On December 9, 2025, Dimash Qudaibergen arrived in Riga, where his solo concert “Stranger” will take place three days later.

As always, Dimash’s fans warmly greeted him at the airport and presented him with a traditional Latvian musical instrument — the kokle.

The kokle is an ancient instrument believed by scholars to date back to the Baltic tribes. By the 13th century, there was already a social class of musicians who played it professionally.

The instrument has a hollow trapezoid-shaped body and a thin wooden soundboard. A narrow metal rod holds wooden tuning pegs, to which 6 to 9 strings are traditionally attached, though modern versions may have up to 20.
Many legends are associated with the kokle, and it is frequently mentioned in folktales and epics. The kokle is included in Latvia’s official cultural canon.

Members of Dimash’s Latvian fan club, the Dears, shared that the kokle is treated with great tenderness in Latvian tradition — almost like a child — which is why it is customary to present it wrapped in a knitted blanket or throw.