Ed Sheeran has worked with Ukrainian band Antytila To release a new version of their song “2Step”. Following the band’s request to attend the concert which recently feature the British songwriter was turned down.
The song was released on Monday along with a music video film in Kyiv and at a location in northeastern Ukraine. Where the band’s vocalist Taras Toplia works as a paramedic.
AnttilaAnttila is a pop-rock band whose latest album Millennial. He was release just days after war broke out in their home country.
Topolia told the news that the decision to voluntarily join the military. After Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 was “easy.”
“Although I have three children with my wife, who is very close to my heart. Even though my eldest son was born in America, he is an American citizen, despite all this, I have a basic understanding, a basic feeling that I am Ukrainian and if so my country is in danger, I have to protect my country and the future of my children, my wife, my family,” said Topolia.
When war broke out, his wife, children, and grandfather traveled to western Ukraine to distance themselves from the capital. But have since fled to New Jersey, living with Poplar’s mother and stepfather.
Poplar said knowing they were safe allow him to do his job “better.”
In March, the group’s communication with 31-year-old Sheeran and his team began. When Topolia and his colleagues asked TikTok to attend an upcoming charity concert to raise money for humanitarian aid in Ukraine.
The concert for Ukraine featured many artists, including Camilla Cabello, Snow Patrol, Emily Sande, and Sheeran.
The two-hour event raised $17.6 million for the Ukrainian DEC Committee on Humanitarian Appeals from sponsorship, advertising revenue, ticket sales, public donations, and Variety reports.
The group was denied its application because of its involvement in military efforts. And the organizers’ desire to avoid “any relationship with military officials of any kind,” organizers said in an earlier statement.
Topolia told news that while disappointed by the decision. They are grateful for the event’s efforts to increse money to help the Ukrainian people.
Sheeran saw Antytila’s video and responded publicly, thanking the group for reaching out to the Ukrainian people. Sharing their “love” for the Ukrainian people, and telling them that he lives with them and is proud to attend the recruiting event.