# Polish music industry disputes and controversies > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/polish-music-industry-disputes-and-controversies > Updated: 2026-09-11T13:22:51.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 6. Polish music figures continue to face scrutiny over various disputes and controversial performances. A central conflict involves vocalist Jacek Kawalec and the band Budka Suflera following a parody of disco polo singer Zenek Martyniuk. The parody, which included claims that Martyniuk performs with a muted microphone, led Martyniuk to characterize the act as defamation rather than satire, suggesting potential legal action to protect his professional credibility. While Budka Suflera leader Tomasz Zeliszewski issued an apology, Kawalec initially maintained his stance and refused to retract the performance. However, Kawalec later issued a public apology during an appearance on Kuba Wojewódzki’s program, clarifying that the performance was intended as a commentary on the disco polo phenomenon rather than a personal attack. Kawalec noted that while he had previously agreed to a proposal to resolve differences with Martyniuk during a concert, Martyniuk ultimately withdrew from the idea. The dispute resulted in professional fallout for Kawalec, who resigned from Budka Suflera. He described the situation as a ‘low blow’ and asserted that no one has the right to censor artistic expression. In an attempt to reconcile, Kawalec performed a modified version of the hit ‘Jolka, Jolka pamiętasz’ during a Radio ZET appearance. While Kawalec will fulfill remaining contractual obligations in Warsaw and Vilnius, the band has not officially named a successor, though Irena Michalska is handling lead vocals for the upcoming album ‘Judyta’. Separately, singer Skolim has faced backlash following a video showing him performing a song with sexual undertones while surrounded by young children. Experts have criticized the performance; psychologist Dorota Zawadzka noted that children can memorize and repeat vulgar lyrics without understanding the sexual context, while psychiatrist Mai Herman highlighted a trend of ‘pseudo kids friendly’ content containing themes of violence and aggression. ## Claims - Jacek Kawalec parodied disco-polo singer Zenon Martyniuk during a solo concert by imitating his voice and altering the lyrics to 'Przez twe oczy zielone'. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Kawalec suggested during the performance that Martyniuk uses playback during his shows. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Tomasz Zeliszewski, leader of Budka Suflera, issued a public apology to Zenon Martyniuk via the band's social media. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Zeliszewski acknowledged Martyniuk's massive fanbase and stated that such popularity deserves respect. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-11: Jacek Kawalec to leave Budka Suflera following parody controversy Vocalist Jacek Kawalec is leaving Budka Suflera after a dispute over a parody of Zenon Martyniuk. He will complete final shows in Poland and Lithuania before a successor is officially named. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jacek-kawalec-to-leave-budka-suflera-following-parody-controversy ### 2026-09-09: Jacek Kawalec apologizes to Zenon Martyniuk following disco polo parody Jacek Kawalec has apologized to Zenon Martyniuk for a disco polo parody that caused a public dispute and led to Kawalec's departure from the band Budka Suflera. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jacek-kawalec-apologizes-to-zenon-martyniuk-following-disco-polo-parody ### 2026-08-25: Zenek Martyniuk threatens legal action over Jacek Kawalec parody Zenek Martyniuk is considering legal action against Jacek Kawalec following a parody performance that Martyniuk claims constitutes defamation rather than satire. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zenek-martyniuk-threatens-legal-action-over-jacek-kawalec-parody ### 2026-08-22: Polish musicians face public scrutiny over controversial performances Polish musicians Skolim and Zenon Martyniuk face controversy: Skolim is criticized for performing suggestive lyrics around children, while Martyniuk threatens legal action against Jacek Kawalec for alleged slur 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/polish-musicians-face-public-scrutiny-over-controversial-performances ### 2026-08-17: Polish music figures embroiled in disputes and reality show controversies Polish music scene faces multiple controversies: Jacek Kawalec leaves Budka Suflera following a dispute over a Zenek Martyniuk parody, and Daniel Martyniuk reportedly exits a TTV reality show. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/budka-suflera-leader-apologizes-after-vocalist-parodies-zenon-martyniuk ### 2026-08-09: Polish hip-hop artists make headlines with controversies and personal milestones Polish hip-hop artists Sentino, Słoń, and KęKę make headlines: Sentino announces a distancing from the Polish market, Słoń jokes during a concert power outage, and KęKę competes in a national puzzle tournament. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/polish-hip-hop-artists-make-headlines-with-controversies-and-personal-milestones --- Cite as: Polish music industry disputes and controversies. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/polish-music-industry-disputes-and-controversies