Druha Rika's New Music Video
The Ukrainian rock band 'Druha Rika' has released a new music video titled 'Vzhe ne som' ('No Longer a Catfish'), a remake of their 2003 hit 'Vzhe ne sam' ('No Longer Alone'). The release is part of a fundraising campaign for Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR), with a goal of raising 15 million hryvnias. These funds are designated for purchasing an evacuation boat, MAVIC 3T drones, and server equipment. This initiative highlights how Ukrainian artists are actively supporting defense efforts during the ongoing war.
Comedians Feature in the Video
The new clip features well-known Ukrainian comedians, including Mark Kutsevalov, Artem Damnytskyi, and the duo 'Bumper ta Sus'. Kutsevalov plays a news anchor, and the video's plot revolves around a fictional 1976 story about catching the largest catfish in Kyiv's history. The entire narrative unfolds inside an open tin can, adding a layer of absurdist humor.
"I remember our first rehearsals. We prepared very carefully for the video shoot, going to the Dnipro River a month in advance to scout the location. Valerii would dive, and I would catch him in the water—I was an impromptu fisherman. Kharchyshyn stayed underwater the longest, for almost three minutes. Valerii was learning to be a catfish, and it was very interesting and exciting," said Mark Kutsevalov.
Band member Valerii Kharchyshyn emphasized the importance of the project: "The song 'Vzhe ne som' is helping to raise funds for the GUR—the goal is 15 million hryvnias. It has taken on new meaning and is fulfilling its direct purpose. Any normal band that has been on the scene for a long time has self-criticism and can calmly approach such experiments."
The fundraising objectives are:
- Purchasing a boat for evacuation missions;
- Acquiring MAVIC 3T drones;
- Procuring server equipment.
The band's anniversary tour is set to launch on March 8th at the Palace of Sports in Kyiv. Both the tour and the new video are part of the large-scale show 'Ya Ye! 30 Rokiv' ('I Am! 30 Years'). This campaign demonstrates the powerful role culture plays in mobilizing support for Ukraine's defense and social needs during a time of national crisis.