Gaitana, born Gaita-Lurdes Essami, is a prominent Ukrainian singer and songwriter, known for her distinctive blend of soul, jazz, funk, and pop music, underscored by her powerful vocal range and emotive performances. Born on March 29, 1979, in Kyiv, Ukraine, to a Ukrainian mother and a Congolese father, Gaitana has forged a successful music career that spans over two decades, singing both in Ukrainian and English, which has broadened her appeal to an international audience.

Her musical journey is marked by her vibrant cultural background, combining African and Ukrainian influences, which is evident in her rhythmic grooves and melodic sensibilities. Gaitana rose to international prominence when she represented Ukraine in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2012 with the song "Be My Guest," which has since become one of her signature tracks. Her recent body of work continues to display her artistic evolution with releases such as "Далі" (Further), infusing her soulful voice with modern pop sensibilities, and "Хто Вона" (Who Is She), which showcases her ability to connect with deeper emotional narratives. Musical compositions like "Спасибо" (Thank You) and the danceable "Танці з зірками" (Dance with the Stars) demonstrate her versatility as an artist. Gaitana's work is also known for its poetic lyricism, as seen in songs like "Снег" (Snow) and its various remixes, which highlight her talent for creating atmospheric, evocative soundscapes.