Bi-2's history began in Belarus in the punk 1980s and continued through the difficult times of their emigration to Israel and Australia, among others. Founded by vocalist Liowa (Egor Bortnik) and guitarist Shura (Alexandr Uman), the group quickly gained notoriety for their distinctive sound, approach to the art of rock and the live shows they presented. Soundtracks for films such as Brother 2, What Men Are Talking About and Election Day were also a highlight of their career. Over the years, the band's work has been recognised by critics and fans alike, resulting in a number of prestigious awards.