The Ukraine-Russia conflict haunts Awakenings now! Ukranian DJ Nastia has declared through her socials that she will not be performing at her upcoming set at Awakenings. She defended her stance stating she “can not play in the same line-up with Russians who are tolerant to war in Ukraine.” She didn’t identify anybody by name, but Nastia has been on the attack against Nina Kraviz for months now.
Nastia has been previously vocal of her criticism for Russian techno icon Nina Kraviz. Kraviz had adopted a neutral stance of relative silence on the Russian invasion of Ukraine in the form of a statement last month post backlash over her silence on the issue. Awakenings sees Kraviz perform this year.
Nastia claims that silence on the Russian actions is equivalent to supporting the cause of it. Without naming the Russians she was referring to, Nastia cites her position as a Ukrainian citizen as a priority. She justifies this position as more important than her business and career. Nastia had also stated that she had reinstated her fund for Ukraine campaign. This included donating the entire fees that she was supposed to earn from Awakenings to the cause.
Awakenings Festival is a techno music festival held in Spaarnwoude Houtrak, just outside of Amsterdam. It brings the biggest names to The Netherlands and also holds events all over the country. This ranges from the Dutch Capitals favourite Gashouder to the scenic forest setting Spaarnwoude. 2022 sees the likes of Jeff Mills, Amelie Lens, Hector Oaks, Floorplan and more perform.
Awakenings has not yet released an official statement on Nastia’s stand.
You can find Nastia’s full statement here.