Honoring People’s Artist of Uzbekistan Farrukh Zakirov

A ceremonial event marking the 80th anniversary of the outstanding representative of national popular music, People’s Artist of Uzbekistan Farrukh Zakirov, was held at the Kuksaroy Residence, with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in attendance.

The event was attended by state and public figures, representatives of culture and the arts, the creative intelligentsia, the general public, and members of the “Yalla” ensemble.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Head of State warmly congratulated Farrukh Zakirov on his anniversary, wishing him good health, family well-being, and further creative achievements.

As noted, the Zakirov dynasty has made an invaluable contribution to the development of national musical and vocal art for many years. The creative school founded by People’s Artist of Uzbekistan Karim Zakirov, along with the rich legacy of Botir Zakirov – one of the founders of national Uzbek popular music – is rightly regarded as a great spiritual heritage of our people.

It was emphasized that cases in which an entire family or a whole generation dedicates its life to the development of art and culture are extremely rare. Farrukh Zakirov, worthy of continuing these great traditions, has elevated national popular music to a new level.

Farrukh Zakirov is a beloved artist not only of our people but also of the entire Central Asia, the countries of the Commonwealth, and the Turkic world. It was noted that, in addition to the honorary titles of People’s Artist of Uzbekistan and Karakalpakstan, he has been awarded the high titles of People’s Artist of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Azerbaijan, as well as Tatarstan, Bashkortostan, and Ingushetia, which serves as a clear testament to the high recognition of his creative activity.

Today, the name of Farrukh Zakirov is inextricably linked with the “Yalla” ensemble, and “Yalla” with the image of Farrukh Zakirov himself. For 55 years, this renowned group has performed wonderful songs not only in the country but also on prestigious world stages, winning the love of millions of fans. By laying the foundations of collective pop performance, the “Yalla” ensemble opened a new chapter in the history of art and culture in Uzbekistan. Today, it is impossible to imagine national celebrations, important events, and significant dates without songs performed by this ensemble.

The evening also highlighted the many years of fruitful creative work by the members of the “Yalla ensemble” – Javlon Tukhtayev, Abbos Aliyev, Temur Khalikov, and Igor Khalikov.

As emphasized, more than 400 songs performed by the “Yalla” ensemble, embodying the national spirit and distinctive melody, have become genuine examples of folk art and have entered the golden fund of our culture. Songs such as “Yallama Yorim”, “Yol Bo’lsin”, “Handalak”, “Majnuntol”, and “Kelibdi”, as well as works like “Choykhona” and “Sumalak”, celebrate national values, while compositions such as “Toshkentim Onam”, “Uchquduq”, and “Shakhrisabz” have widely glorified the unique corners of the country around the world.

The Head of State also noted Farrukh Zakirov’s active participation in the country’s social and cultural life, emphasizing that his mentorship and support for hundreds of young performers on their path to the big stage serve as a true example for all. Within the framework of major projects such as The Voice, he imparts the foundations of art and stage culture to new talent.

It was emphasized that the established cooperation with creative figures in the region serves as a spiritual bridge between people. It was also noted that the state will continue to support international creative projects and new works by such masters of art as Farrukh Zakirov.

At the ceremonial event, it was announced that, to duly recognize the many years of fruitful work by Farrukh Zakirov and his selfless contributions to the development of national culture and art, the President signed a decree and a resolution.

In particular, Children’s Music and Art School No. 7 in Yashnabad district of the capital will be named after Farrukh Zakirov.

At this school, a children’s ensemble “Yalla”, a creative laboratory for youth, as well as modern sound and video recording studios, will be established. Building on the “mentor – student” tradition, performance-mastery classes in the pop genre will be launched, and salary bonuses will be introduced for master mentors. Special opportunities will be created for top students to enroll in specialized institutions of art and culture. Each year, talented students from across the country will have the opportunity to improve their skills at this school. Gifted students, together with their mentors, will be sent to prestigious international competitions and duly rewarded with budgetary funds.

Confidence was expressed that this educational institution will become one of the most exemplary in the country and will contribute to the preservation and transmission of the invaluable creative heritage of the Zakirov dynasty to future generations.

At the ceremonial event, in recognition of his many years of outstanding service in developing national art and culture, the President awarded Farrukh Zakirov the “Buyuk Khizmatlari Uchun” Order.

UzA