Ed Sheeran has collaborated with Ukrainian band Antylia on a new version of his 2step song.
(Picture: AFP via Getty Images)Ed Sheeran has collaborated with Ukrainian band Antytila for a reworked version of his single 2step, with the music video featuring footage from the frontline.
In the song, Antytila frontman Taras Topolia sings about his family’s experience of the first night of the war following Russia’s invasion: “The sirens interrupted our sleep, grabbed in two suitcases everything that is in the past, then go!”
Topolia, who has joined the military as a paramedic and is currently working on the frontline in Ukraine, told Associated Press: “I decided to explain in the lyrics how it was the first day of the war for me and for millions of Ukrainian people.”
The music video features clips of Topolia wearing his soldier uniform leaning on a military vehicle. Topolia said they filmed the clip in 10-15 minutes while driving between battle locations in Ukraine.
The singer turned soldier said the video highlights the “painful and difficult situation” in Ukraine.
In a statement on the collaboration, Topolia said: "Ed’s suggestion to work together is a manifestation of the genuine support for Ukraine, shown by the people of Great Britain during this war.
“Millions of people, not only in words but in concrete deeds, show how it really is to stand up for their principles, democracy and freedom and to give a hand to those who really need it.
“It seems like just a joint song, but how symbolic it is in fact.”
The original 2step video–featuring Lil Baby–was also filmed in Ukraine. It premiered on April 22 and currently has more than 12 million views.
The video opens with a message from Sheeran, who said: “I filmed the video for 2step in the city of Kyiv, Ukraine before the devastating acts of violence started to take place.
“It was my first time visiting the country and I felt so welcomed during my stay there - everyone from the production crew to the many people I met across my days off. Ukraine is a proud and resilient country and I’m grateful to have had the chance to film my video there.
“I stand with Ukraine and will be donating my record royalties from YouTube streams of the video to the DEC’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.”
