Kathrine Frich
Authoritarian systems have long relied on culture to sell power.
In modern Russia, pop music, celebrity and censorship are increasingly fused into a single political tool, aimed at shaping public opinion and rallying support for the war in Ukraine, especially among younger audiences.
At the centre of this strategy is a new generation of Kremlin-aligned performers and officials who openly promote the conflict and benefit from their loyalty.
A manufactured star
One of the most prominent figures is Yaroslav Dronov, a 33-year-old singer better known by his stage name Shaman.
He has risen rapidly to fame after embracing overtly pro-Kremlin messaging and performing at events celebrating Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Shaman has appeared alongside Vladimir Putin at public rallies and performed for Russian troops in occupied Ukrainian territories.
One of his songs, released on the eve of the 2022 invasion, features nationalistic lyrics praising military sacrifice, including the line:
“Remember all those who were lost in this fire, who were willing to die for freedom.”
Celebrity and control
According to John Foreman, a former UK defence attaché to Russia, the Kremlin’s reliance on celebrities reflects a deeper problem.
“Why do dictators use celebrities? The Soviets did the same as well, it’s because they lack legitimacy,” he told The Sun.
“They need celebrities, entertainers, sports stars, pop musicians, cultural figures, opera singers, and even Westerners to sort of burnish their popularity.”
Foreman added: “Therefore the public go: ‘Well, if Shaman likes Putin, then that must be a good thing.’”
Power couple
Shaman’s political standing was further cemented when he married Ekaterina Mizulina, head of Russia’s so-called Safe Internet League, in November.
The ceremony took place in occupied Donetsk, with images showing the couple dressed in military-style clothing.
Mizulina, often referred to by critics as the “Queen of censorship”, is known for filing complaints against journalists, musicians and bloggers accused of opposing the war or promoting “non-traditional” values.
Many of those targeted have been forced into public apologies or faced criminal cases.
Foreman described the pair as “symbols of the degenerate, corrupt, and fascist modern Russia”, adding: “They wouldn’t be out of place in Berlin in the 1940s.”
Disposable loyalty
Despite his prominence, Foreman believes Shaman’s position is precarious.
“He’s just an instrument for the Kremlin, and he’ll be dropped as soon as they don’t need them anymore,” he said.
Foreman compared the singer’s trajectory to other once-useful Kremlin figures, arguing that loyalty offers visibility but no long-term security.
Sources: The Sun
