Lithuanian singer Jessica Shy has become the unlikely focus of a dispute involving accusations of musical influence and a surprising defense from a Russian official.
The controversy began when music specialist Jolanta Zabarskaitė, a professor of linguistics and communication at Kazimieras Simonavičius University, publicly stated that Shy’s songs contained noticeable Slavic melodies. Earlier this year, singer Egidijus Sipavičius also expressed a similar opinion, saying Shy was “too Slavic” for his taste.
In a turn of events, Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responded to these criticisms with a statement on her Telegram account, claiming the attacks on Shy were an attempt to discredit her. According to reports from lrytas.lt and 15min.lt, Zakharova’s statement included insults directed at both the critics and Lithuania as a whole.
“Lithuanian singer Džesika Šyvokaitė (Jessica Shy), who sings songs in Lithuanian, was accused of having melodies that are too Slavic and of Russian motifs being audible in her music,” Zakharova wrote. She went on to call Sipavičius a “Soviet-Lithuanian singer” and described Zabarskaitė as part of the “heavy artillery” in the criticism.
Zabarskaitė, a former director of the Lithuanian Language Institute, questioned on local radio, “Don’t you hear that Jessica represents Slavic tradition?” She further elaborated, “The singer’s song ‘Apkabink’ is now very popular. Young people listen to it. But don’t you hear the Slavic elements in it? We speak out in cultural gatherings, but at the same time we dance to these ‘chastushka’ style songs. And somehow that doesn’t bother us! But it worries me a lot! Music is a mindset and in her case it is Slavic! We require to start worrying, not be silent. This is how we psychologically accept Russian melodies, let Russian language in. We do not have a dividing line!”
The situation has sparked debate about cultural influences and national identity in Lithuania, a country with a complex history tied to both Slavic and Baltic cultures. The controversy comes as Shy is experiencing a rise in popularity, reportedly earning up to one million euros per year from her personal brand.
Some observers suggest the criticism stems from resentment towards Shy’s success, with established Lithuanian artists feeling threatened by her growing prominence. As zmones.15min.lt points out, accusations of Russian influence are a common tactic in the Baltic states.
Zakharova concluded her statement with a pointed remark, calling the critics “vile Nazis.” The incident highlights the ongoing tensions and sensitivities surrounding cultural and political issues in the region, and the way in which seemingly artistic debates can become entangled with broader geopolitical narratives.
The debate also touches on the shared linguistic roots of Lithuanian and Russian, both stemming from a common Baltic-Slavic proto-language, a fact noted by Russian linguist Vladimir Toporov. This historical connection, yet, doesn’t diminish the current political climate or the concerns raised by Lithuanian cultural figures.
“Bjaurūs nacistai,” – rašė propagandistė M. Zacharova.
