Potapenko.
- The couple lives in Kyiv, traveling and working together.
Conclusion
“Potap and Nastya” are:
✔ The most successful post-Soviet R’n’B and pop duo of the 2000s–2010s.
✔ Icons of Ukrainian pop culture and mainstream music.
✔ A shining example of how a producer’s project grew into a real-life story of success, friendship, and love.
✔ Their songs — from “Ne para” to “Chumachechaya vesna” — remain timeless hits, still played on radio, weddings, and parties today.
