ESNS week is almost here — and once again, Ukrainian music will be very present across the festival and conference programme. Below is your easy guide to all the Ukrainian highlights in Groningen. Save the dates and come say hi!
Ukrainian artists at ESNS 🎵
Ganna
Wed 14 Jan — Oosterpoort Binnenzaal — 22:20–23:00
Thu 15 Jan — Platosonic Plato — 12:00–19:00
Ganna Gryniva is a Ukrainian singer, composer, and producer based in Berlin. Having emigrated to Germany at the age of 13, she is today considered "one of the most impressive singers and musicians of the European jazz and world music scene" (Ö1 Radio, Austria). Her music delicately blends Ukrainian folklore with jazz, improvisation, and experimental soundscapes — unmissable.
Hyphen Dash
Thu 15 Jan — MXT Front — 22:40–23:20
Soul / Jazz
Hyphen Dash is a Kyiv-based jazz-fusion band combining the freedom of improvisation with rock energy and electronic pulse. Young, daring, and ambitious, they represent the new wave of Ukrainian jazz on the international stage. Their live shows are known for raw energy, emotional range, and impulsive flow. In 2025, they released two albums exploring trippy, airy new-age jazz and misty, cinematic soundscapes.
Monokate
Thu–Fri night, 16 Jan — Stadsschouwburg — 00:00–00:40
Alternative Pop
Ukrainian singer and Eurovision star Kateryna Pavlenko steps into a new artistic chapter with her solo project Monokate. Known globally as the frontwoman of Go_A, Kateryna now explores a more intimate, emotional, and cinematic alternative pop sound. On 1 November 2025, she presented her debut album Половина мене (Half of Me) at Atlas Club in Kyiv — revealing a deeply personal side of her musical identity.
Alina Pash — Opening Show: 40 Years of ESNS
Wed 14 Jan — Oosterpoort Grote Zaal — 17:55–18:45
Pop / Rap / R&B
A powerful voice of contemporary Ukrainian culture, Alina Pash has the honour of opening the 40th anniversary celebrations of ESNS. The perfect way to kick off the festival.
Conference panels with Music Export Ukraine 🎤
Uniting Nations: Mobilising the Global Network of Showcase Festivals
Speaker: Alona Dmukhovska, Head of Music Export Ukraine
Thu 15 Jan — 10:30–11:30 — Oosterpoort, Bovenzaal 1
How can showcase festivals better promote international collaboration and peaceful cultural exchange? This panel explores the global network of showcases as platforms for cultural trade, diplomacy, and cooperation — and how to take these conversations beyond our usual echo chambers.
The Art of Artist Storytelling: Building a Memorable Brand in Niche Genres
Curated by: Tanya Stadnyk, Operations Director, Music Export Ukraine
Fri 16 Jan — 15:00–16:00 — Oosterpoort, Artiestenfoyer
In today's saturated music landscape, great music alone isn't enough — the story behind the artist truly matters. This panel brings together artists, media professionals, and international marketers to talk honestly about branding, storytelling, cultural adaptation, and building careers beyond borders without losing authenticity.
Meet the Ukrainian music community 🤝
As part of the European Talent Exchange – Emerging Managers programme, two Ukrainian music professionals will be representing the industry at ESNS:
Yuliia Shcherbak — a music manager with 10 years' experience across ticketing, concert promotion, and artist management, currently serving as booking manager at Atlas Festival, Ukraine's largest music festival.
Anastasia Svitelska — Head of PR at Best Music, representing artists such as PARFENIUK, Helya Zozulia, M1shka, Vira Kekelia, and more.
Meet Ukrainians Reception
Fri — 17:30–19:00 — Oosterpoort, Blauwe Bar
Presented by: Ukrainian Institute
Join us for an informal networking reception and meet Ukrainian professionals, artists, and partners — with great Ukrainian food on the side! You'll also have the chance to meet alumni of the Eastern European Music Academy — 30 brilliant professionals from across the region, representing the diversity, creativity, and future of the European music industry.
We're looking forward to seeing you at the shows, panels, and conversations. Let's meet, listen, and connect — Ukrainian style. Want to reach us directly? Drop a line to Alona at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Tanya at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 🌟
