n.A.T.o.: Biography, Facts and Career

Natalya Shevlyakova (Russian: Наталья Шевлякова; born 3 October 1979), known by her stage name n.A.T.o. (stylized as NATO, NAT'o, and Nato), is a Russian singer, best known for her controversial image and her single "Chor Javon". After being discovered by Russian music producer Ivan Shapovalov, known for his work with pop duo t.A.T.u., n.A.T.o. recorded her eponymous debut studio album during the summer of 2004, incorporating elements of Arabic and European dance music and singing in Turkic languages. To promote the album, she was scheduled to give her debut concert in Moscow on 11 September 2004. However, the concert's timing and theme — simulating the experience of a plane hijacking by a religious fundamentalist terrorist — was condemned by media figures, politicians, and the general public. In early September, following a terrorist attack and two plane crashes in Russia, the concert was cancelled. The music video for the album's lead single, "Chor Javon", also drew controversy, and was removed from her website. n.A.T.o. eventually made her live debut in January 2005 at a Moscow nightclub. At the time and retrospectively, the promotional campaign was subjected to extensive criticism. The concert was regarded as underwhelming by audiences, while academics and Muslim advocacy groups have voiced concern that n.A.T.o.'s image contributed to a stigma surrounding Islam. The controversy also failed to spur strong sales for her album.

Quick facts about n.A.T.o.

• Full name: n.A.T.o.
• Born: 1979-10-03
• Nationality: Russia
• Known as: Musician
• Wikidata ID: Q441753

Profile compiled from public Wikipedia and Wikidata data. Details can change over time.