In a win that underscores the rising influence of Ukrainian music on the European stage, the enigmatic artist known as Carpetman clinched the prestigious Music Moves Europe Award (MME Award) 2026. Announced on January 15 during the Eurosonic Noorderslag festival in Groningen, Netherlands, Carpetman was selected from 15 nominees from across the continent a remarkable achievement for an artist who blends performance art, choreography, and music into a truly singular persona.
What the Music Moves Europe Award Means
The Music Moves Europe Award isn’t just another accolade. It’s an EU-backed initiative designed to accelerate the international careers of emerging European artists. Formerly known as the European Border Breakers Award, the MME Award highlights musicians who have achieved cross-border success with their first internationally released album or project. The ceremony, traditionally held at Eurosonic Noorderslag, brings visibility and often tangible support — including performance opportunities and monetary prizes to winners.
A glance at past winners shows the award’s predictive power: artists like Dua Lipa, Christine and the Queens, Stromae, and ROSALÍA are part of the MME Awards alumni, illustrating how the prize can spotlight future global stars.
Carpetman: Between Mystery and Musical Innovation
Carpetman’s rise defies easy categorization. He began his solo journey in 2023, stepping away from previous projects to write his own lyrics, produce his music, and craft a performance identity that literally and figuratively stands out complete with signature choreography and an outfit woven with carpet patterns that masks his identity and fuels his mystique.
In his acceptance remarks, Carpetman said, “Feels unreal. Thankful for this sign along the way,” capturing both his humility and the significance of the moment.
According to reporting by Mezha, Carpetman also previously performed with Kalush Orchestra, the ensemble that won Eurovision 2022 with “Stefania.” His solo reach is significant: on Spotify, he’s built a strong following with tens of millions of streams on tracks like Feel So Cold, and his YouTube presence continues to grow.
Ukraine’s Growing Presence in European Music
Carpetman’s win is part of a broader wave of Ukrainian artists gaining recognition across Europe. Over recent years, alyona alyona, Alina Pash, and Jerry Heil have also been honored by the MME Awards, signaling sustained interest in Ukraine’s music scenes.
Notably, alyona alyona and Jerry Heil paired up for Eurovision Song Contest 2024 with Teresa & Maria, securing third place in the finals a result that drew international attention.
Electronic Recognition: Strong-Willed in Resident Advisor’s Top Tracks
Beyond Carpeman’s win, Ukrainian artists are also making waves in genre-specific arenas. The British outlet Resident Advisor recently released its list of the 200 best electronic tracks from 2000 to 2025. A notable inclusion at number 41 is Strong-Willed, a collaboration between vocalist Yana Pavlova and producer Pavel Milyakov, based on a survey of over 100 industry professionals.
This ranking highlights how Ukrainian contributions to electronic music have grown in stature, reflecting rich artistic diversity beyond pop and mainstream formats.
What This Win Signals for European Music
Here’s the thing: Carpetman’s award is more than a personal milestone. It’s a sign that European audiences and industry professionals are hungry for artists who blend cultural roots with inventive performance styles. The MME Award’s role isn’t just celebratory. It’s strategic: it gives artists a platform that starts careers rather than just acknowledges them.
For Ukrainian music specifically, this is a moment of affirmation amid a broader context of cultural resilience. Whether through pop, hip-hop, or electronic music, Ukrainian artists are increasingly part of the continental conversation and Carpetman’s success is a chapter in that story.