Russian Internet Censor Targets Belarusian Artist for Viral Song for Stray Animals

The power of music to captivate hearts has collided with political censorship in Russia, as the internet regulator Roskomnadzor has directed streaming platforms to restrict access to the music of Belarusian artist Ap$ent. This move comes in the wake of the viral spread of his 2022 track “Can I Come with You?” across Eastern Europe, particularly on TikTok.

The song, initially penned as a reflection of Ap$ent’s journey fleeing Belarus with his wife Maryia, unexpectedly found resonance among TikTok users who adopted it as the soundtrack for videos showcasing stray animal rescues. However, Roskomnadzor’s justification for the ban hinges on the vague notion of preventing the “destabilization of Russian society,” sparking speculation about the true motivations behind the censorship. Ap$ent, whose real name is Arseniy Kisliak, suspects his prior work with an anti-war theme may have made him a target. Nevertheless, the ban seems to have only amplified his fame, with many perceiving it as an endorsement of his artistic credibility.

In an interview with BBC Russian, Ap$ent clarified that his song was never intended as a commentary on Russian society as a whole, debunking accusations of generalization. Instead, it emerged from personal experiences, including the plight of stray animals and the emotional upheaval of leaving one’s homeland.

His journey as an artist has been marked by a blend of satire and social commentary, with hits like “The song of a jolly Belarusian” serving as reflections on the political climate in Belarus, particularly during the contentious presidential elections of 2020. Since fleeing Belarus amidst a crackdown on dissent, Ap$ent and Maryia have found refuge in Poland, where they plan to continue their advocacy, including establishing an animal rescue charity.

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