Russia’s Rising Pop Star: Shaman

Russia has a new star as many Russian anti-war artists face pressure or leave the country after the occupation that began in Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

Shaman (real name Yaroslav Yuryevich Dronov), who had a modest reputation until the war, became one of the most famous singers in the country with his songs glorifying the motherland and explaining the power of Russia. The young singer’s song, which includes the words “I am Russian… Faith and love are with us”, became the fastest hit of the last period in Russia, where nationalist discourse increased due to the war in Ukraine and almost became an unofficial anthem.

The clip for the song “We”, in which Shaman walks along Red Square dressed in leather clothes and with a pennant of the Russian flag on his arm, breaks viewership records. His song, Let’s Stand Up, written for dead Russian soldiers, has been viewed more than 40 million times on YouTube.

With government support, Shaman also took the stage in September at the event where Russian leader Vladimir Putin gave a speech.

Shaman’s song “I am Russian” is claimed to be frequently played in some schools in Russia. Clips of the singer are also frequently broadcast on state television.