Jacek Kawalec apologizes to Zenon Martyniuk following disco polo parody

Singer Jacek Kawalec has issued a public apology to disco polo artist Zenon Martyniuk following a controversy involving a parody performance. During an appearance on Kuba Wojewódzki’s program, Kawalec addressed the dispute, which began when recordings of his solo concert surfaced showing him mocking Martyniuk’s vocal style and the disco polo genre.

Kawalec clarified that his performance was intended as a commentary on the disco polo phenomenon rather than a personal attack on Martyniuk. He noted that he had previously agreed to a proposal for the two artists to meet and resolve their differences during a concert, but indicated that Martyniuk ultimately withdrew from the idea.

The incident also led to professional fallout for Kawalec within the band Budka Suflera. Following the parody, band leader Tomasz Zeliszewski issued a public apology to Martyniuk, distancing the group from the performance. Kawalec subsequently left Budka Suflera, describing the move as a “low blow” and asserting that no one has the right to censor artistic expression.