Kelsie Kimberlin drops music video for “Champ”

Based in Washington, DC, Kelsie Kimberlin has become one of the most compelling voices in modern music as an artist whose work moves naturally between creativity and activism. The Ukrainian-American singer-songwriter has built a career defined not just by sound, but by purpose, using music as a platform to highlight global issues while remaining deeply committed to emotional storytelling.

Music has been a constant presence in Kimberlin’s life from the beginning; starting out in choir, she quickly recognised the powerful role music could play in shaping conversations and connecting people. That early understanding helped guide her artistic direction, eventually leading to involvement in Yoko Ono’s Peace Project and setting up a career built on awareness and empathy. Over time, that mission has developed into an expansive catalogue with more than 100 original songs and collaborations with Grammy-winning producers, clocking tens of millions of views, streams and radio plays.

The songs themselves move across genres, but they remain tethered to a central focus on connection, empathy and raising awareness about the world around her. Much of Kelsie’s recent work has been shaped by the ongoing war in Ukraine, a cause that carries deep personal significance because of her heritage and through a series of singles and music videos, she’s brought attention to the realities of conflict while placing human stories at the centre. Several of these videos have been filmed in active war zones, combining cinematic imagery with a direct emotional perspective, resulting a body of work that documents determination and hardship while maintaining a sense of hope.

Her latest release, the single titled “Champ,” continues that endeavour, released on the fourth anniversary of the full-scale war against Ukraine to offer a tribute to Ukrainians who live with dignity and principle despite the devastation caused by the conflict. The project centres on the story of Mariia Hnes, a 16-year-old Ukrainian karate champion who competed in Venice against an athlete from Russia and after both athletes won medals and were expected to stand together on the podium for a group photo, Mariia chose to walk away. Her father serves in the Ukrainian Armed Forces and her decision became a viral moment of pride for Ukrainians around the world.

Reflecting the charged energy of the song’s context, the track is framed in a moody rock setting tinged with pop appeal, delivering an exhilarating jam packed full of grooving guitar riffs, punchy rhythms and capped by Kelsie’s commanding vocal performance. Cut with crunchy guitar tones and brimming with instantly memorable vocal hooks carrying empowering lyricism, “Champ” sees Kelsie Kimberlin lay down another powerful musical experience.

Last September, Kelsie travelled to Kyiv to film a music video with Mariia, determined to amplify the young athlete’s story and highlight the strength shown by Ukrainians of all ages. The video was filmed over several days during some of the most intense missile and drone attacks of the war and at one point, the footage captures a real attack while Kelsie and Mariia shelter together in a hallway. Within the story of the video, Kelsie appears at a moment when Mariia needs encouragement, stepping into the role of a mentor who helps inspire her to believe in her strength as a champion.

Listen to Champ below

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