Lunavi

Viktoriia Kutova

Professional Singer and Model

"Work, work and work on yourself all the time. It’s what you need for success."

Ukraine-born LuanVi has carved out a successful career as a singer that has taken her to many new countries. Presently based in Doha, Qatar, she is dedicated to her profession and now dreams of making her first album.

Please introduce yourself and tell us about your educaton. I’m LunaVi, a 25-year-old professional singer from Ukraine. Music is my life. I began singing professionally from 11-years-old, studied at music school, the College of Music and the National Academy of Cultural and Art, where I got my Masters degree.

How did your interest in music and singing begin? When I was born, my dad called me Viktoriia after the famous Soviet singer Viktoriia Tsiganova. Maybe then, my destiny was decided. I started singing in kindergarten, then at my school in concerts and festivals. I started to study at Music School, and from that moment, I began to participate in many vocal competitions and festivals in Ukraine and internationally. When I was very small, my sister Inna taught me to dance and to sing, and every New Year we made concerts for our parents. Maybe from that time, I started to love the stage.

Did you take any special training for music or singing? I've had special training in music and when I started professionally.

How did you take it further to create a singing career? Like I said before, I sang from childhood. And I say thank you God that He gave me this talent, that’s why I can't hide it and must develop it.

How did you get interested in modelling and first enter the modelling field? During my second course at the Academy, I went to model school and obtained a certificate. I was a model for a few Ukrainian designers. When I took my singing career abroad, photographers in the countries where I worked asked about cooperation for photography. I like beautiful photos and videos, and I love being a part of it.

H ow and when did you come to Doha? What do you do there? I came to Doha to work as a singer in June 2019. I got a job in the Mondrian hotel and sang in a few restaurants there. I’m in love with this place and my work, that's why I’m so happy to be here.

Are you disciplined about what you eat and drink? I workout in the gym every second day, and I try to eat healthily. But I am human, and sometimes I allow myself some tasty and 'harmful' food. I try not to drink coffee and drink more water. Let's see how long I can live without caffeine.

How do you train your voice to sing in this amazingly sweet manner? I didn't use to sing like this. I had talent from childhood, but to sing as I do now, I have had a lot of practice. I do different exercises for breathing and range extensions. I listen to many different styles of music as it helps to train my hearing. When you listen to other singers, you can take some manners or features, and add them to your singing.

What’s the best part of performing on the stage? When the audience claps you or dances to your music, and afterwards when they come and say 'Thank you'. But best is when people return, and you see you're doing something right and they like it.

What instruments do you play? I play the piano, but honestly, not good. I can play for myself when I am singing, but play something by Mozart I can’t. Unfortunately.

What is your favourite part about being a musician? I like my profession because it gives me a chance to develop and I can travel. It is the best part of my profession. All the time you must be beautiful, sporty and you can choose which country to work. You meet interesting people, share their experiences and make useful contacts.

Top 5 things you can’t live without? My family, close friends, love, music, and being successful in something.

Who do you credit for your superb success? I think just hard work can give me credit for my success. Only we can manage our life, nobody else. Work, work and work on yourself all the time. It’s what you need for success.

What are your other interests? All my life is music, so I haven't had much time for other hobbies. But I engage in dance and modelling.

Do you have any favourite Western singers? My favourite American singer is Beyonce. I think she is a perfect artist; she has an amazing voice, is very beautiful, dances like a Queen and her shows are incredible. I‘m always crying when I watch her concert because it’s amazing. She is working hard, and I respect it.

Do you have any more dreams of your own, for the future? I have a dream to record my songs and make an album. I hope it happens soon.

Your message for CiiN magazine I so appreciate CiiN magazine for this interview and giving me a chance to tell my story. I wish your magazine prosperity, success, more interesting, unique life stories and world recognition.