Stefania (Kalush Orchestra)

The Ukrainian rap trio Kalush formed in 2019. They comprise rapper Oleh Psiuk, multi-instrumentalist Ihor Didenchuk, and producer/dancer KylymMen. Two years later, the group launched Kalush Orchestra with multi-instrumentalists Tymofii Muzychuk and Vitalii Duzhyk as additional members. Their side project focuses on hip-hop with folk motifs and elements from Ukrainian traditional music. Kalush Orchestra submitted their song "Stefania" for Vidbir, the February 12, 2022 Ukrainian national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest.

Only artists that had not entered the Russian annexed territory of Crimea without due permission could apply for Vidbir. Singer and rapper Alina Pash won, but afterwards, the Ukrainian broadcaster UA:PBC discovered she'd breached the rule barring competitors from having traveled to Crimea. Pash stood down and Kalush Orchestra, who'd placed second in Vidbir 2022, replaced her.

"Stefania" is an ode to Oleh Psiuk's mother. The rapper looks back nostalgically at how she used to care for him when he was a little boy. He considers the hardships she's endured and all she's done for him.