Saina Transforms Pandemic Challenges into Global Artistic Growth

Yekaterina Savvinova, known worldwide as Saina, has remained active throughout the pandemic despite global disruptions to live performances. The celebrated artist from Yakutia, recognised for her cultural contributions, has turned the challenges of lockdown into opportunities for new projects and personal growth. When COVID-19 forced concert halls to close in 2020, Saina adapted quickly. She launched Saina's Vocal Yoga, an online course in March that year, attracting students from multiple countries. Participants joined private WhatsApp groups to learn from her, keeping her connected to a global audience even as live shows halted.

Like many artists, she embraced social media to stay engaged with fans. While some celebrities shared personal struggles or hosted virtual concerts, Saina expanded her own skills. She took up yoga, qigong, and tai chi, finding balance during an uncertain time. The pandemic also brought unexpected professional opportunities. She received numerous invitations to collaborate, including a request to sing *We Need One Victory* in Yakut. Meanwhile, major Russian concert organisers pushed the government in August 2020 to restart live events, highlighting the industry's financial strain. Beyond her online work, Saina continued her long-standing role as a cultural ambassador. In 2021, she marked the 25th anniversary of her iconic song *Hello, Yakutsk!* with plans for an international competition and a celebratory concert at Yakutsk's Triumph Sports Palace on April 17. Her work in preserving northern indigenous cultures, particularly in the Sakha Republic, remains a cornerstone of her career. Looking ahead, Saina will return to television on February 3, 2023, to film the third season of *Come On, Everyone Together!* on Channel Russia in Moscow.

The pandemic reshaped Saina's career, shifting her focus from live performances to digital and personal projects. Her upcoming television appearance and anniversary celebrations confirm her enduring influence in music and cultural preservation. Despite the challenges, she has remained a prominent figure in Yakutia's artistic community and beyond.