The international music contest Silk Way Star has launched in Astana, quickly establishing itself as a new cultural brand of Eurasia. Bringing together twelve talented artists from across the continent, the project showcases music as a bridge between nations, traditions, and creative styles.

Participants represent China, Malaysia, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Kazakhstan is represented by the popular vocalist Batyrkhan Malikov (ALEM), who performed the hit song Kuiim in the opening stage. Following the jury vote, Malikov placed seventh, while Malaysia’s Yazmin Aziz and Uzbekistan’s Madinabonu Adilova secured the top two positions.

One of the highlights of the early episodes was the performance of Chinese singer Zhang Hexuan, a finalist of the Golden Bell Awards and a graduate of the Shenyang Conservatory. Widely known for his participation in The Voice of China, Zhang captivated audiences with his rendition of the Kazakh classic Zhügirip Shyqtim Beleske.

“It was an honor for me to perform this famous Kazakh song. Music unites our cultures,” Zhang said.

The contest’s unique format includes ten episodes, featuring national hits, cross-cultural duets, and genre-spanning performances. Importantly, no participant was eliminated in the opening stage, ensuring that all twelve artists continue their journey. Each episode reflects the cultural heritage and traditions of the participating nations, offering audiences exclusive musical numbers and an atmosphere of unity.

The winner will be chosen through a combination of jury votes (50%) and online audience voting (50%). The final grand show will take place on 22 November, broadcast live on Kazakhstan’s Jibek Joly TV channel and leading broadcasters across participating countries. The expected audience of the project is over one billion viewers worldwide.

Organizers emphasize that Silk Way Star is more than a vocal competition — it is a cultural dialogue that fosters creative exchange and strengthens bonds between nations along the Silk Road. The project is already being hailed as one of the most spectacular musical events of the year.

Media Contacts:
Zhuldyz Atageldiyeva
Head of International News Service, Kazinform International News Agency
Tel: +7 707 202 22 77
Email: rusredkazinform2019@gmail.com