About

2016’s BBC Introducing artist Sasha Ilyukevich & the Highly Skilled Migrants create an incomparable brew of post punk electric energy and folk lyricism. Ilyukevich writes songs in Russian to capture the essence of Eastern-Slavic heritage but also translates his lyrics to English to convey the ideas behind his songs and share the nuances of language and emotion. In his songs Sasha fuses Western and Eastern-Slavic sensibilities to bridge a historical divide and engage understanding between two cultures to reverse prejudice between East and West.

Sasha Ilyukevich has been creating music and performing for the past 10 years. His songs often interlace comment on political and social imbalances, particularly in the ex-USSR. Ilyukevich’s first album ‘Ha Numa’ was banned from radio play in Belarus due to its perceived political subversion. His music has received positive press support in the UK, including BBC World Service and New Statesman. In addition, Sasha Ilyukevich has a long history performing at ‘Dash Arts’ events, promoting international cultures in Britain. Last year his band was selected to play the BBC Introducing Stage at Latitude Festival, UK. In addition his songs have been streamed on BBC Late Junction and Tom Robinson Radio Shows.

“Wow…Sasha Ilyukevich & the Highly Skilled Migrants…They’re Something Else…and what a name!” – Max Reinhardt, Late Junction, BBC Radio 3
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****”A Genuine Individualist”**** – CEEL (CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPEAN LONDON REVIEW)
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“Utterly Compelling” – Morning Star (Socialist Daily Newspaper published in Great Britain)
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“Like Tolstoy fronting Black Sabbath” – by Dave Mcale