On Saturday, June 8th, the Polish Post will introduce a stamp featuring Kora, also known as Olga Sipowicz. This release is part of the “Stars of Polish Music” series, which has previously honored artists such as Krzysztof Krawczyk, Zbigniew Wodecki, and Anna Jantar. The stamp’s graphic design is by Agnieszka Sancewicz.
The stamp features a black-and-white photograph by Andrzej Świetlik, showing Kora in her signature sunglasses, a staple of her stage persona. Daniel Witowski, spokesperson for the Polish Post, explained that the accompanying first day cover (FDC) includes a portrait of Kora with her life partner, Kamil Sipowicz, taken by Michał Mutor. The cover also bears the inscription, “The world without us was and will be…,” signed by Kora.
The lower part of the cover lists the titles of her most famous songs, complemented by a special postmark designed by Marzanna Dąbrowska, which includes the stamp’s release date—significant as it is Kora’s birthday.
Kora (1951–2018) was a celebrated vocalist, poet, and painter, considered a pivotal figure in Polish rock music. She led the band Maanam for over three decades. Their debut album in 1981 included hits like “Szare miraże,” “Żądza pieniądza,” and “Boskie Buenos,” influencing fans’ fashion and style. Songs such as “Boskie Buenos,” “O! Nie rób tyle hałasu,” and “Lucciola” became emblematic of the 1980s in Poland. Maanam released 11 studio albums and was active until 2008, with a hiatus from 1986 to 1989.
Kora was deeply involved in the hippie movement, the Solidarity trade union, and women’s rights initiatives. Her song “Krakowski spleen” metaphorically addressed Poland’s political situation during martial law, expressing a yearning for normalcy and protesting censorship and repression.
In 2014, Kora was awarded the Silver Medal for Merit to Culture – Gloria Artis, and in 2016, she received the Golden Fryderyk for lifetime achievement. She passed away on July 28, 2018, at the age of 67.