Manizha Releases Defiant Anti-War Track Amid Cancellations

Manizha, the last musician to represent Russia in the Eurovision Song Contest, has released a defiant anti-war track titled 'Gun'. Despite facing performance bans in Russia and international challenges, she remains hopeful. Her upcoming EP 'Hope' addresses themes of peace and resilience.

Manizha, the last musician to represent Russia in the Eurovision Song Contest, has released a defiant anti-war track titled 'Gun'.

'Gun', a reworking of a decade-old track, was released last month and will feature on her upcoming EP 'Hope', set to be released on Sept. 4. The song calls for peace in Ukraine, Russia, Israel, and Palestine. Speaking to Reuters from Moscow, Manizha said the song's main idea is to create peace.

Born in Tajikistan, Manizha fled its civil war in the 1990s and initially found a home in Russia. However, her public opposition to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and advocacy for LGBTQ rights has led to her being banned from performing there. Her international performances have also become challenging due to her Russian identity. Despite these hurdles, she continues to help displaced people following Ukraine's attack on Russia's Kursk region and believes that, like in her homeland, every war will eventually end.

(With inputs from agencies.)