On September 13 and 14, Dimash Qudaibergen held two solo concerts in Kazakhstan’s capital. Initially, only one concert was planned, but due to the rapid ticket sales, a second show was added. Both evenings were sold out.

The show, part of the “Stranger” world tour, became a true musical spectacle, where each song was a standalone performance. The concert program included the premiere of a new song, and video prologues featuring Dimash unveiled a new storyline. The artist embarked on a quest for magical crystals that transported the audience to different eras and worlds. This narrative was accompanied by new handmade costumes, created specifically for the Astana concerts.

The concerts featured a performance by the Presidential Orchestra of the State Security Service of the Republic of Kazakhstan, conducted by Darkhan Rakhimgaliev, and the choir of the Kazakh National University of Arts, adding a fresh sound to the program.

For the first time in Dimash’s solo concerts, the National Anthem of the Republic of Kazakhstan was performed by both the artist and the entire audience.

On behalf of the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Dimash was presented with a bouquet and congratulated on the success of his concerts in Astana.

More than 10,000 foreign fans from 80 countries attended the concerts. A team of over 200 professionals worked on organizing the event, and an international group of more than 350 performers, including dancers, musicians, and singers from Kazakhstan, China, Russia, Ukraine, Cameroon, Ghana, Uganda, Mexico, Spain, and Kenya, performed alongside Dimash. This highlighted the global nature of the event, uniting people from around the world in a celebration of music and culture.

The concert performances were breathtaking in their scale and creativity. One of the most memorable moments was Dimash’s dramatic entrance from the arena’s dome, soaring in a flowing cape during the performance of the title song, “Golden.” The second song, his original piece “Smoke,” elevated the energy in the hall to new heights.

The cantata “Olimpico” was presented in a new format, performed by Dimash alongside 40 dancers with drums from the dance groups “Naz,” “Gulder,” and “Bіrlіk.” The journey continued with “Battle of Memory.”

The Stranger’s path led him to a crystal found in a cave, transporting the audience to “Ave Maria,” where an Angel and a Demon, portrayed by aerial gymnasts, told the eternal story without words. Continuing the sacred theme, “Love of Tired Swans” unfolded across the arena as an aerial dancer spun in a whirlwind of motion. To the surprise of the audience, during the final vocalization, Dimash ascended to the arena’s ceiling alongside the dancer.

No solo concert of the Kazakh artist is complete without a song in French, which has played a significant role in his career. The audience erupted with applause at the first notes of “SOS d’un terrien en détresse.” Immediately after, as a Goodwill Ambassador for the International Organization for Migration in Asia, Dimash addressed the audience with a brief speech in English, raising awareness of migrant issues.

“Unforgettable Day” one of his earliest original songs, was performed as Dimash moved across the large stage, engaging the audience in a collective performance. Fans throughout the show sang along to their favorites, such as “Makhabat ber magan” and “Daididau” eagerly participating in the vocal exercises.

After performing “Give Me Your Love” and “Be With Me” in a dance routine with the DQ dance team, Dimash disappeared into the depths of the stage, while the Stranger led the audience to the next crystal, opening a journey into the world of the dombyra.

A beautiful legend about the ancient Kazakh instrument erupted in a powerful burst of instruments and emotions through the “Aday” kyui, performed by Dimash alongside dombrists Yernat Nauryz and Temirlan Olzhabay. The theme of collaboration continued with Abilmansur Kudaibergen’s original song “Together.”

Next, the premiere of Dimash’s original composition “Fire” in a heavy rock style echoed through the arena:

I have a fire in my eyes, but can you see the real me?
I have desire in my heart, but can I truly be free?
I want to show you
But can you take it?

This new song was conceptualized and composed by Dimash, with lyrics by Reese Morgan. Dimash co-produced the song with Dmytro Gordon, who was also the song’s arranger, orchestrator, and recording engineer. The two began their creative collaboration over a year ago and completed the song mere weeks before the September 13, 2024, premiere.

More surprises awaited the audience. During the performance of “Weekend,” Dimash rode through the crowd on the hood of a buggy, singing as he crossed the arena and eventually returned to the stage.

As the next act began, the Stranger dived into the depths of the sea, opening a new chapter in the ancient story of the kobyz. Olzhas Qurmanbek, the lead soloist of “Stranger,” continued his deep tale, with the choir and orchestra adding depth, and Dimash’s voice carried the fans across octaves and centuries.

Continuing with grand musical forms, three Dimash figures appeared on stage, singing in Spanish. After “El Amore En Ti,” against a backdrop of endless canyons, Dimash sang about a unified sky. His largest original work, “The Story of One Sky,” accompanied by a specially expanded film, included powerful scenes of the wounded hero uniting children, families, and clergy from different faiths under one sky. The audience received the piece with a standing ovation.

The concert continued with “Kieli Meken” in a new arrangement with rap elements and “Durdaraz” with new choreography. Dancers from different cities in Kazakhstan, along with international specialists, were invited to perform at the concerts in the capital. The core international ensemble consisted of 24 people.

The end of the celebration came with a note of sadness, but also with hope for future meetings. The audience’s favorite song since the “I am a Singer” project, “Autumn Strong,” and “Let it be” closed the main program. But for the encore, Dimash and his large team once again performed, danced, and played “Give Me Your Love,” sharing as much love as possible with each viewer.