At the grand closing ceremony of the 4th International Music Festival Meikin Asia, held in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, the People’s Artist of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, Dimash Qudaibergen, appeared as a special guest.

For the fourth year in a row, the vibrant July sun brought together talented young musicians on the shores of the pearl of Asia Lake Issyk-Kul. This year, 25 contestants from Europe, Asia, and South America gathered in Kyrgyzstan to showcase their talent, immerse themselves in the national musical traditions of different countries, and compete for the coveted Grand Prix – one of the most prestigious awards among Eurasian music festivals. Representing Kazakhstan was singer Bekzhan Kairatuly.

The first day of competition was dedicated to the cultural traditions of the participating countries, with performances in native languages. On the second day, the festival’s international spirit shone through as artists performed songs in various world languages.

The esteemed jury, composed of renowned music professionals from seven countries, was also supported by the audience, who took part in online voting to support their favorite performers.

The Grand Prix of the 4th Meikin Asia Festival was awarded to Maria-Diana Stînculea from Romania.

Throughout the three days of open-air concerts, not only contestants but also guest performers graced the stage. Among them were Kyrgyz stars such as Jyldyz Idirisova, Bayastan, and the trio Nomad, along with international artists including Russian singer Sevak Khanagyan, the band Ai Yola, and performers from Mongolia’s State National Orchestra and National Arts Theater.

Dimash Qudaibergen, the first-ever Grand Prix winner of Meikin Asia back in 2013, returned to the festival as a special guest to honor an event that played a significant role at the start of his career.

Twelve years have passed since the young Kazakh artist captivated the jury with his rendition of the traditional Kazakh folk song Daididau — a performance that went on to resonate around the world.

In the years that followed, Dimash appeared at the second Meikin Asia festival in 2015, performing Jamaica and Daididau, and later made a virtual appearance in 2023 with Qairan Elim.

On July 22, at the 4th edition of the festival, Dimash delivered a full-length program accompanied by master instrumentalists Temirlan Olzhabay, Yernat Nauryz, Mansur Qudaibergen, and the DQ-band dance crew.

The audience was treated to Dimash’s signature blend of melodies and rhythms: from folk songs given new life through rich arrangements like Durdаraz and this summer’s hit Tау ішінде, to fan-favorite classics by maestro Igor Krutoy such as Stranger and Lyubov ustavshikh lebedey. The show also featured festival-ready tracks like Dimash’s collaboration with Turkish DJ Burak Yeter, Weekend, and his original composition Give Me Your Love. The deep cultural resonance of the dombyra shone in stirring instrumental pieces Adai and Bastau, electrifying the hearts of thousands.

Dimash expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the festival hosts and affirmed that the strong bond of friendship between the Kazakh and Kyrgyz peoples has always existed and always will.

GALLERY