Stepan Petrovych Hyha (Ukr. Степан Гіга, born November 16, 1959, Bilky village, Zakarpattia region) is a Ukrainian pop singer (tenor), composer, People's Artist of Ukraine (2002), and one of the most recognizable performers of the Western Ukrainian music scene. He is the author and performer of hits that have become an integral part of modern Ukrainian musical folklore.
Early Life and Formation
Stepan Hyha was born into a working-class family and grew up in a musical atmosphere. In his school years, he took an interest in singing and instrumental music, studying with the local teacher Mykhailo Kopynets, who taught him vocal technique and bayan (accordion).
Despite his strong desire to study music, he managed to enter the Uzhhorod Music College only on his fourth attempt: after 8th, 9th, and 10th grades he was rejected. Therefore, Hyha graduated from school and began working:
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as a mechanic at the local “Selkhoztekhnika” branch;
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and later as a truck driver.
After military service, he tried again — and finally became a student of the Uzhhorod Music College.
Path to the Professional Stage
From 7th grade until graduating from college, Stepan Hyha was a member of the ensemble “Zeleni Karpaty” (“Green Carpathians”), later becoming its leader. In this group he mastered many instruments and essentially formed his musical foundation.
At the Uzhhorod College, Stepan studied externally, completing a 4-year program in just 3 years (1980–1983), after which he was accepted into the Kyiv State Conservatory under the class of professor and People's Artist of Ukraine Kostiantyn Ohnevyi.
With special permission from the Ministry of Culture of the USSR, Hyha received a free attendance status, which allowed him to perform actively and participate in competitions — earning more than a dozen first prizes and awards.
Work with “Stozhary” and Conservatory Performances
In his second year, he became the soloist of the popular synth-group “Stozhary” at the Chernihiv Philharmonic, while also performing in the opera studio of the Kyiv Conservatory under the direction of Dmytro Hnatyuk — People's Artist of the USSR.
After graduation, Hyha was offered a position at the National Opera of Ukraine, but he refused the assignment. Because of this, he received his diploma only six months later.
Return to Zakarpattia and Creation of “Beskyd”
In the late 1980s, Hyha received several offers from philharmonics across Ukraine, including one from Volyn, where a group named “Randevu” was created specifically for him. However, he made a principle decision to return to Zakarpattia.
In 1988, he became a soloist of the Zakarpattia Regional Philharmonic.
In 1989, he created the jazz-rock group “Beskyd”.
When the group disbanded in 1991, Hyha was temporarily left without work, which pushed him to arranging, writing his own songs, and creating the recording studio GIGARecords.
“Druzi Moi” and Solo Career
In 1989, the band “Druzi Moi” (“My Friends”) was formed, and Stepan Hyha continues performing with it today.
In 1995, he released his debut album “Druzi Moi”, which opened the way to nationwide recognition. His subsequent albums:
- 1997 — “Koroleva” (“Queen”)
- 2001 — “Vulytsia Natali” (“Natalia’s Street”)
- 2004 — “Troyandy dlya tebe” (“Roses for You”)
The album “Vulytsia Natali” became a breakthrough — its circulation reached 1,000,000 copies, and Hyha received the first “Gold Disc” in independent Ukraine.
Creative Achievements and Recent Years
Within 10 years, the artist released:
- three solo albums;
- two videocassettes with music videos;
- a video release of the Gold Disc award ceremony;
- Ukraine’s first double DVD (2005) based on live performances from a nationwide tour.
In the 2010s, Stepan Hyha founded the Hyha Art Agency based on GIGARecords, helping young artists record music and enter the big stage.
In 2014, his fifth studio album “Doroha do Khramu” (“Road to the Temple”) was released.
In the 2020s, Hyha’s music experienced a new wave of popularity thanks to social media. Songs like “Tsei son,” “Yavoryna,” “Tretiy tost,” “Zoloto Karpat” became viral on TikTok and Instagram.
In 2022, the artist launched an all-Ukrainian and world charity tour in support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Awards and Honors
- Honored Artist of Ukraine — 1998
- People’s Artist of Ukraine — 2002
- Order of Prince Kostiantyn Ostrozkyi, 1st Class — 2000
- Order “Cossack Glory,” 3rd Class — 2003
- “Gold Disc” (Munich, 2003)
- Order “Rizdvo Khrystove” — 2004
- Order of St. Andrew the First-Called, 2nd Class — 2005
- Order of St. Andrew the First-Called, 1st Class — 2006
- Order “For Merit,” 3rd Class — 2009
Discography
1995 — “Druzi Moi”
1997 — “Koroleva” (ALEX Studio)
2001 — “Vulytsia Natali” (6 Seconds Studio)
2004 — “Troyandy dlya tebe” (6 Seconds Studio)
2014 — “Doroha do Khramu” (6 Seconds Studio)
Personal Life
Stepan Hyha is married. His wife Halyna is a former administrator of the Zakarpattia Philharmonic and now director of GIGARecords.
The artist has two children — Kvitoslava and Stepan — who are also professional performers and often share the stage with him.
He is also a grandfather — his grandson Daniel continues the family musical tradition.
Conclusion
Stepan Hyha is one of the key figures of the Ukrainian pop scene of recent decades. His songs have become part of the country’s cultural memory, while his melodic style, sincerity, and recognizable tenor voice have earned him the status of a national legend.
Hyha remains an active performer, composer, teacher, and cultural figure. His work continues to inspire new generations of Ukrainian artists and listeners worldwide.
