DakhaBrakha

Ukrainian Cult Band DakhaBrakha Return to Vilnius with New Album “Ptakh”

On December 8, cult Ukrainian quartet DakhaBrakha will perform at Kablys in Vilnius. The band is already well known to Lithuanian audiences, having performed in the country several times, and this time they return with new music. In Vilnius, DakhaBrakha will present their latest album, “Ptakh”, inspired by Ukraine’s resistance, strength and freedom.

Formed at Kyiv’s experimental Dakh Theatre, DakhaBrakha has become one of the most distinctive voices of contemporary Ukrainian culture. Blending authentic Ukrainian folk songs with rhythms and instruments from cultures around the world, the band has performed at some of the world’s leading festivals, including Glastonbury, Sziget, Pohoda, Bonnaroo, Roskilde and GlobalFEST, and has taken its music to audiences from Mexico to South Korea.

DakhaBrakha spent several years creating their new album “Ptakh” (“Bird”). Its songs were inspired by Ukraine’s resistance, the strength and resilience of the Ukrainian people, and the support shown by people around the world. The bird becomes a symbol of freedom and the powerful voice of Ukraine throughout the album. “Ptakh” is now available on all major streaming platforms.

DakhaBrakha describe their music as “ethno-chaos”. Rooted in Ukrainian folklore, their distinctive sound brings together music from different cultures, contemporary sounds and unexpected rhythms. In search of authentic material, the musicians spent years travelling across Ukraine, collecting traditional songs, exploring archives and immersing themselves in folk music traditions. Theatre and strong visual expression are equally important elements of DakhaBrakha’s live performances, adding another dimension to the musical world they create on stage.

The Vilnius concert will feature audience favorites including “Sho z-pod duba”, the hypnotic “Vesna” and “Ptakh”, with lyrics by acclaimed Ukrainian writer Serhiy Zhadan. One of the most moving moments of the show is “Plyve Choven”, a song dedicated to Ukraine’s defenders and to those who will never return home from the war.

Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the meaning of performing live has also changed for the band.

“It feels as though we are speaking to the world on behalf of the whole country,” says band member Marko Halanevych. “We thank you for your support, we ask for what Ukraine needs to survive, and we share our pain. At the same time, we show a small part of our rich culture and, by doing so, challenge the propaganda about ‘one nation’.”

DakhaBrakha’s concerts are accompanied by striking video art, including works by Ukrainian artists. On stage, Ukraine’s traditions meet contemporary sounds and the voice of a country fighting for its freedom.

On December 8 at Kablys in Vilnius, DakhaBrakha will once again show why their music is something that needs to be experienced live.