The video for Astemir Apanasov’s song “Bella Ciao” (KAVKAZ MIX - Bella Ciao) has already received more than 1000 views on YouTube
The popularity of the track is growing every day, and in order to discuss this, as well as talk about the artist's creative plans, we met with Astemir in Nalchik.
— Tell us how the idea of the “Bella Ciao” project was born?
— Inspired by the Spanish series “Paper Heist,” where the song “Bella Ciao” is the leitmotif, I, as a Caucasian artist with a Lezginka constantly “playing” inside me, decided to make an appropriate version of this song. There are about 7000 covers on digital platforms - an incredible number of people performed the composition! Therefore, when haters write “the original version is better!” (laughs), I always wonder what they mean when they say “original”? Because he doesn't exist!
Originally, it was a song by women who worked in the rice fields in Italy. Over time, the text changed, it became popular for partisan movements. But even in this case it was re-sung many times, so the original version is unknown.
The Caucasian peoples also waged a partisan war against fascism in the Caucasus mountains for several months, just like the Italian peoples in the mountains of Italy. There are connections and logic here.
Overalls are the uniform of any well-coordinated team. Red color - like that of firefighters and rescuers, symbolizes masculinity and dedication. Salvador Dali's masks hint that we are all artists, people of art, and the musical instruments in the video symbolize that art is the most effective weapon in our time. With the help of these tools we fight nationalism, fascism, any manifestation of intolerance and any kind of hatred. The fact that I sang in different languages is also part of this paradigm, and people of different nationalities participated in the project. Friendly team, family atmosphere. After all, we all live on the same territory, as one people.
— What feedback do you hear most often about the project?
— My subscribers are adequate, kind, well-mannered people and there was no negativity. It was from commentators on third-party public pages and was more often due to the fact that not all people have seen the series “Money Heist”; not everyone recognizes Salvador Dali in our masks. Some people think that this is just some scary face and write: “Why dance national dances in these ugly masks?”, “What kind of overalls?”, “This is all off topic!” There are always dissatisfied people who pour out their negativity in the comments. But in order for anyone to be directly surprised, this did not happen. I know an audience that always criticizes everything - very conservative, degrading, striving for a primitive state.
I strive to develop, create something new, keep up with the times. No vulgarity, obscene words, not calling for something bad. I call for unification, friendship, respect for each other. And I think that most people notice and feel it. It is very nice.
— Tell us about your creative plans related to the project.
— There is an idea to make a show, the musical program of which will be based on “Bella Ciao.” I have already ordered more costumes, I am thinking through the concept and, as soon as they give permission to hold mass events in Nalchik and Moscow, I will hold concerts.
— People, especially now, need positive emotions. Although television diligently saturates people with negativity. If you suddenly became the director of Channel One, what programs would you cancel first?
- Political. It seems to me that it is from them that the most negativity comes, and this affects the people’s psyche. In Russia, the people are somewhat embittered and aggressive, especially towards foreigners, because we are told that there are enemies all around, but we want to have friends all around. After all, Americans or Europeans, for the most part, are kind people and have a very positive attitude towards our country. But, instead of movements towards the unification of peoples, the emphasis is only on politics, only on the bad.
Therefore, if I were the head of Channel One, I would remove all the negative, dirt, programs about maniacs, violence, DNA tests and so on. I want something positive. During the pandemic, many have lost loved ones and acquaintances. Everyone was touched by this problem. But if we also “finish off” them from television, then this will ruin every mood in the country.
— Every year you fly to New Jersey with a concert for the Circassian diaspora. Was it possible to do this last year or did border closures prevent you from doing so?
— Yes, since 2015 I have been going there, and then for a month to visit friends in California. I relax, walk, shoot various videos. Last year we managed to fly, but this year we haven’t. I now have a lot of financial responsibility: implementing new ideas, releasing my products, caring for my family and parents. I am also doing renovations in my apartment in Nalchik. That's why I'm not planning any trips yet.
— You bought an apartment here, do you plan to live here?
— No, I am registered in Moscow and live mainly there. But during the pandemic I ended up in Nalchik and got “stuck” here. Now I’m renting an apartment, and I’m doing renovations in mine.
— What did you do during the pandemic?
- I had such pleasure! Alone, 4 months in a room, studying music and creativity. I spent quarantine with great pleasure, communicating with people on the Internet and broadcasting. I organized my show on the Internet and invited artists. I had about 80 guests online. We sang, joked, played games, I liked it. Therefore, in my free time, when I am not in Moscow, I gladly come here alone.
— It’s good that quarantine was easy and fruitful for you. We hope that this year the situation will stabilize and life will become even easier. What would you like to wish your listeners in 2021?
— I congratulate everyone on the upcoming New Year and wish that our loved ones will be with us for as long as possible, in good health. Take care of yourself, please take precautions, but don’t forget to enjoy life. After all, as the pandemic has shown, life is very fragile, and sometimes very short. Therefore, enjoy every day, spend time with your family, listen to music, have fun! Best wishes!
- Share:
- 0
