Russian rapper ST (Oleksandr Stepanov) and the pro-war band Katiusha visited occupied Mariupol for a concert and a meeting with local youth as part of the Russian project Music of Rebirth, which is supported by Putin’s foundation and aims to promote Russian narratives in the occupied territories.
The event was covered in a news story by the propaganda TV channel Mariupol24, reports Yulia Harkusha, the Institute of Mass Information’s representative in Donetsk oblast.
According to the story, the project involves holding live shows in occupied territories that Russia calls “historical.” The performances are organised for Russian troops and locals in the occupied parts of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts.
READ MORE
- Russian pro-war actor Mashkov visits occupied Mariupol
- Russian propagandists involve Mariupol children in their shows
- IMI study: TOT media tell young people war is the norm, glorify the Russian troops
In Mariupol, the artists not only performed a show but also met with local young people. Members of Katiusha said they aimed to be an example for the younger generation and to instil “the right thoughts, values, and guidelines” in them.
Katiusha was formed in 2023. Its members call themselves “volunteer vocalists” and a “combat music band.” The band’s frontwoman, Yulia Polenkova, was born in Mordovia and lives in Moscow. Since 2023, the band has performed at shows and campaigning events organised by Russia’s Ministry of Defence in the combat zone and in the occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts.
The rapper ST is also known for his involvement in propaganda film projects glorifying the Russian and Soviet armies. Namely, he wrote the scores for the film “Zashchitniki” (“Defenders”), about a team of Soviet superheroes, and for the film “Svoya Voyna” (“Their Own War”), focusing on the war in Syria. “Svoya Voyna” premiered in cinemas on 2 June 2022 and part of it was filmed in occupied Crimea.
Performances by Russian artists in the occupied territories and meetings with local youth are part of Russia’s effort to promote its narratives in captured Ukrainian lands.