Bahroma Raises 2.5 Million Hryvnias by Translating Songs into Ukrainian

Roman Bakhariev and the New Track 'Tsehla'

According to РБК-Україна — Lite: In a recent interview, Roman Bakhariev, frontman of the Ukrainian band Bahroma, opened up about his latest song 'Tsehla', sharing personal reflections on war, mobilization, and emotional turmoil. The track grew out of a guitar riff played in an alternate tuning, capturing the artist's profound inner struggles. Its live music video was filmed inside a destroyed house, underscoring the harsh reality faced by Ukrainians living under constant shelling.

Bakhariev also revealed that his parents were forced to flee the Donetsk region due to the conflict, and his mother was caught in an artillery attack there. In 2022, they endured bombardment once again-this time in Kyiv. 'My parents had to leave Donetsk region,' he stated. Speaking on the war's impact, he noted, 'I honestly don't know anyone who hasn't been touched by this topic.' He emphasized that for many Ukrainians, the front line remains a tangible threat, adding: 'I am more than certain that we will all be on the front line-sooner or later.'

Fundraising Initiatives and Musical Tastes

Beyond the new release, Bakhariev translated two older Russian-language songs into Ukrainian through a donation-based campaign, raising around 2.5 million hryvnias. 'I have already translated two songs for donations and collected about 2.5 million hryvnias from that,' he said. The first translation, 'Na Hlybyni', brought in over 1 million hryvnias for the 12th Special Forces Brigade 'Azov', while the second, originally titled 'Poka Pora', raised over 1 million hryvnias for the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine.

When asked about performing in Russian, Bakhariev was blunt: 'In my opinion, speaking-and especially singing-in Russian right now is simply rock bottom.' However, he clarified that he does not disown his past work: 'I don't renounce them. They are still a part of me, a part of my story.'

The artist also noted a shift in his audience, which has grown since the full-scale war began. His current musical favorites include:

• Lucas Bird
• Sestra Blyzniuchka
• Fihurat

His playlist features Radiohead, PJ Harvey, Björk, Róisín Murphy, Slum Sociable, Kendrick Lamar, and Led Zeppelin. He also shared film and series recommendations, including 'The Lobster', 'The Grand Budapest Hotel', 'Burn After Reading', and 'Fleabag'.

Ultimately, the interview serves as a powerful testament to how the war has shaped Bakhariev's personal and artistic life-and his commitment to using music to support Ukrainian soldiers and civilians. 'I wouldn't want it to be that when I die or get killed, people say, 'Oh, Romochka was actually cool,' he reflected.

This conversation highlights how musicians in Ukraine are channeling the nation's collective pain and resilience. Bakhariev's work, especially his new song 'Tsehla', not only expresses his own emotions but also echoes the shared suffering of the country. His fundraising efforts demonstrate how culture can become a tool for solidarity and support during the most difficult times.

In addition to the emotional depth of 'Tsehla', the band has also captured attention with a powerful live video shot among the ruins, visually representing the struggles faced by many Ukrainians. This poignant backdrop enhances the song’s message, making it a compelling watch for those looking to understand the current cultural landscape in Ukraine.