Roman Bakhariev’s Stance on the Russian Language in Music
Roman Bakhariev, lead vocalist of the band Bahroma, has publicly condemned the use of Russian in music following the full-scale invasion. He described singing in Russian at this time as hitting 'rock bottom.' While he no longer performs his older Russian-language songs on stage, Bakhariev confirmed he has not removed them from the internet. His musical career began in 2009, and since the war started, he has fully shifted to the Ukrainian cultural sphere.
For a long time, Bakhariev resisted the idea of translating his earlier tracks into Ukrainian. He explained that even though his audience requested it, he preferred to focus on creating new material rather than revisiting old songs.
'I said it’s better to create something new and move forward,' Bakhariev remarked.The musician emphasized that he does not disown his past works, as they remain a part of his personal history. 'These songs are still available online—I haven’t deleted them—but I don’t perform them. That’s a promise I made to myself, first and foremost,' he stated.
Anti-Russian Stance and New Music
Bakhariev holds a firm position against the Russian language in music, a stance that has become a defining element of his artistic journey. His belief in the importance of artists taking a clear and unambiguous stand also reflects his broader anti-Russian perspective in the arts.
'I’m quite radical about this, because for me, it’s not even about lacking a clear, transparent, and understandable position,' he concluded.Bakhariev continues to actively build his career within the Ukrainian music scene, placing emphasis on new works performed entirely in Ukrainian.
Roman Bakhariev’s position on the Russian language in music highlights a broader trend among Ukrainian artists who are increasingly turning to Ukrainian-language creativity amid the war. This shift not only reflects his personal convictions but also aligns with a nationwide movement to support Ukrainian culture and language. In this context, his decision to produce new music could serve as a meaningful contribution to the revival and promotion of Ukrainian cultural identity.
As Bakhariev emphasizes the importance of a clear artistic stance, it's worth noting that many musicians are experiencing similar pressures in today's climate. In a related discussion, another prominent figure in the rock scene, Baharev, has expressed his belief that every Ukrainian will ultimately face the realities of war. For more insights on how artists are responding to these challenges, you can read about the impact of conflict on Ukrainian musicians.