Standup concert. Zhoglo & Dzyunko

Vadym Dzyunko

Place of birth – Kvasyliv village (Ukraine)

Language – Ukrainian

Activities – stand-up comedian, podcaster

Creative path

Vadym Dzyunko is a Ukrainian stand-up comedian, a resident of STAND UP Battle Club. He has gained wide popularity and recognition over the past few years, when interest in Ukrainian culture has increased and domestic stand-up has begun to rapidly gain momentum. Although the artist began his journey in the comedy industry back in 2016. Later, Vadym joined the entertainment program on the radio station “FM Galicia”. Soon after the start of the full-scale war, the comedian, together with his colleagues from Stand Up Battle Club, launched the “Cultural Defense” project. As part of the current initiative, stand-up comedians hold two-hour performances, inviting famous guests and humorously commenting on events. Among the main goals is raising funds to support the Ukrainian army. Thanks to the project, the comedian’s channel is rapidly gaining popularity, and the number of subscribers has almost tripled.

Vadim Dzyunko worked on the morning entertainment show on the radio for a year. The project's repertoire included the section "Horoscopes", within which the comedian created humorous predictions for each zodiac sign. But with the beginning of the Great War, the artist realized that he could no longer just come to the studio and conduct conversations on various general topics as before. And since Vadim was convinced that he could contribute more to the success of the "Cultural Defense" project, he decided to leave his job at the radio station.

As a podcaster, Vadim Dzyunko interviews opinion leaders and famous media personalities. The host enjoys talking to guests because he likes to see how a person's emotional state changes after talking to him. According to Vadim, this process resembles a psychotherapy session. Since easy and casual questions create an atmosphere of openness, contributing to the sincerity of the interlocutor. According to the podcaster, it is precisely because of the simplicity of the questions that a person reveals himself much more deeply. Even if it seems paradoxical.

Comedian style and development

Working in the media benefited Vadym. The comedian recalls that it was much more difficult to improvise before. The comedian felt that he had potential. However, due to lack of experience and self-doubt, his performances did not always win the hearts of comedy fans. One of the unsuccessful attempts to improvise was related to a performance in the Galician League of KVK on the stage of the Lviv Dovzhenko Center. Vadym even decided to end his creative career. However, later, having accumulated experience and practical skills, he noticeably improved. Vadym developed a unique style, revealed his bright charisma to the audience, and established himself in the humorous genre.

Today, stand-up is the artist's main activity. Dzyunko gives solo concerts in Lviv and appears on stages in other cities as part of a tour with a team of fellow comedians. The comedian considers "Cultural Defense" to be exactly the project that takes place in modern Ukrainian realities. After all, if you joke now, then it will be for the benefit of the army and the people. Within the framework of the popular format, Vadym cheerfully plays up his own victories and defeats.

Social activity

The format of the Cultural Defense issues involves organizing collective fundraising to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine. However, Vadym notes, the audience always prefers specific goals. This can be fundraising to purchase a car, drones, ammunition, etc. If the amount is not enough, they organize an additional collection. But mostly they buy the necessary things right away to meet the urgent need. The producer of Cultural Defense suggested using methods to encourage donations. These are usually prizes. So once there was a raffle for a Real Madrid player Eden Hazard's T-shirt with the signatures of the football players. Exclusive things usually encourage people to make large contributions. For example, Oleksandr Usyk's gloves, received immediately after the fight with Anthony Joshua, aroused considerable interest.

Interesting facts about the artist:

• The talented comedian is realized not only in stand-up. The repertoire of the performer of his own jokes also includes songs. Among them are the hits "Autumn was created for us" and "Barefoot";
• When asked what he lacks in his work, Vadim answers: aggression;
• Taboo topics for Vadim's stand-up are war, death, and religion.