Walk through the city centre at the weekend and you’re bound to see a crowd of people belting out hit songs by Tom Jones… but why?
A UKRAINIAN woman is giving night-time revellers the chance to perform their favourite songs on a karaoke machine, with donations helping support those affected by the war in Ukraine.
Diana Newman, aka the Karaoke Queen, was born in Kyiv and moved to the UK in 2000.
“When the war started, it was a big shock, and all my thoughts were at home, with my friends and relatives trapped in Kyiv,” said the 52-year-old.
“I started fundraising online almost immediately, asking people to donate money to help with food, water and transport to get them out of the country safely.
“The trouble is, people just donate once and think that it is enough, but the war is still ongoing, and Ukraine needs constant help and support.
“I realised I needed to start using my talents as an entertainer, singer and dancer as a way to help my people.”
The war in Ukraine, now in its fourth year, has claimed more than 95,000 lives and displaced 10.6 million people from their homes.
Each month, Ms Newman raises more than £300, which has helped supply Ukrainian soldiers on the frontline, and supported projects in Kyiv—such as an art class that provides children a safe haven from the ongoing conflict.
“I send money over so they can buy the necessary materials for their art, and it heals those who are under threat from the bombs.
“Even when it was a blackout, when Russian troops were destroying infrastructure, the children were still doing their art under candlelight, to take their minds away from what was happening.”
For Ms Newman, singing and dancing is a way of life. As a qualified youth and community worker, she organises dance classes for young people with additional needs at Cathays Community Centre. She also graduated from the University of Arts in Kyiv with a degree in events management.
“It’s my form of therapy. When I sing, it feels like it’s healing me and helping me stay positive—not just for myself, but for my friends and family. I truly believe that Ukraine will win this war.
“It is all about support, and when people come and sing karaoke in all their different languages and give donations, I feel that support.”
Among those who has taken the mic is bride-to-be Ayisha Morgan, soon to be Meeks, who was in the capital celebrating her hen do.
“I never had the encouragement to sing, but I have this amazing man in my life now, and I finally have the confidence,” said the 44-year-old, who sang the Welsh hymn, Calon Lân.
“I’m a proud Welsh woman, and Calon Lân reminds me of home.”
Ms Newman intends to continue raising money through her Friday and Saturday night karaoke as long as the war in Ukraine continues.
- If you would like to support Diana Newman, you can find her on St Mary Street on Friday and Saturday nights between 7pm-2am or on TikTok at @cardiffkaraoke
