Stary Olsa Band Refused National Music Award

They left their diploma on the porch of the Ministry of Culture.

The musicians of the Stary Olsa ethno-band refused the National Music Award in protest against the actions of the authorities. They brought the diploma and left it on the porch of the Ministry of Culture, Euroradio reports.

“After the state started open genocide of its people, we consider it a shame to have awards from such a state,” said the leader of the group, Zmitser Sasnouski.

The band was awarded the National Music Award “Lira” in 2012. Stary Olsa then received the award as the best ethno-folk band of the year.