All profits from the release will go to Legacy of War Foundation, supporting those affected by the ongoing war against Ukraine.
Massive Attack’s Robert ‘3D’ Del Naja has teamed up with Slava Vakarchuk – known as the frontman of Ukrainian rock band Okean Elzy – to release a remix of the Ukrainian artist’s track. Obiymiy (Legacy of War Mix) was reworked by Del Naja and Euan Dickinson last March and is out now via the Massive Attack co-founder’s label Battle Box.
The release is in support of civilians impacted by the continued conflict in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion of the country on 24 February 2022. Profits from Obiymiy (Legacy of War Mix) will be donated to Legacy of War Foundation – an international charity providing support to civilians affected by conflict. The charity was founded by photographer, writer and campaigner Giles Duley, who is also a UN Global Advocate. Legacy of War will also be partnering with United24, a global initiative to support Ukraine launched last May by Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Speaking on the collaboration with Vakarchuk, Del Naja said, “I first met Slava in Kyiv in 2018 when we played in Kyiv, and we re-established contact when the invasion began. I returned to Ukraine with Giles Duley last year to see for myself the destruction inflicted on Kyiv and its suburbs during a year of
Russian military aggression. The primary intention of this collaboration is to express an act of civil solidarity with the people of Ukraine and offer material aid to those most in need.”
“It’s a great privilege for me to be a part of this project,” Vakarchuk said in a statement alongside the release. “I use every opportunity to raise funds for Ukrainians who are in need during these hard times and to spread the word about the terrible war to the people of the world. Being a huge fan of Massive Attack I am extremely happy that Rob Del Naja and his team created this great version of Obiymy. Many versions and remixes had been made before but this one stands special for me.”
A video collage has also been shared accompanying the track, made up of footage captured by Duley and Vakarchuk during the war in Ukraine. A vinyl of the track will be released in April which will also feature B-side Field Recordings/2022. Head here to pre-order the vinyl and listen to Obiymiy (Legacy of War Mix) below.
