January started on a strong and hopeful note, with Ukrainian artists and diverse voices at Eurosonic Noorderslag. Carpetman winning a Music Moves Europe Award to Monokate, Hyphen Dash, and GANNA performing to packed rooms.
Ukraine at ESNS 2026: visibility that matters
This year's Eurosonic Noorderslag marked a milestone moment for Ukrainian presence at the festival. Ukrainian artists, voices, and topics were not just present — they were clearly heard.
Huge congratulations to Carpetman, who won one of the Music Moves Europe Awards 2026, receiving €10,000 to support the next stage of his international career. Alongside Carpetman (Ukraine), this year's MME Award winners include Camille Yembe (Belgium), Della (Cyprus), Sarah Julia (Netherlands), and Sofie Royer (Austria), with both the Jury Prize and Public Choice Award going to Lia Kali (Spain).
As EU Commissioner Glenn Micallef noted during the ceremony: "European music continues to thrive through its diversity, creativity, and bold artistic voices."
We also celebrate Monokate, Hyphen Dash, and GANNA, who all performed to full houses and received overwhelming responses from international professionals and music fans — clear proof of growing international interest in Ukrainian music.
Music Export Ukraine at the ESNS conference
Music Export Ukraine was proud to contribute to the ESNS conference with panels focused on international networking, global events, and artist storytelling for niche genres. Full rooms, sharp questions, and meaningful engagement — thank you to everyone who joined.
We were also glad to reconnect with colleagues from 30+ countries during the annual General Assembly of European Music Exporters Exchange, strengthening our shared network. A special shout-out to the alumni of our Eastern European Music Academy for their curiosity, generosity, and active participation throughout the week — and sincere thanks to Yugofuturism for an exclusive visit to the legendary volunteer-led venue Vera Groningen, a space that truly embodies the spirit of music communities.
And as a bonus — GANNA's stunning ARTE-recorded live video from ESNS is now online. Don't miss it.
Press spotlight: holding the centre
We recommend reading a thoughtful feature by The Line of Best Fit, reflecting on ESNS 2026 as a moment of balance, care, and responsibility within the European music ecosystem. The article explores how festivals can hold space for artistic diversity, political reality, and ethical positioning — with Ukrainian presence serving as a powerful reminder that culture does not exist outside history. A worthwhile read for anyone invested in where the music industry is heading.
New release: sound as testimony
Belgian and Canadian-based producer Apashe and Ukrainian artist Alina Pash have released a joint project — The Hymns of Resilience EP — recorded in Ukraine during Russia's war against Ukraine.
Blending orchestral arrangements, electronics, and a traditional Ukrainian choir, the project captures fleeting moments of calm between nights of air raids, blackouts, and impossible decisions. Filmed and recorded in Kyiv, it is not a manifesto — but a raw document of time, place, and lived reality. All artist proceeds are donated to Children of Heroes, supporting children who have lost parents due to Russia's invasion.
Watch and listen — and share this story when words fall short.
Ukrainian artists on tour near you 🎵
Dakh Daughters — The iconic feminist cabaret-punk collective, known for their theatrical performances, sharp political commentary, and unmistakable visual language, continue touring Europe. With provocative political statements and 15 instruments on stage, the Dakh Daughters — daughters of Kyiv's renowned avant-garde Dakh theatre — sing of post-Soviet tragedy, the borderlands of empire, and the contested industrial region of Donbas. A performative and musical experience like no other. Check their Facebook page for tour dates.
GANNA — Blending Ukrainian folklore with jazz, improvisation, and experimental music, GANNA's live shows have become one of the most talked-about Ukrainian performances of the season. Inspired by folklore research journeys across different regions of Ukraine, she is considered "one of the most impressive singers and musicians of the European jazz and world music scene" (Ö1 Radio, Austria). Her latest album Utopia came out in October. Check her Instagram for upcoming dates.
Love'n'Joy — Looking for something heavier and guitar-oriented? These indie rockers bring sun-soaked melodies and a protest spirit to stages far beyond Ukraine. Drawing influence from 1960s and 70s British pop, hard rock, and trippy psychedelia, Love'n'Joy's music reflects the spirit of a new, resurgent Ukrainian rock scene. Their second LP Half Home was finished on February 21 in Kyiv — just three days before Russia's full-scale invasion. Since its release, the band has been touring across Europe and the UK, collecting donations for the Musicians Defend Ukraine campaign. Check their tour dates and catch them in your city.
MEU playlist
