The performance, part of a festival directly supported by Russian President Vladimir Putin, has drawn severe backlash, particularly from Cohen’s Ukrainian fans and the broader international community.
The Secret Unveiled
Cohen’s participation in the Moscow festival was not officially advertised. The controversy erupted when a Ukrainian user on the social media platform X posted a photo of the festival announcement, revealing Cohen’s name among the participants.
I asked jazz musician Avishai Cohen to explain these responses to Ukrainians who felt betrayed by his decision to play in Moscow at a festival associated with Putin. https://t.co/hjxK1lGjLU pic.twitter.com/H31RaVk7YL
— JaredGoyette (@JaredGoyette) June 21, 2024
The festival itself is known to be backed by Putin, who has been widely condemned for his actions in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Ukrainian Fans React
The revelation incited a wave of indignation, especially from Cohen’s Ukrainian fans who felt betrayed by his decision to perform in Russia amid the ongoing war. A disappointed fan, using the nickname trayanmuse, expressed their outrage directly to Cohen: “Are you really going to Moscow? While you are on stage, there is a huge possibility that rockets will fly towards civilians in Kyiv and other cities of Ukraine. I respected you, I went to your concerts in Lviv and Lisbon. But I will never go again.”
Cohen’s Controversial Response
In a move that shocked many, Cohen responded aggressively, not only refusing to apologise but also insulting the fan and their mother.
This reaction was particularly surprising given Cohen’s past declarations of affection for his Ukrainian audience.
In a 2021 interview, he had even referred to Lviv as a significant stop in his tour schedule, highlighting his deep connection to his Ukrainian fans.
Historical Context
Cohen’s performances in Ukraine had previously been marked by expressions of solidarity and appreciation for the Ukrainian people. His recent actions, therefore, stand in stark contrast to his earlier statements and have left many fans feeling disillusioned and betrayed.
Fallout and Consequences
The backlash from Cohen’s Moscow concert has had immediate and tangible repercussions. The organisers of the Jazz Around Festival in Warsaw cancelled his scheduled performance on June 28th, citing respect for freedom, democracy, and the safety of other artists and attendees. In a public statement, the organisers expressed their deep solidarity with the Ukrainian nation and their commitment to supporting Ukraine through charity concerts and other initiatives.
The cancellation was influenced by public outcry, including a notable response from saxophonist Tomasz Sikora:
“Is it possible in 2023 to record ‘Ballad for Ukraine’, using in the music video images of Ukrainian cities destroyed by Russia, people fleeing from crimes, and funerals of Ukrainians killed by Russians, and then a year later go to Moscow and play for Putin’s money for those who caused this death? – he wrote on social media. – Well, you can if your name is Avishai Cohen, you are a renowned jazz double bassist and have no moral problem with spitting on the graves of all those victims in this way. But the question is, how do you reconcile one with the other?”
Broader Implications
Cohen’s decision to perform at a festival supported by the Kremlin has been interpreted by many as a tacit endorsement of Putin’s regime and its policies.
This move has not only alienated his Ukrainian fans but has also sparked broader discussions within the jazz community and beyond about the moral responsibilities of artists.
Critics argue that Cohen’s actions contribute to Kremlin propaganda, undermining efforts to hold Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine.
Read also:
New Jazz Horizons: “The Long Wait” by Matthew McDonald Reviewed
Click here for more News & Current Affairs at EU Today
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Follow EU Today on social media:
Twitter: @EU_today
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EUtoday.net/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@eutoday1049
