Recommendations from the Kyiv Independent: ShchukaRyba (Patreon)

Dear Kyiv Independent community members,

Hello from Kyiv. This is Olesia Meleshko, office manager at the Kyiv Independent. I am writing to recommend the Ukrainian folk band ShchukaRyba, as I believe Ukrainian traditions deserve to be shared and known.

I remember when I first heard the band: I was sitting on a mountain in the Ukrainian Carpathians, waiting for the water in the pot to boil, while my friends and I were listening to music. A melody started playing — “Oi bula bula v batechka dochka” or “Oh, there was a father's daughter” in English. Suddenly, I got goosebumps and felt a deep connection to my ancestors.

In times of war, when Ukrainian culture is under attack, more and more people have come to appreciate and cherish it.

ShchukaRyba, which translates to “Pike Fish” in English, recreates traditional Ukrainian instrumental music and vocals. I attended their concert last Christmas. It was an interesting experience — the performance took place in a techno club. The combination of a modern space with Ukrainian traditions was very special. Here’s a video I took of the song that made me fall in love with the band in the first place, back when I was sitting in the mountains.

Another song I recommend is “Shcho ye sviatoie” (or “What is holy”) — which carries deep religious and philosophical meaning, focusing on the themes of Christmas, resurrection, and God’s judgment. The song describes how archangels blow their trumpets, calling the dead to rise and come to God, who will judge their souls and absolve their sins. Here are some of the lyrics that I translated into English:

"The dead were awakened from the grave: – Arise, dead, from the grave And we shall go to God. And God will judge us, Lessen the sins of souls."

I played this song while writing this recommendation, and I had goosebumps again. The voices of these young performers are so sincere. I have a bittersweet feeling. I try to understand why. I only have one answer: We, Ukrainians, have so many stories to tell, to show, and to sing. 

Yaryna, a member of the band, told the Kyiv Independent that their main goal is to make traditional Ukrainian culture popular among young people. This is a way to keep the culture alive because when we practice it, it continues to live.

Yaryna also said that the band takes part in charity projects to popularize Ukrainian culture among young people, especially teenagers. This year, they visited front-line towns together with the Voices of Children foundation, teaching children to sing and introducing them to Ukrainian traditions.

The group wanted to encourage children to take an interest in their own culture, namely, to sing carols, New Year’s songs (shchedrivky), and spring songs (vesnianky).

On a more personal note, when I was a child, my favorite times of the year were when we sang carols, New Year’s songs, and spring songs. We would gather with friends, and as soon as the sun went down, we would go around the village, come to every house, and sing, wishing the hosts happiness, health, and a good year. I was very lucky to grow up in a Ukrainian village and experience these traditions myself.

Before I say goodbye, let’s listen to one more song.

As you listen, imagine a village covered with snow and groups of children walking on peaceful streets: some laughing, some singing, some nervously rehearsing lyrics, some comparing who got more candy from the hosts.

And none of the children notice that their noses and feet are freezing — all they can think about is coming to the next house and sing.

The song is “To ne lastovka” which translates to “It’s not a swallow.” 

It’s a “shchedrivka,” sung on New Year’s Eve to wish the hosts prosperity, happiness, a good harvest, and health in the next year. Here are a few of the lyrics that I’ve translated into English for you — along with the context of Ukrainian traditions.

"It is not a swallow singing in the garden; a mother is sending her son to the army."I don’t know when this song first appeared, but probably a very long time ago. Yet time passes, and Ukrainian mothers still send their sons to war.

"Don’t go ahead of the army. Don’t stay behind. Stay in the middle of the army."The mother gives her son wise advice on how to behave in military service: Don’t rush to the front (not to take risks), don’t fall behind (not to be weak), but stay in a safe, balanced position — the “golden middle.” Even today, many mothers give simple but important advice to their children serving in the military: Dress warmly, be careful. They just want to help and care in any way they can.

"The son did not listen to his mother: He rides ahead of the army on his horse, and behind the army, he fights and slashes."The son ignores his mother’s advice and throws himself into the heat of the battle, showing courage.

"The king found out… ‘I would give him my daughter and even half the kingdom.’"The son’s bravery is rewarded, and the song ends happily.

ShchukaRyba is more than a band. It is a group of creative and dedicated people on a mission to preserve Ukrainian culture and traditions. Among its members are professional ethnologists and folklorists who have devoted much of their lives to researching Ukrainian culture and music.

They believe that traditions aren’t just a way to celebrate holidays, but are an essential part of our life and should be everyday rituals — something that is cherished and celebrated without a special occasion.

Thank you for joining me on this small journey into Ukrainian culture. I truly hope that these songs touched you and left a piece of the Ukrainian soul in your heart. If you want to hear more of ShchukaRyba, you can find them on Instagram, YouTube Music, Spotify, and Apple Music.