Oleg Shkarpeta, known by his stage name Shugar, is a Ukrainian singer, musician, blogger, and creative designer. His music blends elements of pop, pop-folk, hip-hop, and humor. Born in Khmelnytskyi, he has been passionate about music since childhood, writing his first songs at home and joyfully sharing them with friends, showing a natural sense of rhythm and artistry.
Career Beginnings
Oleg began his musical journey by performing covers of popular songs, which he posted on social media. These early experiments helped him develop his own style and gain his first audience. His true breakthrough came with the release of the debut single “Ratata” — a track that quickly went viral in the Ukrainian online community. Following this success, Oleg adopted the stage name Shugar, symbolizing lightness, positivity, and the “sweet” vibe of his music.
Rising Popularity and Viral Hits
Shugar actively uses TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to promote his work. His tracks quickly gain traction thanks to their mix of humor, modern sound, and recognizable voice. Among his biggest viral hits:
- “Toxic” — a humorous track that became a TikTok trend and amassed millions of views;
- “Tyotya” (“Auntie”) — one of the artist’s most popular songs, featured on radio, in clubs, and online challenges;
- “Tik-Tok” — a duet with blogger Nastya Borshch, reflecting modern youth culture;
- “Viddaiu Prytuli” — a tribute to volunteer Serhiy Prytula and all Ukrainian defenders, mixing humor with patriotism.
These releases established Shugar as one of the most creative voices on the new Ukrainian pop scene.
Music and Style
Shugar’s music is a unique fusion of pop, folk, hip-hop, and comic storytelling. He combines contemporary arrangements with folk instruments and Ukrainian slang, making his songs relatable and authentic. His main themes include relationships, daily life, social media trends, and self-irony.
The artist actively tours across Ukraine, performing in cities such as Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Khmelnytskyi, and others. His concerts are known for being energetic, interactive shows filled with humor, improvisation, and live audience engagement.
Discography (Selected Singles)
- 2021: “Ratata” — debut track that brought his first wave of popularity;
- 2022: “Tyotya”, “Toxic”, “Khmelnytskyi Flow”, “I Love Salo” — a blend of humor and dance vibes;
- 2023: “Tik-Tok” (feat. Nastya Borshch), “Viddaiu Prytuli”, “Borshch i Lyubov”, “Sweet Vibe”;
- 2024: “My Ukraine”, “Do You Hear, Mom?”, “The Sun Shines” — more lyrical and patriotic songs;
- 2025: new releases in progress — the artist is preparing a mini-album combining pop, folk, and rap.
Collaborations
Shugar actively collaborates with other artists, bloggers, and producers. Joint tracks with popular creators help expand his audience and bridge the gap between music and internet culture. Many of his collaborations are accompanied by viral videos and social media challenges.
Personal Life
In 2023, Shugar announced his engagement to blogger Nastya Borshch (Nastya Kovalchuk). The couple often shares videos and personal moments together, inspiring fans with their sincerity and family values. Their musical collaborations are known for their warmth and positivity.
Social Involvement
Oleg takes part in charity projects and media initiatives supporting Ukrainian volunteers, soldiers, and children. His songs often reflect civic awareness, patriotism, and gratitude.
Interesting Facts
- Shugar designs not only his music but also the visual concepts — creating cover art and stage decorations himself.
- He actively interacts with fans by organizing contests and challenges on TikTok and Instagram.
- He enjoys experimenting with genres — from upbeat pop tunes to sentimental acoustic songs.
Future Plans
In 2025, Shugar continues working on new releases, preparing a series of live shows, and planning to release his first mini-album. His goal is to develop Ukrainian pop culture by blending music, humor, and visual art. “My music is about emotion, honesty, and a smile. I want every track to bring good vibes and strength,” says the artist.
