Dakh Daughters' Emotional Tribute: A New Song Honors Lost Poet

When art meets tragedy, the result can be profoundly moving. This is precisely what happened when Ukrainian freak-cabaret band Dakh Daughters released their poignant new song "Povernennia" on YouTube, inspired by the work of the late poet Viktoriia Amelina.

A Heartfelt Dedication

The band dedicated this powerful track to the youth of New York in Donetsk region, abducted children, and displaced persons. Dakh Daughters were deeply inspired by Amelina's poem, "A Story for Return, " crafting a demo of the song in just one day. Tragically, Amelina, who was not only a poet but also an activist, passed away on July 1, 2023, from injuries sustained during the shelling of Kramatorsk.

"We fell in love with Viktoriia Amelina's poem and consider it an honor to carry her incredibly strong poetry through the years, " the band shared. "We wished she could have heard the song…"

Addressing Urgent Issues

More than a tribute, the song also raises awareness about the abductions of children by Russian forces during the occupation of Ukrainian territories. "Together with our mentor and director Vlad Troitskyi, we decided on the themes for future songs. He suggested addressing the issue of children abducted by Russia, as it remains alarmingly relevant, " the band explained.

According to open sources, at least 20, 000 Ukrainian children have been illegally deported by Russia. A staggering 5 million people have become internally displaced due to the war. The urgency and emotions behind these numbers pushed the band to unanimously decide to amplify this horror to international audiences.

A Legacy of Impact

The song "Povernennia" is more than a musical piece; it is a cry for justice and a testament to art's power to transcend tragedy. This release by Dakh Daughters holds potential to not only resonate on an emotional level but also act as a catalyst for raising international awareness about the dire situation in Ukraine. Through their music, the group continues to honor Amelina's legacy, creating a bridge between poetry and humanitarian advocacy.

Editor: Emiliia Morozova