Invisible citizens, sonic refugees
Abstract
Due to ongoing repressions, political and economic crises, about half a million of Belarusians have left the country since 2020, the year marked by collective sonic practices of resistance and expression. All the Belarusian music scenes were affected – becoming uprooted and turning from local into diasporic. Limited in their citizenship rights, Belarusian emigrants maintain links deepened during protests and DIY concerts back home.
Inside the country, various sonic practices aim at remaining a nation-state next to an imperialist neighbor. Some cultivate Belarusianness in folklore songs, a tolerated form of ethnic self- expression in late-Soviet period and a way to preserve anonymity after 2020. Others subtly assemble emancipatory Belarusian musicalities in pop and indie domains confronting multiple economic and political barriers.
Illustrated by recordings from music events organized by Belarusians across Europe, this paper discusses challenges in maintaining Belarusian sonic citizenship and reveals many parallels on both sides of the border.
Both authors are Belarusian citizens living in exile.
Audio paper
Credits
Speakers in order of appearance: Pavel Niakhayeu, Andrei Vazyanau.
Editing, mixing, mastering, cover photo: Pavel Niakhayeu.
Audio sources
00:00 – “Kałychanka” @ Picnic Letucień – 29.07.2023, Kraków, PL
00:35 – WTBSK – Live @ Belarus Outside Sound System – 26.01.2025, Stakkato, Kraków, PL
01:10 – Protest drummers – 13.09.2020, Minsk, BY
02:40 – Protesters: “Heta naš horad! / Eto nash gorod! (This is our city!)” – 04.10.2020, Minsk, BY
03:25 – Trebuem Razoitis’! – “Uručskija Cmoki” (2021)
04:12 – Ulis – “Kali Imperyja Źniknie” (1989)
04:45 – Unknown street musicians – “Kupalinka” – 12.05.2021, Minsk, BY
05:50 – Various musicians & audience members – Hukańnie Viasny (Calling of Spring ritual) – 22.03.2024, Kraków, PL
06:30 – Iva Sativa – “Kanapel (Qrawlly DnB Version)” (2022)
07:09 – Kotki – Rock Camp Live @ Poczta Głowna club – 19.08.2023, Kraków, PL
07:53 – WTBSK – Soundcheck @ Belarus Outside Sound System – 26.01.2025, Stakkato, Kraków, PL
08:15 – Vapna – “1000 Krain” (2025)
08:40 – Anastasia Rydlevskaya – “Mugwort (Palyn)” (2023)
09:05 – SOYUZ – “Krok” (2025)
09:35 – Intelligency – “Travmy” (2024)
10:05 – Nobel – Live @ Pravda – March 2024, Kraków, PL
12:10 – Nieviadomy Artyst – “2021-04-17 033706” (2021), Minsk, BY
13:25 – Unnamed tribute band @ Picnic Letucień – 26.07.2025, Kraków, PL
14:57 – Lightowy, nadzeyea, Andrei Kurs – Chavanki (2025)
Keywords
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