Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appeared just about on the Grammy awards on Sunday, begging the well-known crowd to not “be silent” amid Russia’s vicious, unprovoked assaults on his nation. John Legend gave a particular efficiency as a part of the present’s particular tribute to Ukraine.
Host Trevor Noah launched President Zelensky, declaring, “One factor that has all the time made music so highly effective is the way in which it responds to the occasions. Even within the darkest occasions, music has the ability to raise spirits and offer you hope for a brighter tomorrow. And there is no person who may use a bit hope proper now greater than the folks of Ukraine.”
In accordance with Selection, Zelensky shot the video throughout the final 48 hours in a bunker in Kyiv. In a passionate, pre-recorded message, the previous actor requested, “What’s extra reverse to music? The silence of ruined cities and killed folks.”
“Our youngsters draw swooping rockets, not capturing stars. Over 400 kids have been injured and 153 kids died. And we’ll by no means see them drawing. Our dad and mom are blissful to get up within the morning. In bomb shelters. However alive. Our family members do not know if we shall be collectively once more. The warfare does not allow us to select who survives and who stays in everlasting silence,” he mentioned.
“Our musicians put on physique armor as a substitute of tuxedos. They sing to the wounded. In hospitals. Even to those that cannot hear them. However the music will break via anyway. We defend our freedom. To reside. To like. To sound. On our land, we’re preventing Russia which brings horrible silence with its bombs,” Zelensky continued.
“The useless silence. Fill the silence together with your music! Fill it at the moment. To inform our story. Inform the reality about this warfare in your social networks, on TV. Assist us in any means you may. Any — however not silence. After which peace will come. To all our cities the warfare is destroying, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Volnovakha, Mariupol and others. They’re legends already. However I’ve a dream of them residing. And free. Free such as you on the Grammy stage,” Zelensky concluded.
Legend then took the stage for an emotional efficiency with Ukrainian musicians, Siuzanna Iglidan, and Mika Newton, whose sister is serving within the Ukrainian military. Refugee Lyuba Yakimchuk learn a shifting poem on stage. All of them acquired a standing ovation from the gang.
