KUGATESSA

Alexandra Kugat was born and raised in the city of Odesa. From an early age, she showed a deep passion for music, though she initially pursued a modeling career. Known for her distinctive features and introspective personality, she stood out in the Ukrainian modeling scene. She participated in Supermodel po-ukrainsky in two separate seasons, where she gained a following for her philosophical approach to life and nature.

Kugat entered the modeling industry in her late teens and quickly rose to visibility through her participation in the reality series aired on Novyi Kanal. Standing at 176 cm tall with measurements of 80-59-87, she became known not just for her looks but also for her unique worldview. During her time on the show, she expressed a desire to “plant a seed of enlightenment in viewers’ minds” and advocated for ecological harmony and self-awareness. While she did modeling work after the show, Kugat emphasized that she does not view modeling as a source of personal pride, instead focusing on inner growth.

Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Alexandra made a definitive life choice to pursue her true passion — music. Under the alias KUGATESSA, she began crafting a musical identity rooted in emotional depth and self-expression. Her debut single “With You” was released in 2022, followed by the introspective Ukrainian-language EP Persha in 2024. In 2025, she released the single “Tse Misto” ('This City'), continuing her transition into a full-fledged recording artist.

KUGATESSA is known for her gentle, soulful vocal style. One of her unique vocal characteristics is her soft articulation of the Ukrainian 'R' sound due to a natural speech feature — a mild rhotacism — which adds a distinctive warmth and tenderness to her voice. Her lyrics often explore themes of self-acceptance, harmony with nature, emotional healing, and resilience.

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