The full-scale invasion of Ukraine has reached a somber four-year milestone, leaving a trail of destruction and a testament to human endurance. For the global community, maintaining focus on this ongoing conflict is a challenge as news cycles shift and public attention wanes. Art and music have emerged as vital tools to bridge this gap, turning raw geopolitical struggle into emotional narratives that resonate across borders and languages.
Kelsie Kimberlin, a prominent American-Ukrainian singer, has dedicated her platform to ensuring the world does not forget the Ukrainian cause. Through her latest release, “Champ,” she provides a powerful tribute to the bravery of those defending their homeland. In this interview, Kimberlin discusses her creative process, the significance of releasing music on the anniversary of the war, and her mission to inspire global support for Ukraine.
Q: Your new song “Champ” was released on the fourth anniversary of the full-scale war; what specific message did you want to convey to the world on this particular date?
Kelsie Kimberlin:
I decided that it was important to release “Champ” on the fourth anniversary of the war to send the message that Ukraine is standing, fighting, and resisting despite tens of thousands of drone and missile attacks. The song is about never giving up no matter what the odds.
Q: The lyrics of “Champ” focus heavily on the concept of resilience and victory. Can you describe the creative inspiration behind the songwriting process for this track?
Kelsie Kimberlin:
Life in general is like a sport, and every person has to choose whether to stand up or lie down. We all have our ups and downs, but what distinguishes a winner from a loser is that the winner is resilient, while the loser gives up. Ukrainians have shown that they are winners of the highest order, and that is seen even in young athletes such as 16-year-old Mariia, the karate champion featured in the “Champ” music video.
Q: As an American-Ukrainian artist, how do you balance your dual identity to create music that appeals to both Western audiences and those directly affected by the war in Ukraine?
Kelsie Kimberlin:
When I was younger, I just wanted to be a pop singer. However, when the war in Ukraine started, and my countrymen were being killed, I knew I had to use my voice and my platform to help save lives there. So I began releasing songs and videos about the suffering of Ukrainians, most of which went viral. That said, I still release pop songs.
Q: Music has often been called a universal language. In what ways do you believe “Champ” can influence international public opinion and maintain support for the Ukrainian people?
Kelsie Kimberlin:
“Champ” has already made its mark with more than a million views, global radio play, and scores of rave reviews. This shows that people everywhere are responding to it. I have launched a campaign around the music video to raise funds to support the children of Ukrainian soldiers to participate in sports. It is called Ukrainian Champions, and people can learn more and donate here. https://ukrainianchampions.com/en/
Q: You have been a consistent voice for Ukraine throughout this conflict. How has your approach to music and activism evolved since the initial invasion four years ago?
Kelsie Kimberlin:
In 2022, President Zelensky asked me to use my influence to speak out in support of Ukraine. This was a real inspiration for me, so I dove in headfirst and made several trips to Ukraine to film a dozen music videos, some with support from the Armed Forces. I also spent a month there, including a week on the front line, filming a full-length movie about the death of my 21-year-old cousin. I am the only artist to be allowed to film along the front. The movie, called “The Last Message,” has become hugely popular with the global film festival circuit, receiving almost two dozen awards for Best Documentary over the past two months. The festivals’ laurels cover half of the film’s home page. https://thelastmessagemovie.com/
Q: Looking ahead, what role do you see art and culture playing in the eventual reconstruction and healing of the Ukrainian nation?
Kelsie Kimberlin:
My music has been a solace and an inspiration for Ukrainians, especially because I sing in English to an international audience. This has opened a window for that audience to see what is going on inside Ukraine. After Ukraine wins the war, music and art will play an even more important role as people return to normalcy and want to celebrate love and life.
This interview highlights the indispensable role of cultural diplomacy in times of crisis. By channeling the spirit of the Ukrainian people into a contemporary anthem, Kelsie Kimberlin demonstrates that music is more than entertainment; it is a vehicle for truth and a call to action. The discussion underscores the importance of staying engaged with the struggle for freedom and the power of a single voice to amplify the concerns of millions.
As the conflict continues, the integration of art and activism will remain a cornerstone of Ukrainian identity and international relations. Supporting artists who give a voice to the voiceless is essential for fostering global empathy and ensuring that justice remains a priority. Through her work, Kimberlin reminds us that while the road to peace is long, the spirit of a “champ” is never truly defeated.
Champ is available on all music platforms and the video is on YouTube at:
Champ: https://youtu.be/dO19HJGbh4o
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KelsieKimberlinofficial
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kelsiekimberlinofficial1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsiekimberlin/
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/kelsie-kimberlin
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kelsiekimberlin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KelsieKimberlin
Website: https://www.KelsieKimberlin.com
Foundation: https://www.KelsieKimberlinFoundation.org