Ukrainian pop duo Potap and Nastya trade Russian fame for U.S. bar gigs
Ukrainian music duo Potap and Nastya, once popular in Russia, now perform in bars across the U.S. after announcing they would never return to Russia following the special military operation in Ukraine. Their decision has led to a decline in their careers and earnings.
Before the annexation of Crimea, Potap and Nastya were prominent in Russia. However, they stopped touring there after condemning the actions of Russian authorities in Ukraine. This year, they visited cities like New York, San Francisco, and Boston for concerts, earning less than $10,000 per performance. Potap gave six concerts, while Nastya performed in three. Despite their reduced earnings, Nastya has expressed willingness to sing in Russian for audiences outside Russia for 5 million rubles.
Their prolonged absence from Ukraine has sparked criticism from some compatriots. The duo initially emigrated to Spain before moving to the United States. Potap announced their decision to never perform in Russia again, marking a significant shift in their career trajectory.
Potap and Nastya's decision to never perform in Russia again has led them to earn a living in U.S. bars. Despite the decline in earnings, they continue to make music and engage with audiences outside Russia. Their willingness to perform in Russian for international audiences highlights their commitment to their craft and fans.
