In a recent interview, Sergei Zhukov spoke plainly about a possible Hands Up! collaboration with OG Buddha, the stage name of Grigory Lyakhov. Daily Afisha carried the report, painting a scene where two artists wonder what a tribal-tinged anthem might feel like when two voices share it. Zhukov framed the idea as an invitation to share a moment in music rather than a guaranteed release, signaling how such conversations can refresh a familiar hit and open doors for the Hands Up! catalog in North American markets and beyond.
Zhukov recalled that OG Buddha responded with genuine enthusiasm after the proposal and invited him to the studio. The invitation carried more than talk about music; Lyakhov welcomed Zhukov into his circle, offered tea, and walked him through the creative space, outlining directions for collaboration while honoring the roots of Hands Up!. The atmosphere carried anticipation and curiosity, and Zhukov left with a clear sense of Lyakhov’s willingness to experiment while staying respectful to the song’s history. The exchange underscored a shared belief that a fresh arrangement could bring the track to a new audience without erasing its past.
When Grisha Lyakhov opened the project, the two musicians tapped into deep, almost nostalgic memories of music’s power to shape moods and memories. The discussion touched on how a track born in youth can carry weight and reward, yet still allow bold reinterpretation. Lyakhov pitched a variation that Zhukov described as both potent and playful, a counterpoint that could push the melody into unfamiliar terrain while preserving its core essence. Zhukov admired the arrangement’s edge and its potential to make Hands Up! feel contemporary again, even as he weighed how far such experimentation might depart from the original concept and audience expectations.
Ultimately, Zhukov chose not to move forward, arguing that the proposed arrangement did not fit the Hands Up! concept or the broader direction of the project. He expressed deep respect for OG Buddha, calling him a consummate professional and a gifted musician, and he acknowledged the collaborative energy while choosing to part ways on this particular vision. The decision reflected a careful balance between exploring new ideas and staying faithful to the song’s identity within the Hands Up! legacy.
Separately, chatter within the industry has touched on rights and ownership tied to songs from that era. Public discussions indicate ongoing questions about who controls and licenses the material, illustrating how legal constraints can shape artistic conversations and limit potential collaborations even when talent and intent align. The situation serves as a reminder that music projects often sit at the crossroads of art, commerce, and law, shaping what kinds of partnerships are possible at any given moment.