Music icon Jah Wobble and legendary British folk-punk outfit The Ukrainians have teamed up to release 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.
Disasters Emergency Committeewww.dec.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal
Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain www.gofundme.com/f/helpukraine
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 into 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 out now, 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. If you absolutely must resort to using Spotify, please add this song to your own respective playlists to amplify this music and its message even further https://open.spotify.com/track/4fWvk8CXwi2Lw8cwtlOrtG
LYRICS
Ukraine’s glory has not perished, nor her freedom gone
Our strong people, once again, fate will smile upon
All our enemies will soon disappear like dew in the sun
Then, once more will we be free, in the land we call our own
Body and soul we will lay down for our freedom
And the world will know that we are people of the Kozak nation
CREDITS
Produced by Jah Wobble and Jon Klein
Mixed and arranged by Jon Klein
Jah Wobble – bass
Jon Klein – guitar, keys and programming
‘The Legendary’ Len Liggins – lead vocal, backing vocal, violin
Peter Solowka – acoustic guitar, backing vocal
Paul Weatherhead – backing vocal, mandolin
Stephen ‘Mr Steff’ Tymruk – accordion
Jah Wobble cover photo by Paul Cliff
Video by Jon Klein and Rebecca Walkley; editing by Jon Klein
