Black Star’s chief executive, Pavel Kuryanov, widely known as Pasha, opened up about Timur Yunusov, better known as Timati, stepping away from the label in a candid interview with Laura Dzhugeliya. The conversation painted a picture of mixed emotions and measured reasoning as the founder reflected on the events that reshaped the company’s landscape.
It was clear that Kuryanov felt a personal sting from Timati’s decision. He described the sense of betrayal as something emotional and difficult to ignore. Yet the businessman did not let sentiment cloud judgment. He emphasized that Timati made a choice that fit his own path, and he credited his former collaborator with remarkable strength, calling him a formidable partner who contributed significantly to the team’s dynamic.
In discussing the aftershocks of the departure, Kuryanov described the period as destructive for the business and for the bond that had held the two men together over many years. He spoke about the time they spent side by side and acknowledged that the breakup was painful and perhaps unnecessary. He also admitted that comments Timati had made in public touched him personally, though he made it clear that he did not see himself as the target of those remarks. The focus, in his view, was on perception and action, and he chose not to condemn Timati, nor did he seek to justify any hard feelings in a way that would undermine the reality of the split.
Looking back, Kuryanov recalled the early days when Timati was still part of the Black Star project. He described a friendship from their youth that felt bright and buoyant, a time of carefree energy and creative exploration. Those memories underscored the contrast with the present moment, illustrating how professional ties can evolve into independent journeys while still carrying the imprint of what was once shared.
Timati left Black Star in 2020, a move that carried both anticipation and a clear signal that the artist intended to pursue his own vision. The musician later explained that the separation was driven by a desire to reset and rebuild from the ground up. For Timati, the change represented a long-standing wish to reinvent his approach and explore new directions beyond what had already been achieved within the label. The departure marked a turning point not just for the artist, but for the organization as well, inviting new strategies and renewed focus on future projects.
From Kuryanov’s perspective, the exit highlighted the need for resilience within a creative team. He stressed the importance of staying true to one’s beliefs while honoring the contributions of those who helped shape the company’s identity. The tale of Timati’s departure, as told by the CEO, is as much about growth as it is about loss, a reminder that industry dynamics often require difficult choices in pursuit of long term goals.
In the broader context, the case illustrates how a pioneering music label navigates transformation when a flagship artist reshapes the brand’s trajectory. It also sheds light on how leadership handles emotional reactions while maintaining a strategic course. The narrative remains a study in balancing personal relationships with professional obligations, and in recognizing that change can open doors to new collaborations and fresh creative energies.