Apoya a Nadeya

Hi everyone,

If you’re here, you probably know a little about my story. Busking has been more than just a way to chase my dreams—it has *been* the dream itself. Thanks to the money I’ve earned playing on the streets, I’ve been able to make a living, afford my equipment, and build a life around music. But what’s truly priceless are the moments we’ve shared—when strangers connect through music, when we feel something bigger than ourselves.

If you’ve followed my journey, you also know about the struggles street musicians face, especially here in Lisbon. Over the past months, I’ve spoken out about the harsh treatment we endure from municipal authorities, trying to make a change for myself and others. Three months ago, after losing my gear during one of these incidents, I decided to leave Lisbon, to travel, grow, and find new opportunities with my violin.

But now, I’m back in Lisbon. I returned to play a gig and, most importantly, to meet with the mayor’s advisor for culture. The meeting gave me so much hope—they had no idea how we were being treated, and it felt meaningful to stand up for our rights and our freedom to create.

And then, fate took a cruel turn. Two days ago, as the sun set beautifully over the river, I decided to play for just a little while on the street. After about 20 minutes, I stopped, noticing one of those vans that hunt for street musicians. I packed up my things, but the same officers who confiscated my equipment three months ago appeared. They didn’t hear me play this time, but that didn’t matter. With satisfaction, they told me, “This time will be different. You’ll lose everything.”

And they took it all—everything I worked for last year, gone in two minutes.

Today, I have a bus ticket to Madrid. My plan was to travel through Spain for the next two months, busking, then take a DJ course in London in late January, and grow as an artist this year. But this loss has set me back in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

I’ve never done anything like this before, but this situation has hit me hard. Next week is my birthday, and I’ve decided to start a fundraiser on GoFundMe. I’m asking for your help to cover the fine of €150 and the cost of my lost equipment, which is €1,150. If by some miracle I recover my gear, I promise to pay it forward by donating a new amp to someone starting their own busking journey.

Every donation, every share, every kind word means the world to me.

Thank you for believing in me, for supporting my story, and for being here.

With love,

Nadeya