Maryna Krut’ Brings Ukrainian Spirit to KEXP With Bandura Performance

American independent radio station KEXP, famous worldwide for its live studio sessions with top international artists, has published a powerful performance by Ukrainian bandurist Maryna Krut’.

Krut', known for modernizing the ancient Ukrainian instrument bandura, delivered an emotional set that moved both the host and listeners. During the session, she performed four of her original songs — Hory, Pisne Moya, OK, and Lehkosaimisti — showcasing the depth and uniqueness of Ukrainian music.

In her conversation with Global Rhythms host Darek Mazzone, Maryna emphasized that music is one of the ways Ukrainians demonstrate their unique identity and culture to the world — a culture distinct from Russian history and traditions.

“I will spend my entire life with this instrument [bandura], and throughout my life, I will show the world what Ukrainian culture truly is. I hope people will understand what we are fighting for,” Krut’ shared during the interview.

She also underlined that through music, Ukrainians continue to remind the world of their resilience and cultural richness, especially amid Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.

Notably, before Maryna Krut’, only two Ukrainian bands — DakhaBrakha and Dakh Daughters — had performed live on KEXP, making this a historic moment for Ukrainian music on the global stage.

Previously, it was reported that the music streaming service Spotify has deleted pages and songs of several Russian artists who supported Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.