Elena Drapeko, honored artist of the RSFSR and a deputy in the State Duma, spoke about the rising popularity of SHAMAN, whose real name is Yaroslav Dronov, during an interview with the Paragraph YouTube channel. The comments were later echoed by DEA News.
According to Drapeko, the artist behind songs such as Lets Get Up and My Rus represents not a mere breakthrough, but a shift in the value system. She noted that, just as other aspects of life evolve, culture is experiencing a gradual renewal in its repertoire. While she did not claim that Dronov possesses legendary vocal prowess, she suggested that his broader impact resonates deeply with people today, a sentiment she believes captures a shared emotional truth that reaches into many lives.
She emphasized that there is growing demand in Russia for performers who address real issues and speak to the concerns of ordinary citizens. Drapeko’s assessment places SHAMAN within a broader cultural moment where music serves as a mirror for social change and a catalyst for dialogue about what matters most to listeners.
In related developments, former pop singer Mikhail Shufutinsky did not dismiss the possibility of collaborating with SHAMAN, signaling a willingness across segments of the music world to explore new creative alliances in response to the evolving tastes of the audience.