YAGODY

YAGODY is undoubtedly one of the most charismatic contemporary Ukrainian folk bands that has emerged in the past decade. Founded in Lviv, Ukraine, in 2016 by Zoryana Dybovska, YAGODY (meaning “berries”) is rooted in Ukrainian and Balkan musical traditions. However, the ensemble has created its own modern and gripping sound by showcasing theatrical singers supported by musicians playing on drums, percussion, guitar, bass, and accordion. From traveling across Eastern Europe, YAGODY is influenced by a diverse world of melodies, rhythms, and themes. A YAGODY performance is ritualistic and self-described as a musical trance based on the pulse of humanity.

In 2020, YAGODY released its debut self-titled album, which features 10 songs based on Ukrainian and foreign folk music along with a music video for the song “Kalyna-Malyna.” In 2021, a music video for the single “Zelena Lishchyna” was released, followed by “Divonko” in 2022. In 2023, the band created its first original song, “Tsunamia,” which was chosen as the national selection for Ukraine at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2024.

Performers

Zoryana Dybovska, vocals, singing bowl
Sofia Leshishak, vocals, djembe
Valeria Mocharska-Lyulchyk, vocals, percussion
Tatiana Voitov, vocals, bayan
Timur Gogitidze, percussion
Vadym Voitovych, bass

The views expressed by performers during this event are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Cleveland Museum of Art.