Approximately 100 Georgian musicians and music bands have announced their refusal to participate in state events as an act of protest. They condemn the violence against participants of pro-European demonstrations and believe it is their duty to refrain from using their resources to enhance the public image of the Georgian Dream party or to strengthen its position.
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"Art, by its very essence, has always been a symbol of freedom and self-expression; therefore, it cannot remain silent or constrained. Our role as musicians has always been, is, and will continue to be to convey the messages, emotions, and moods that resonate within our society.
The current situation in Georgia, where individuals are persecuted, beaten, and unlawfully detained daily for their commitment to freedom and the defense of a European future, demands our response.
In light of these events, our civic responsibility must take precedence over self-expression today. This responsibility must extend beyond protests at Rustaveli Avenue and translate into a broader general strike. Musicians, as recipients of the public’s goodwill and sympathy, are obliged not to use their resources to enhance the social image of the ruling party or to bolster its position. Additionally, state events are organized by an illegitimate government funded by a budget drawn from the very people risking their lives and freedoms to defend their homeland.
Therefore, we, the musicians, stand in protest against the illegitimate government and refuse to participate in any state-organized events.
We condemn the use of disproportionate and excessive force against protesters, looting, unlawful arrests, intimidation, and other criminal tactics employed by the ruling party to cling to power. We believe in your resilience and our collective strength. We believe we can restore Georgia to its rightful place on the historical Euro-Atlantic path. We believe we will win this fight with dignity and resolve," reads the manifesto released by the musicians.
As of now, 92 musicians and bands have signed the manifesto, including Nino Katamadze, Green Room, Tamada, Soft Eject, Maka Darsmelidze, Robi Kukhianidze & the group Outsider, Gamouvali Mdgomareoba, Killages, Mebo Nutsubidze, LOUDspeakers, and others.
