Vremya i Steklo (“Time and Glass”) is a cult Ukrainian pop duo formed in 2010 under the guidance of producer Oleksii Potapenko (Potap). The project became one of the most successful acts on the Ukrainian pop scene of the 2010s, combining modern electronic sound, humorous delivery, and a viral visual style. Their songs repeatedly topped the charts and became internet phenomena, while their music videos gained hundreds of millions of views on YouTube.
Members of the Duo
- Nadiya Dorofeeva (Nadia Dorofeeva) — born April 21, 1990, in Simferopol, Ukraine. From early childhood, she studied vocals and choreography, participating in international competitions. Before joining “Vremya i Steklo,” she had solo performance experience and took part in TV show castings. Her graceful plasticity, model-like appearance, and vocals became the hallmark of the group.
- Oleksii Zavhorodnii (Positiff) — born May 19, 1989, in Kyiv. He developed an interest in music from an early age, wrote songs, and participated in various projects. Before forming the duo, he collaborated with Potap within the production association MOZGI Entertainment. His charisma and sense of humor defined the light-hearted and creative tone of the group’s work.
Formation and Concept
The project Vremya i Steklo was launched in 2010 by producer Potap. He was searching for artists for a new pop direction that could merge global trends (dance-pop, electro-pop, R&B) with local humor. After holding auditions, Potap selected Nadia and Positiff, whose energy and image perfectly matched the duo’s concept.
The name “Time and Glass” symbolizes the transience of the modern world and the fragility of emotions — reflecting the values of a digitalized era and rapidly changing trends.
Early Years (2010–2013)
The debut single “Tak vypala karta” (“That’s How the Card Fell,” 2010) immediately made waves on the Ukrainian pop scene. It received airplay on major radio stations and introduced the project to a wide audience. The follow-up track, “Lyubvi Tochka Net” (“No Love Point,” 2011), became a breakthrough: its video gained millions of views, and the song entered top charts in Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus.
From the very beginning, Vremya i Steklo stood out for their humor, self-irony, and vibrant visuals. Their music blended electronic arrangements, dance rhythms, and catchy pop vocals, while the visual component created a distinctive and recognizable brand.
Rise to Fame (2014–2016)
In the mid-2010s, the group consolidated its success with a series of hits, including:
- “Ty byla prava” (2014)
- “Kafel” (2014)
- “Pesnya 404” (2015)
- “Imya 505” (2015) — a mega-hit that became a cultural phenomenon: the phrase “Imya 505” entered internet folklore, and the video amassed over 350 million views on YouTube.
During this period, the duo released their first albums, including compilations of best hits and remixes. “Imya 505” brought them international recognition — the track aired on radio stations across Eastern Europe and Latin America, and the video appeared in YouTube’s global trending lists.
Peak Popularity (2016–2019)
By 2016, Vremya i Steklo had become leaders of the Ukrainian pop scene. Their art reflected the Instagram and TikTok generation — visually bright, ironic, and trendy. Hit after hit followed:
- “Navernopotomuchto” (2017)
- “Na stile” (2017)
- “Troll” (2018)
- “Dim” (“Smoke,” 2019)
- “Back2Leto” (2019)
Each video was accompanied by carefully crafted choreography, fashionable outfits, and humorous storylines. The duo toured actively and performed at major award shows like M1 Music Awards, YUNA, and MTV, selling out concerts across the CIS region.
In 2018, the group celebrated their 8th anniversary with a large concert tour and a series of documentary videos revealing behind-the-scenes moments of their creative process.
Final Chapter and Disbandment (2020)
In March 2020, the members announced the end of the project Vremya i Steklo. The decision was driven by their desire to evolve as solo artists and explore new creative directions beyond the pop format. Their farewell tour, titled “Posledniy tanets” (“The Last Dance”), became a symbolic goodbye to fans.
That same year, the duo released their farewell video “Nazavzhdy/Navsegda” (“Forever”), which became an emotional finale to a decade-long journey. The clip garnered millions of views and served as a heartfelt thank-you to their audience.
Solo Careers
- Nadiya Dorofeeva launched her solo career under the moniker DOROFEEVA. Her debut single “Gorit” (2020) became a hit, with the video reaching millions of views. Since then, she has released several successful singles, becoming one of the leading stars of the Ukrainian pop market.
- Positiff (Oleksii Zavhorodnii) focused on production and solo projects, releasing tracks in his signature style and collaborating with emerging artists. He also participated in TV projects and entertainment shows as a producer and host.
Style, Image, and Influence
Vremya i Steklo were pioneers in integrating internet aesthetics into pop music across the post-Soviet space. They embraced meme culture, visual trends, fashion, and humor, creating content perfectly adapted to social media.
Their art is characterized by:
- Bright electronic sound (dance-pop, synth-pop, electro-pop)
- Choreographed music videos
- Playful, ironic lyrics
- Trendy and distinctive visual style
The duo significantly influenced a new generation of Ukrainian and Russian artists, demonstrating how to combine creativity, showmanship, and music in a single cohesive product.
Awards and Achievements
- Multiple winners of M1 Music Awards and YUNA
- Victories in categories such as “Best Pop Group” and “Best Music Video”
- Hundreds of millions of YouTube views
- “Imya 505” — one of the most-streamed Russian-language tracks in YouTube history
Legacy
Vremya i Steklo left a deep mark on Ukrainian and Eastern European pop culture. Their music, videos, and visual language shaped the standards for the next generation of pop artists. The project became a symbol of the digital era of pop music, where artists engage directly with audiences through social media, and every song is more than just a track — it’s a viral event.
Even after disbanding, their songs continue to play on radio, and their videos keep gaining views, remaining part of the musical memory of an entire generation.
