' We’re the Cultural Resistance’: Ukrainian Musicians Responding to the War

In these terrible days for Ukraine, the war continues on all fronts - and everyone has their weapons, and artists do not stand aside. The Ukrainian musical group of Anton WellBoy, Oleg Shumei, and Yaroslav YakTak have brought the fight against Russia to the cultural front, by going on a charity tour of Canada to raise thousands of dollars to help their home country. 

On their Winnipeg stop, U-Multicultural TV's reporter Yuliia Kovalenko, a recent refugee from Ukraine herself, sat down to learn how they prepared for the tour during the war.

The interview was conducted in Ukrainian. Here are some excerpts of that interview:

Among the questions she had for them was this: "For some time there was an opinion that concerts are not the right time now, it is not okay to have fun now. When did you realize that Ukrainians are ready for concerts and want to experience positive emotions?"

In reply, Oleg Shumei said, "This is not having fun. The tour is organized in order to change the situation and help the Armed Forces...."

Kovalenko asked them, "How was the preparation for the concerts? Were there any difficulties due to the blackout?"

"If you want to do something, you always find time and opportunity, despite problems or blackouts. I didn't have any problems with this....", said Shumei.

"No matter how hard it is, life does not stop. In warehouses, in the subway, people sing and play equally. It has always been, is and always will be. What cannot be eradicated from the Ukrainian people is the love of music. You can't just sit and be silent and grieve. You will grieve, but you will sing a sad song", said Well-boy.

Kovalenko: "How has your music transformed since the beginning of the full-scale invasion? What new meaning has it acquired?"

"She (We) became more accurate, kinder, in some moments angrier, more aggressive", said Well-boy.

Kovalenko: "What are you doing now, as artists. Do you feel your strength and see your mission?"

"First of all, as musicians, we influence the musical space in Ukraine, because the war is not only on the (war) front, but also on the cultural front, so we have to take positions on the Ukrainian charts, in music. And this applies not only to music, but also to culture, literature, cinema. Borrow something from Europeans, Americans, but certainly not from Russians. That's why we need to do our own thing, develop Ukrainian culture and nation," said Shumei.

"I think culture is one of the most important, if not the most important aspect of a nation, because if there is no culture, then what are we fighting for. This is our identification in the world", said Karpyk.

Kovalenko: "How do the events at the front and the news affect your inner state? How are these emotions reflected in your concerts?"

Shumei: "I think, like all Ukrainians, you just get used to it. Rockets are constantly flying into houses and killing civilians almost every day. You don't want it, but you get used to it. We have to live on, but at the same time not to forget the people who died, the soldiers who died and try not to get used to it."

Karpyk; "We have to live, we have to fight. Now people will come to us and they don't want us to leave, with sad faces, but they want positive energy from us and we will do it."

Kovalenko: "What messages do you want to convey to Ukrainians now?"

Karpyk: "Friends, let's unite, let's stick together. We believe and know that we will definitely win and defend our lands!"

Well=boy: "Everything will be fine, Ukraine. Let's not forget what we are for, what we are about, what our parents, grandfathers and great-grandfathers were about. Hope only for the guys of the Ukrainian Army. Guys, we hope that you are not too cold and your feet are dry".

If you want to hear more, watch the video in captions of your choice or in Ukrainian if you speak the language.

Yulia Kovalenko, Ukrainian View, U MULTICULTURAL