Black Eyed Peas Embrace Ukraine With an Authentic Vyshyvanka

ZAGREB, Croatia – A memorable moment of music, culture, and solidarity unfolded backstage at the Black Eyed Peas’ concert in Zagreb on Friday, where Kyiv Post CEO Luc Chénier presented the Grammy Award-winning group with an authentic Ukrainian vyshyvanka – one of Ukraine’s most treasured national symbols.

The traditional embroidered shirt was offered as a gesture of appreciation and friendship, celebrating Ukraine’s rich cultural heritage and the resilience of its people.

Band members will.i.am, apl.de.ap, and Taboo warmly received the gift, taking time to admire the intricate embroidery and learn about the history and symbolism behind the vyshyvanka. As he accepted the shirt, apl.de.ap smiled, thanked Chénier, and proudly exclaimed, “Slava Ukraini!” (Glory to Ukraine).

Those gathered immediately responded with the traditional reply, “Heroiam Slava!” (Glory to the Heroes), creating a spontaneous and heartfelt moment that was captured on video.

“The vyshyvanka represents much more than clothing,” Chénier said. “It embodies generations of Ukrainian history, identity, resilience, and hope. Sharing it with artists whose music has inspired people around the world was a meaningful opportunity to celebrate Ukraine through culture.”

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Following the presentation, the band invited Chénier to watch the performance from the side of the stage as thousands of enthusiastic fans gathered at Lake Bundek for the Black Eyed Peas’ first-ever concert in Croatia and their only stop in the region during their current European tour.

For Ukrainians around the world, the exchange served as a reminder that support for Ukraine is expressed not only through politics and diplomacy, but also through culture, music, and personal connections.

A simple embroidered shirt became a symbol of friendship, while the exchange of “Slava Ukraini!” and “Heroiam Slava!” reflected a shared respect for a nation that continues to defend its freedom and identity.

For a few memorable moments backstage in Zagreb, music became a bridge between cultures. The Black Eyed Peas left with an authentic piece of Ukrainian heritage, and Ukraine gained three more friends proudly embracing one of its most enduring symbols.