Local Ukrainian Artist, NazareN, Provides a Voice to the Voiceless

Originating from a country founded on the themes of free speech, mobility, and independence, the American Dream stands as a beacon of hope for many. For one family in particular, it was the catalyst for an inspirational music career, propelling them to national recognition.

NazareN, a music artist from West Windsor, writes hip-hop songs with themes of loss, pride, remembrance, and perseverance. As an immigrant from Ukraine, NazareN understands what it means to work his way to the top. Growing up in a third-world country, he always dreamed big. From the streets of Ukraine, NazareN envisioned a future of coming to America to spread his passion for amplifying the voices of the unheard. The road to permanent citizenship in America was long and arduous, but through the process, NazareN clung to the ideals of the American Dream, hoping to one day embrace and embody them in his music.

As he navigated life in a new nation, NazareN kept his passion for music alive, writing songs that captured his emotions through vivid imagery as he embarked on various journeys. One song, “CANCER,” details the painful experience of having a loved one go through cancer. When the war broke out in Ukraine, NazareN felt personally motivated to speak out and demand justice through his music. NazareN honors victims of war through every note of his art, producing work “for the people, by the people.” In the musician's own words, “With my music and movement, one day I want a street child to see me and tell themselves that NazareN was just like me, and if he did it, that means I can as well.”

NazareN’s journey with music embodies the American Dream, which could not have been accomplished without the community that has time and time again lifted him up. Some of NazareN’s friends and family still reside in Ukraine. The music artist explained that they are constantly at the forefront of his mind as he pursues his dreams. Every step he takes is one he takes on their behalf; every ambition he pushes towards, he keeps their love as energy propelling him forward.

As NazareN’s grew as an artist, he achieved significant career milestones like making it onto America's Next Top Hitmaker as a contestant. Hoping to perform conscious music that brings awareness to the atrocities in Ukraine, NazareN continues to be a voice for the voiceless with the platform he’s been given. He has made it past several elimination rounds and is now in the Top 15 for the contest. Voting for NazareN’s advancement can be found at this link, with voting ending Thursday on the 18th of July.

For NazareN, every step in the competition is a reminder of how far he’s come. The artist expressed, “God willing, we will advance. I say we, and never I, because anyone and everyone that has impacted this music is always a part of everything that I do, and once we advance, it will mean that every little disadvantaged child from around the world will know that they can do anything in life.” Though NazareN has deep respect for the American Dream, he recognizes his position of privilege. There are millions, both across the world and in America, who are voiceless. However, NazareN hopes to dedicate his music to sharing the stories of the unsung.

NazareN and his wife provide voices to the voiceless through more outlets than just their music. Their movement provides charity to physical and mental health education, including dealing with PTSD. The couple has also put out poetry books focused on self-improvement and self-love.

Beginning from the streets of Ukraine, our very own West Windsor residents are now on their way to national recognition.