Vasily Zinkevich, the legend of the Ukrainian stage and one of the most respected artists of the country, made a rare publication. The 80-year-old singer, who has almost never appeared in public, became a member of the ceremony of presenting the annual National Legend of Ukraine. The event took place on August 20 in Kyiv and collected many outstanding figures of culture and art.

The artist appeared in the hall in a black suit, decorated with sparkles, which created the effect of a bright stage radiance. Under his jacket, he wore a white shirt with an open collar, and supplemented the image with a red sash that added contrast and emphasized the pop artist's pop style. In one of the photos published by the president’s office and taken during the ceremony, it is clear how the singer with a smile goes to the center of the hall, energetically opening his hands and keeping a light gait. The atmosphere in the hall was warm and solemn.

It was especially symbolic that it was in this costume that Vasily Zinkevich was the last time on the stage during the festival " Then he performed several immortal hits, among which " Despite the venerable age, the artist retained the voice, charisma and stage energy with which he won the love of millions of listeners back in the 70s.

Vasily Zinkevich - Hero of Ukraine, People's Artist, Laureate of the Shevchenkovsky Prize and Honorary Citizen of Lutsk. His work entered the Golden Fund of Ukrainian Music of the XX century. As part of the legendary Trio "

Despite very popularity, the singer always remained modest and unconvinial. This is evidenced by the memories of his friends and colleagues. Musician Dmitry Gershenzon, who worked with the artist in the Svityaz group for many years, recalls that Zinkevich avoided contacts with the press and even on his own birthday did not answer calls. According to the colleague, the official date of birth of the singer is May 1, 1945, although in fact he was born a day earlier. The artist’s mother decided to record him on the first number, and this small secret accompanies him all his life.

Gershenzon also said that in his native Lutsk Zinkevich they remember as a person of a simple temper. He was not popular, even when it could make life easier. Colleagues give examples of how the artist displayed the lines in stores along with everyone or refused expensive cars, choosing simpler options for travel on tour.

Interesting details about the life of the singer were revealed by composer Alexander Zlotnik. He noted that Zinkevich is a person who always shut up publicity, but at the same time could talk for hours on the phone about art. According to him, even today the artist is able to easily sang melodies, and his voice sounds as bright as before. At the same time, to get through to the singer, you have to go through several intermediaries - it limits his own circle of communication so.

The last time the solo concert of Vasily Zinkevich took place in 2021 in the Kiev " Then the artist gathered a full house and once again proved that his work does not lose relevance. In 2024, he also suddenly appeared at the anniversary concert of Ivan Popovich, where, despite poor health, he performed several songs.

It is worth recalling that last year President Vladimir Zelensky also awarded the National Legend of Ukraine on the occasion of Independence Day. Differences, in particular, were received by the American businessman Howard Buffett, boxer Alexander Usik and composer Igor Ostra, who died on July 9 of this year.