Jah Wobble and The Ukrainians - Ukrainian National Anthem In Dub (feat. Jon Klein)
Music icon Jah Wobble and legendary British folk-punk outfit The Ukrainians have released the 'Ukrainian National Anthem In Dub', a truly unique and inspired version of the war-torn country's hymn, flavoured with Wobble's trademark dub sound. This project grew out of the desire to raise funds, as well as support and awareness for refugees fleeing the continuing conflict in Ukraine.
Produced, recorded, arranged and mixed by original Public Image Ltd. bassist Jah Wobble and former Siouxsie and The Banshees’ guitarist Jon Klein, the idea for the song emerged when Wobble’s bass tech suggested he do a collaboration with The Ukrainians, long-time purveyors of traditional Ukrainian music, heavily influenced by western post-punk.
The Ukrainians formed in 1990 following the success of the Wedding Present's 1989 Ukrainian John Peel Sessions (Ukrayinski Vystupy v Johna Peela), in which 3 of its members (Peter Solowka, Len Liggins and Roman Remeynes) took part. The first Western band to produce a video entirely in Eastern Europe in 1991, they've since released five studio albums, in addition to various live albums and EPs,
The band's current line-up is Len Liggins (lead vocal / violin), Peter Solowka (acoustic guitar / backing vocal), Paul Weatherhead (backing vocal / mandolin) and Stephen Tymruk (accordion).
Sales proceeds from the ‘Ukrainian National Anthem In Dub’ will be donated to two key charities that are aiding Ukrainian refugees forced to flee their homes. Namely, funds will go towards the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal and the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) Help Ukraine Emergency Appeal.
Jah Wobble explains, “I was introduced to Len from the Ukrainians by Mark my bass tech. I was very keen to help in any way that I could. So I enlisted the help of Jon Klein and Anthony Hopkins, who I run ‘Tuned in’ with. It’s a community music project based in the London Borough of Merton. We have built a recording studio there. Indeed, at the moment, Anthony is involved in the process of the settlement of Ukrainian refugees coming in to the borough. It was a lot of fun putting the track together. And well done to Len and the rest of the band for initiating this."
"We'd like to say a big thank you to Jah Wobble and Jon Klein for creating this fabulous track with us in order to raise much needed funds for Ukrainian refugees. Monies collected will buy provisions, medical aid and clothing for traumatised individuals and families whose situation is desperate beyond our understanding here in western Europe," says The Ukrainians' Len Liggins.
"It's important for us all to keep in mind too, that as reports of the invasion's progress slip down the priority list on the national news, a great deal of support will still be needed by these refugees on an ongoing basis. Please don't forget them just because you see less of them on your screens. Please continue to support them. The mass murders, cruel rapes and wanton destruction of Ukraine will continue while the TV cameras are pointing somewhere else."
‘Ukrainian National Anthem in Dub’ is available directly from the artists via Bandcamp (the quickest way to ensure timely support to Ukraine) and can also be found on other platforms at https://ffm.to/jahwobbleukrainians.
