Brave and independent, professing the principles of freedom to a shiver in her voice, disdaining canons and social stereotypes - Nina Hagen has always been distinguished by her decisive character. Stunning and surprising, awakening people from full hibernation - these are her favorite activities. In the skill of shocking, she surpassed herself.
Childhood and youth
On March 11, 1955, a daughter was born to Eva-Maria Hagen in the eastern part of Berlin, who later became a legend of German punk culture.
Eva Maria herself was an actress, her husband, Wolf Biermann, was a political songwriter. Little Nina's parents were famous personalities.
The stepfather sang songs imbued with the spirit of freedom and independence. Mom played in the theater, gaining fame among the general public.
The girl was destined to inherit family genes and follow a creative path.
Her stepfather was her idol. Absolutely not recognizing any authorities, he was a very charismatic and extraordinary person. Nina always listened to his advice and wanted to follow in his footsteps … Well, or in her mother's.
The work of her mother also seemed to the girl in pink and attracted to her every year more and more clearly. Hagen was a difficult teenager. She got a strong and independent character, rather inherent in the stronger sex than in girls. She always had her own point of view on everything. And even if she differed from the opinion of the majority, she still did not stop defending her.
The first school scandal with her participation happened when the girl was thirteen years old. Together with a team of like-minded people, she went to the rally, which was later dispersed by the local authorities. This was in 1968. And in the summer of the same year, when the parents sent the teenage girl to the pioneer camp, she was caught for a very unseemly occupation. Nina used psychotropic pills, which are great for altering consciousness. By decision of the school, Hagen was expelled from the pioneer ranks.
This incident became a key event in Nina's later life. She completely lost interest in school, considering it a "mind-enslaving system."
She did not finish her studies until the prom, leaving school in the ninth grade. Then she found herself at a crossroads - a huge world with endless possibilities carefully stretched out its hands to her. Where do you start?
Since childhood, sympathizing with her mother's skills, Nina tried herself as an actress. But to my great disappointment, I didn’t do it. She just didn't get cast and was terribly upset about it.
First steps in music
Deciding not to rush things, she took time out and went to Poland to rest and think about what to do next.
There she met local street musicians and somehow unexpectedly for herself joined their ranks.
To the demand of the public, they sang bold revolutionary songs, speaking to the working youth. We can say that these were the first steps of Hagen as a singer.
Street talents very quickly won their first fans, becoming widely known in narrow circles. Of course, it was just self-indulgence and childishness. But Nina was impressed by this way of life and the atmosphere that surrounded him. Friends, music, freedom, grateful admirers of her talent. What else does a teenager need?
She also really enjoyed singing. Hagen, driven by the desire to become a real singer, took part in the competition for young talents and, to her surprise, won it. She left with a victory - she was awarded first place.
This triumph inspired her. She had a distinct feeling that she finally knew what she wanted. As if the meaning of life and purpose, which had eluded her earlier, returned to her life again.
With the support of her mother, Nina decided to star in two youth films, thereby making herself known. The general public began to slowly recognize her.
1976 brought an unpleasant surprise to Nina. Her beloved stepfather was exiled from the country for his freethinking songs. The girl was shocked. How so? For what? She could not just leave this case.
Hagen, not accustomed to succumbing to difficulties, wrote an appeal to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, announcing her decision to leave the country. She talked about how she did not want to remain in such a cruel country where the best of its citizens are treated so unfairly.
The government responded to her complaint, but, naturally, did not consider it necessary to fulfill the whims of a young girl. Nobody was going to beg her to stay. Hagen was given four days to pack and asked to forcibly leave the GDR.
Nina moved to London. In this free to the bone city, Hagen met Johnny Rotten and other heroes of the punk scene. The punk scene took possession of her completely, literally swallowed her headlong. After gaining experience and looking at the concert kitchen from the inside, Hagen decided to create her own band. It was a desperate and daring act. Punk music was persecuted, it was never for the majority, always carrying a protest and bold anti-state ideas.
Returning home, Nina organized a group, which, having lost her modesty, called the Nina Hagen band.
Having recorded the first disc, the guys went on a tour of West Germany. With their creativity, they caused a real public response. They shocked as best they could, and this did not go unnoticed.
They were talked about, discussed, admired. The guys became famous overnight.
The album thundered all over the world and brought them unprecedented fame. Critics strongly supported young people in their desire to bring something new to people.
Nina Hagen starred in no dozen films, on her account 19 bright and eccentric albums, imbued with the spirit of love and freedom.
Personal life
Hagen has been married six times. The singer has two children. A daughter from her first husband, guitarist Ferdinand Karmelka, and a son from Frank Chevalier, Otis.
Nina explains such a variety of husbands not at all by her frivolity, but by her unwillingness to be dependent on someone. Family is a good thing, but only if it does not bind to itself.
Now the singer is actively traveling, doing charity work and … preparing another album.
