T-Fest (Kyrylo Nezboretskyi) is a Ukrainian rapper and songwriter. Born on 8 May 1997 in Chernivtsi, Ukraine. For a long time, he lived and worked in Russia and was signed to the Gazgolder music label, founded by Basta.
Listening to the old tracks of this artist on official streaming platforms, social media, and other services may indirectly contribute to financing the war — through royalties paid to Russian labels and distributors, which pay taxes to the budget of the Russian Federation.
T-Fest's stance on the war in Ukraine
Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, T-Fest unequivocally supported Ukrainians and took an explicit stance against the war.
Condemnation of Russian aggression
On 19 March 2022, the rapper condemned the regular missile strikes on Ukrainian cities and the deaths of peaceful civilians, writing on his Instagram account:
All the people who, thank God, are sitting in a safe place, monitoring the internet and trying to figure out who stands where. I am Ukrainian. What could my position possibly be? I stand for Ukraine. We have a war going on. Every day rockets are f**king pounding civilians
The artist expressed gratitude to all Ukrainian military personnel and volunteers who are helping to repel the occupiers' aggression:
Our doctors and Defenders who are on the territory of Ukraine are Heroes! Thank you to everyone who has helped and continues to help all this time. To our guys who have raised a huge amount of money for humanitarian aid. To the drivers who, risking their lives, deliver basic necessities to people!
T-Fest's anti-war posts on Instagram
Refusal to work in Russia and terminating contract with Gazgolder
T-Fest also terminated his contract with the Russian label Gazgolder and emphasized that all previously announced concerts across Russia were canceled:
To everyone asking how I'm doing in Moscow. I left Russia even before the war began. I am no longer a resident of the Gazgolder label, all concerts in Russia have been canceled. If other artists and I haven't recorded a video about our stance, that doesn't mean we aren't expressing it
Charity in support of Ukraine
Together with Face, "Poshlaya Molly", and other musicians, he took part in a series of charity concerts in support of Ukraine.
In August 2022, he transferred 102,000 hryvnias to the "Volunteer Movement of Bukovyna" foundation to support the Ukrainian population affected by the hostilities.
Creative work after leaving Russia
T-Fest lives in Europe and continues to pursue his creative career, releasing new hits.
After parting ways with Gazgolder, the rapper founded his own independent label, LEMNISKATA, under which he continued releasing new music.
In 2022, he debuted his first Ukrainian-language song "Dai meni zvyknuty" ("Let Me Get Used to It"), and in 2023, he released the Ukrainian-language track "Vechory" ("Evenings").
The artist faced criticism for continuing to write and speak in Russian, subsequently stating that he shifted toward doing charitable work without public fanfare or media attention.
Ties with the Russian media market
Despite breaking away from Gazgolder and halting live performances in Russia, T-Fest continues to collaborate with Russian musicians (Yasmi, OG Buda, Eldzhey, Friendly Thug 52 Ngg, etc.), as well as with Russian beatmakers and music labels. Russian still remains the primary language of his musical repertoire.
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