Svetlana Loboda, a Ukrainian pop artist, described her Russian stage colleagues Alla Pugacheva and Zemfira as idols who once defined the Russian music scene. Her reflection underscores a shift in perception among artists and audiences alike as political tensions have affected cultural life.
“Smart people and prominent theatre figures left Russia,” Loboda observed, highlighting how the entertainment world has changed. She pointed out that today it is striking to hear that the songs of Alla Borisovna Pugacheva and Zemfira can no longer be heard in Russia, noting that these two artists had long been central to the industry’s identity and its star system. “They were the two icons on which show business in Russia rested. They were cult singers,” she said, framing a conversation about legacy and influence that extends beyond mere popularity.
The conversation then touched on the personal dimension of this artistic departure. Loboda recalled messaging a fellow musician, Philip Kirkorov, after the start of a military operation in the region, asking him to understand the feelings of those who opposed the actions and to refrain from supporting the regime. She explained that he had long been absorbed in his own concerns and did not engage with politics, which shaped how he viewed the situation at the moment.
In her own words, Loboda admitted that in the past she was younger and did not fully grasp the political landscape. She described herself as someone who focused on personal matters and often claimed she did not understand politics, a stance she later reassessed as events unfolded around her. The admission was part of a broader narrative about how artists reconcile public life with private beliefs and the pressures that come with making public statements in sensitive times.
Earlier remarks from Loboda also touched on the promises and pressures that can accompany an artist’s career when staying in a particular country. She mentioned that she had heard about big money being dangled to persuade performers to remain in Russia, a detail that adds a layer of complexity to the choices made by individuals in a volatile social and political environment. The tension between career security, personal beliefs, and the realities of power creates a nuanced backdrop for the careers of high-profile entertainers in the region.
Throughout the discussion, Loboda emphasized the fluidity of artistic influence and the way cultural memory adapts when political contexts shift. The way fans and peers remember performers who once shaped the stage can change dramatically as new norms and laws redefine what is considered acceptable or permissible to perform, stream, or celebrate. Her reflections illustrate how personal experiences intersect with broader social transformations, prompting questions about loyalty, expression, and accountability in the arts.
For audiences in Canada and the United States, Loboda’s remarks illuminate how public figures navigate the delicate balance between artistic identity and political realities. They also reflect the universal tension artists face when legacy collides with current events, and how conversations among peers can evolve into broader discussions about freedom of expression, censorship, and cultural exchange across borders.