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unmentioned words

Russian Media Watchdog Denies Censoring 'War,' 'Peace' Lyrics in TV Performances

Russia's state media watchdog has denied ordering state television to censor war-related words after several entertainment channels censored the lyrics...

free expression

In Georgia's Capital, a Young Russian Rock Group Hopes to Thrive in Exile

“Prisoners of conscience in the hands of bandits and thieves / Order will be disturbed in reality, not in dreams / The force of pressure will push...

‘Enemy of the people’

Russia Labels Star Rapper Oxxxymiron a 'Foreign Agent'

Russia on Friday labeled superstar rapper Oxxxymiron, popular among young Russians, a "foreign agent," according to the interior ministry's website. Oxxxymiron...

‘always against wars’

Veteran Russian Rock Star Fined Over Onstage War Criticism

Yury Shevchuk, frontman of rock band DDT, was charged for speaking out against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine at a concert in May.

blast from the past

Landmark Moscow Cathedral to Host ‘U.S.S.R. Hit Parade’ Concert

The cathedral later denied the reports that it was hosting the concert.

Anti-War Playlist: Russian Music Against the War

Russian-language musicians are speaking out the only way they know how - in their music.

Russian Pop Icon Yuri Shatunov Dies Aged 48

Shatunov was the frontman of wildly popular 1980s band Laskovy Mai ("Gentle May").

Russian Police Disrupt Recital Featuring Ukrainian Composer

The concert of Ukrainian composer Valentin Silvestrov’s music was halted due to an anonymous bomb threat.

statement of dissent

Russian Rock Star Zemfira Releases Anti-War Music Video

The singer deleted her existing videos from YouTube, replacing them with a new clip for her song “Don’t Shoot” set to war and protest footage.

Violin Becomes 'Weapon Of Resistance' in Ukraine Shelters

"I'm not a doctor, a soldier, or a politician. I just play the violin."

'russians against war'

Russian Rapper Oxxxymiron Stages Anti-War Rallying Cry From Istanbul

Hundreds of Russians who have fled the country since the start of the invasion attended the charity concert supporting Ukrainian refugees.

Spotify Closes Russian Office, Limits Content Over Ukraine

The streaming giant said it had examined "thousands of podcast episodes since the start of the war."

orchestra takes a stance

Music World Shuns Russian Maestro Gergiev Over Putin Ties

The dismissal is the latest blow for the 68-year-old classical music titan.

Russia Barred from Eurovision 2022 Over Ukraine Invasion

“A Russian entry in this year’s Contest would bring the competition into disrepute,” the European Broadcasting Union said.

Ukraine's Eurovision Selection Withdraws Over Crimea Controversy

Alina Pash has received intense criticism and threats for performing in Crimea after Russia annexed the peninsula from Ukraine.

Russian Diplomat Praises Rappers Ye, Oxxxymiron as U.S. Security Talks Fall Short

Hip-hop bridges cultural divides even when geopolitical tensions run high.

Kanye West Planning Russia Trip, Putin Meeting – Billboard

West’s associate claimed that Russia will be “a second home” for the rapper, but his representative later dismissed the comments.

destination unknown

Rapper Morgenshtern Leaves Russia After Top Investigator's Drug Dealing Claims – Reports

The head of Russia's Investigative Committee claimed that “blogger Morgenshtern essentially sells drugs on social media.”

Russian Music Channel Fined for 'Gay Propaganda' at Awards Show

The June 2021 Muz-TV music awards featured gender-flipping stars and what viewers said resembled a same-sex wedding.

Opera Star Anna Netrebko Has a Happy Birthday

The SRO concert was a celebration of her career and a gift to her audience.

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