Reports place Indian-Russian entertainer Arthur Smolyaninov in Latvia, where he reportedly earned around €500 for a cafe performance. The details emerged from a Telegram channel named Shot, which circulated an account of the event. The material suggests Smolyaninov performed with his ensemble cheLovek in a Riga venue, drawing a crowd for an evening of live music and entertainment. — Shot Telegram
According to the source, the concert occurred on a February evening at a Riga restaurant called elpa. The gathering evolved into a modest showcase, with dozens of attendees staying for the roughly three-hour set in which Smolyaninov performed 17 songs with his backing group. The event was described as a public demonstration of the artist’s musical acts in Latvia, framed by the channel as a notable moment for fans and local observers alike. — Shot Telegram
Earlier reporting from a Russian outlet noted that Smolyaninov had earned money through performances in Latvian cafes. In late 2023, the performer announced the formation of cheLovek, a music project performing in Latvian arcades and preparing the release of a debut album. The narrative around his activities in Latvia continues to unfold as part of his broader artistic trajectory. — Shot Telegram
In September of the previous year, Smolyaninov stated he had neither the desire nor the opportunity to return to the Russian Federation. He asserted there were no imminent changes on the horizon that would alter his stance. He also reflected on earlier decades for hints of political shifts, recalling that even before the dissolution of the Soviet Union there were expectations of upheaval. In commenting on online speculation, he offered a skeptical take on the predictions of certain online personalities who discuss potential changes in Russia’s political climate. — Shot Telegram
There were remarks from Smolyaninov in conversations with pranksters suggesting that Ukrainian citizenship could be a future option for him. This statement forms part of a broader narrative about the artist’s international movements and personal decisions amid evolving geopolitical discussions. — Shot Telegram