The planned performance by the cheetah-inspired rap duo Torba TRB and Kitos in Duldurga, located in the Trans-Baikal region, was canceled following a series of troubling developments and local concerns. The decision came after several factors converged, prompting organizers to rethink the event in response to the evolving situation and feedback from residents, as reported by Chita.ru.
Originally slated for April 28, the concert never took place. In the days leading up to the event, Nikita Kitos learned that her father had died in Ukraine, in a context described by Russian authorities as part of a military operation. This news added a heavy emotional toll to an already tense local climate. Officials indicated that inquiries and complaints were growing, and the district administration faced scrutiny from residents. The Duldurginsky district prosecutor’s office issued a formal warning to the cultural center involved, emphasizing the need to comply with applicable laws and to avoid actions or statements that could provoke legal concerns amid the sensitive situation.
The district prosecutor’s press service confirmed that the supervisory body had issued a warning to the cultural center to prevent any potential legal violations related to the event. This warning appeared as part of broader oversight measures prompted by public sentiment and the ongoing political context, with officials aiming to ensure that cultural activities do not become flashpoints in a volatile environment.
Nikita Kitos stated that some complaints were directed at him and Torba TRB because of perceptions surrounding the branding and messaging associated with the group. He argued that the label’s emblem is strictly commercial in nature, with no political affiliation. He explained that the two letters embedded in the logo — one interpreted by some as N and the other as A — are simply design choices without any ideological meaning. He insisted that neither he nor his collaborators have ever aligned with banned organizations, and emphasized that the art and branding do not reflect political advocacy.
In related developments, another artist known as Loqiemean previously denied claims of LGBT propaganda and alleged donations to military forces following other concert cancellations in the region. The overall situation underscores how modern performances can be entangled with political discourse and public perception, sometimes leading to abrupt changes in plans despite the artists’ intentions. The episode illustrates the careful balance that organizers must maintain between artistic expression, community safety, and legal compliance in a charged climate, where local authorities play a pivotal role in mediating such events and ensuring adherence to applicable laws and regulations.