Belarus blacklist swells to 179 artists in sweeping 2026 cultural crackdown
Belarus has expanded its blacklist of banned artists to 179 entries as of early 2026. The list now includes prominent Russian and Belarusian musicians, TV personalities, and independent acts. Among the new additions are both supporters and critics of the Kremlin, alongside well-known performers from Ukraine.
The blacklist was first introduced in 2020 with 87 names. By 2023, it had grown steadily, reaching 160 entries in January 2026 before climbing to its current total.
Russian artists now on the list include singers Nikolai Baskov, Slava, and Anzhelika Varum, as well as bands like Bratya Grimm, Gradusy, and Kar-Men. Rappers GONE.Fludd and L'One have also been added, alongside TV personalities Ivan Urgant and Ksenia Sobchak. The Kristovsky brothers of Uma2rman, Roman Zver and his band Zvery, and Garik Sukachov appear twice—once as a solo act and again with Park Gorkogo. From Belarus, the list features groups such as Lyapis Trubetskoy, Kramambuly, and N.R.M., along with solo artists like Neira Dyubel, NaviBand, and LiteSound. Independent projects, including Radiyogramma, Discowox, and Halt, have also been banned. Notably, Belarusian band Dai Dai Dorogu! was removed from the list in the latest update. Ukrainian rapper Alyona Alyona, listed under her real name Alena Savranenko, is another recent addition.
The expanded blacklist now covers a wide range of artists, from mainstream performers to underground acts. It reflects a mix of political stances, with both pro-war figures and Kremlin critics included. The total number of banned names now stands at 179.
