1. Manizha represented Russia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 with the song "Russian Woman".
21 Facts About Manizha
1. 2.
Manizha was born on 8 July 1991 in Dushanbe to parents Najiba Usmanova, a psychologist and clothing designer, and a father who worked as a doctor.
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Manizha's parents are divorced, and her father did not want Manizha to begin a singing career due to believing it was not a suitable career choice for a Muslim woman.
4.
Manizha's grandfather was Toji Usmon, a Tajik writer and journalist, with a monument dedicated to his honor in Khujand.
5.
Manizha's great-grandmother was one of the first women in Tajikistan to remove her veil and begin a career of her own; in response to this, she had her children removed from her care, although she later was able to return to them and begin working outside of the home.
6.
Manizha changed her surname from Khamrayeva to Sangin in order to honor her grandmother, who was one of the first people who encouraged her to pursue music.
7.
Manizha afterward left the school to begin training with private vocal coaches.
8.
Manizha studied psychology at the Russian State University for the Humanities.
9.
Manizha began her career in 2003, performing as a child singer.
10.
Manizha took part in a number of children's singing competitions, winning the Grand Prix of the Rainbow Stars competition in Jurmala, becoming a laureate of the Ray of Hope festival organized by Mir, and becoming a laureate of the Kaunas Talent competition in Kaunas.
11.
Manizha recorded a number of songs in both Russian and Tajik, before joining the music project Ru.
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Manizha later left Assai to join Krip De Shin soon after, which was formed along with other former members of Assai.
13.
In 2016, Manizha returned to her music career, with the release of several independently released singles.
14.
In March 2021, it was confirmed that Manizha would be taking part in the Russian national final for the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 with the song "Russian Woman".
15.
Manizha represented Russia in the contest in Rotterdam, where she placed ninth out of 26 countries, receiving 204 points.
16.
At her concert on the roof of the Chateau de Fantomas in Moscow, Manizha took off her stage makeup and invited the public to join this manifesto.
17.
In February 2019, Manizha launched a social campaign against domestic violence.
18.
Manizha's mother sold her apartment to help pay for the app.
19.
On 9 December 2021, Manizha visited Almaty, Kazakhstan in honour of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
20.
On 24 February 2022, Manizha stated her opposition to the Russian invasion of Ukraine via an Instagram post, referring to her husband and sister-in-law's Ukrainian background.
21.
On 6 September 2022, Manizha announced her marriage to film director Lado Kvataniya.