The performer known as Instasamka, whose real name is Daria Zoteeva, joined a choir during a performance at VK Fest in Moscow. The ensemble delivered the chorus of a popular track before Instasamka stepped forward to perform a well-known hit about money and fame. The moment highlighted the blend of pop culture with streetwise charisma that characterizes her stage presence, leaving a mark on attendees who were following the festival’s lineup with high expectations.
VK Fest took place in Gorky Park, drawing attention from fans and media alike. Ahead of the event, activist Vitaly Borodin registered a formal complaint with the prosecutor’s office, citing concerns raised by the announced lineup that included Instasamka, Aljay, and Husky. The concerns were tied to broader debates about art, influence, and the portrayal of themes that some groups find troubling in public performances. Observers noted Borodin’s objections as part of a larger conversation about content and responsibility in modern concert culture, with reactions varying across regions and communities.
Shortly thereafter, one of the scheduled artists, known by the initials LJ, was removed from the roster for the Moscow edition of VK Fest. The organizers declined to offer a public explanation for the change, and fans were left to speculate about internal scheduling decisions and the evolving lineup. Meanwhile, representatives for Instasamka stated that the singer would proceed with her Moscow performance as planned, expressing confidence that the show would go on and that the event would remain a focal point for fans who had followed her career for years.
After Russia began its military operation in Ukraine, Instasamka and her spouse, Oleg Yeropkin, who performs under the name Moneyken, departed from Russia for a period of time and spent part of that period abroad in the United Arab Emirates. Upon returning to Moscow, the artist reengaged with the local entertainment landscape and pursued new conversations with cultural figures and organizations. A notable meeting occurred with Ekaterina Mizulina, head of the Safe Internet League, whose discussions with the artist touched on public perception, drug-related rumors, and the responsibilities that come with a high-profile platform. Following that encounter, the artist signaled an intent to evolve her artistic direction, aiming to address prior questions through changes in her body of work.
There were earlier public tensions in Instasamka’s personal life, including a reported dispute with her partner while performing at a separate concert abroad. The incident was widely discussed in media circles as part of broader narratives about celebrity life on tour, personal relationships under the spotlight, and the pressures that accompany rapid public visibility.