An artist, a singer, a lyrics writer, a music enthusiast, a poet, an actress, a writer, a producer. Olga Aleksandra Ostrowska, stage named Kora, is one of the most charismatic and vivid figures in Polish music industry, who throughout three decades of artistic work has won multitude of faithful fans and a title of The First Lady of Polish Rock. Last year the music video for her song “Zabawa w Chowanego" (“Game of Hide-and-Seek") was awarded with Plus Camerimage Best Music Video Award. This time the artist will sit on the Jury of Music Videos Competition and evaluate other creators' work and passion.

Kora, phot. Andrzej Tyszko
Kora has become famous for her long-term activity in the band Maanam, of which - despite some perturbations in the band's existence - she has been an unquestionable star from the very beginning. In the beginning of her career she was announced a vocal phenomenon. The concert in Opole in 1980 was a breaking point for Kora. The artist has become a symbol of a whole generation, singing not about the nihilism of communistic times, but about the youth, and the language they used. Her lyrics became quoted by many. Her self-created image of a tough, black-clothed woman, whose mysterious appearance has been supported with sunglasses, has become a symbol of emancipation and rock music - the trademarks of the band. Together with Maanam, Kora has visited many parts of Europe, performing in different cities and at various festivals, among others at famous Danish Roskilde. The band has released 11 studio albums, sold millions of copies of their records and played innumerable concerts, at first assuming the role of one of the Polish export products during the decline of Communism, and later gaining popularity among all generations.

Kora's most outstanding characteristic has always been her original and strong voice timbre, which, together with the stage bravado and immense charisma, was giving her power over the entranced audience. Nevertheless, her personality was visible not only on stage, for her private life Kora has also followed her own paths, engaging only in those projects she deeply believed in. Professing liberal views, the artist has always fought for the freedom of speech, standing in defense of those who didn't enjoy such cogency. Such were the motives which led Kora to write the lyrics for “Zabawa w chowanego" (“Game of Hide-and-Seek"). The song and its music video, directed by Bartłomiej Ignaciuk, told the story of pedophilia among priests. Both the song and the video have been deemed controversial and they provoked a heated debate on social taboos.

Still from "Game of Hide-and-Seek"
The end of 2010 brought many changes to Kora's life - she began co-operation with new manager and she altered the membership of the band. 2011, however, is even more important, for Kora celebrates 35 years of her artistic career. Her jubilee was during TOPtrendy festival, and together with the band she gave a special recital. The concert was a tremendous event, and Kora received three major awards: the Amber Nightingale, Special Award SAWP for Kora, The First Lady of Polish Rock, and TOPtrendy statuette. She was also awarded by the President of the Republic of Poland with the Order of Polonia Restituta for her immense services to the Polish culture. 2011 also brought Kora the role of a juror of TV talent show - "Must Be The Music Tylko Muzyka". The viewers could see the charismatic artist in the first two editions of the show. This year Kora has also released her new album "Ping Pong", which she will promote from November 2011 to February 2012 in a number of Polish cities.

Even though her artistic work has been defined by rock music, during her simultaneously developed solo career Kora very often favored lyrical, expressive songs that were moving because of their subtle, emotional message. As she said in one of the interviews, she perceives music as a fusion of beauty and affirmation of life, and the dark side of existence. This versatility and openness to perception of reality different from her own make Kora an artist who combines all features of an ideal juror. This year's edition of Plus Camerimage Music Videos Competition has gained another strong advantage.