Eurovision Asia is on its way and we are super excited! Post-Eurovision depression won’t last nearly as long the next time around, as Eurovision Asia will pick up the momentum following Eurovision and serve us 20 unique performances from another part of the world. Kazakhstan — a sunny country of two languages — might as well be a part of it.

Although Kazakhstan has never taken part in Eurovision, rumours routinely surface about its possible participation. And in 2017 the country did participate in Eurovision in one sense: the runner-up Kristian Kostov is half Asian and his mother hails from Kazakhstan. You likely also remember that Zhanar Dugalova, a Kazakh singer, won Turkvision back in 2014.

But trust me: the Kazakh music industry is much more than just a few talented artists. The incredibly diverse music scene includes the traditional and the modern, the folksy and the funky, and songs that span English, Kazakh and Russian.

We’ve already made lists of our dream acts for Kazakhstan before — and this time we’ll introduce you to a few new acts…and remind you of a few worthy of your attention once more. Close your eyes and get ready to feel those Asian vibes!

Our dream acts for Kazakhstan

Ayumi

Want to discover the unique nature of Kazakh pop? Then check out this girl group which includes three Anime-like performers — Aknaz, Asel’ and Sandugash. They deftly combine Asian motifs and modern pop drops in their music — and that’s on top of their natural beauty and fierce dance moves.

The groups’s name, “Ayumi”, means “iris flower” in Japanese. The girls associate themselves with the name, claiming that they’re just as pure and tender. The singers portray the image of “real Kazakh girls, coming from the people” and add a bit spice through their bold music videos. That Kazakh fire comes easy. As Aknaz said in a recent interview, “It’s in our blood”.

They’ve got two big hits with over 4 million views each — “Sen emes pe” and “Hey-La”, both in their native Kazakh language.

Dimash

Dimash (full name Dinmukhamet Kudaibergenov) is a 23-year-old singer who entered the field of music as a child, as both of his parents are professional artists.

While he may have inherited their talent, he’s worked hard to develop it. And develop it he has. He earned his fame after winning Slavianski Bazaar 2015. Dimash’s unique vocal range (five octaves!) has been put to good use in countless festivals, though his most impressive feat may be winning “The most popular singer in Asia” award at the Top Chinese Music Awards — known as the Chinese analogue of the Grammy Awards. Apart from all of this, Dimash sings in Kazakh, Russian, English, French and Chinese. That’d make him a real competitor on the Eurovision Asia scene, right?

Moldanazar

The band takes its name from lead singer Galymzhan Moldanazar, who comes from a tiny village in Kazakhstan. But his musical stylings are anything but provincial. The band defies stereotype, serving mostly synth-pop and funk tracks, which Kazakh fans describe as “mysterious and sincere”. That’s a perfect description. Their music conveys a strong Kazakh identity while the sounds of the Kazakh language add mystery.

My personal favourite is “Ozin gana”, because as much as it thrills me, it also creeps me out. “Ozin gana” means “only you”, and the lyrics remind us about the feelings we forget to show to our loved ones. Accordions often seem cheesy in Eurovision songs, but here the instrument becomes a rather haunting vehicle to convey the eerie and undiscovered.

Renzo

With Renzo we stick with modern pop — but this time it’s from a boyband, who, by the way, work with the same production team as the girl group Ayumi. Their name — Renzo — is Japanese as well and means “third son”. Its four members — Askar Akhmet, Zhanbolat Ertaev, Eset Zharylkasynov and Erzhan Zhunusov — are all in their early twenties and share those essential boy band qualities: good looks, swagger and voice.

A fun fact about Renzo: each member is responsible for something in the band (besides singing and dancing, of course). Zhanbolat handles choreography, Eset oversees style, Askar heads the ensemble… and Erzhan is just playing the hard role of being the youngest member.

Known as the Kazakh One Direction, they rap in Kazakh and sing in Kazakh, peppering their music with English where appropriate. Haven’t heard a decent Asian rap song? Get ready.

Ali Okapov

The son of famous Kazakh singer Roza Rymbaeva and composer and conductor Taskyn Okapov, Ali Okapov has music in his genes. Trained in music and dance from an early age, he earned thousands of fans after participating in the Kazakh series Fabrika Zvyozd (Star Factory) — a television talent show for youth. Ali didn’t want to exploit his mother’s fame and wanted to achieve success on his own. When he learned that the show would require him to lip sync he objected, instead offering to sing live. Thanks to him the juries changed the rules and made live singing compulsory for all participants. Although he didn’t win Fabrika Zvyozd, he made it to the final and left a major impression. He’s now one of the jurors on The Voice Kids Kazakhstan!

He’s got the voice, he’s got the courage, he’s got the Asian beauty — and we would definitely like to see him put all of those skills to use on the Eurovision Asia stage.

What do you think of these acts? Would you like to see any of them representing Kazakhstan at Eurovision Asia 2018? Share your opinion in the comments box below!

Read more Eurovision Asia Song Contest news

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Sheker
Sheker
6 years ago

Dimash !

Rosy
Rosy
6 years ago

Dimash Kudaibergen is the best one…. The best voice in the world…. His heart is as pure as his voice…
He is the best to represent Kazakhstan that he will honor with his imposing presence … Dimash is a prince … when we think of Kazakhstan … we think of Dimash and his sublime voice and out of the ordinary…

Gabriela Telecan
Gabriela Telecan
6 years ago

Please Kazashtan choose Dimash for the Eurovison Asia. He made your country known în all the World and I know you have a rich culture and great artists…but let’s be honest what Dimash did for his country în the last 2 years…well none of them achieved în a life time. So maybe it’s payback time…people from all the World support Dimash so is only logical Kazashtan to promote and support him as he is a great patriot and love his country dearly. Not only that…he is Unique..he managed to cast a bridge between all the Nations…no language barrier, no culture… Read more »

Cynthia Turuwhenua
6 years ago

With respect to all of the talented and experienced musicians and artists in Kazakhstan today, I humbly ask that the Kazakhstan selection panel for the Eurovision Asia 2018 song contest consider inviting Dimash Kudaibergenov as a guest artist representing Kazakhstan.

Annie
Annie
6 years ago

Dimash

Nicole
Nicole
6 years ago

Pls consider Kazakhstan! And choose DIMASH! We cant imagine the show without him. ?

Sylvia Bedzinska
6 years ago

Omg so exited for this News . Please Sydney Dears would love Dimash Kudaibergen to be a contestant. We are a fan group on Facebook that have been following his magnificent carrier. I cannot emagien Eurovision Asia without Dimash in it . http://www.facebook.com/groups/451519445221845/

Nen
Nen
6 years ago

Dimash Kudaibergen would be a most excellent representative of Kazakhstan 🙂

Sera
Sera
6 years ago

Dimash Kudaibergen for guest performance!!!!!

Carolyn
Carolyn
6 years ago

Dimash Kudaibergen for guest performance please….He is amazing..

Judith
Judith
6 years ago

Dimash for guesting performance 🙂

Central Asian Music Fan
Central Asian Music Fan
7 years ago

Nazarov Dynasty is worth mentioning Parviz, Sitora, Abror and Nisso. All four are talented musicians and singers.

Irish Esc Fan
Irish Esc Fan
7 years ago

AYUMIIIIII

Victoria
Victoria
7 years ago

Dimash is WOW. The guy can sing for sure… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anKmU1J0l9g

K
K
7 years ago

at first i was sad that Bounce wasn’t the renzo video linked, since it’s my favorite and i hadn’t seen this one… as the song played I was like “psshh this is so lowkey compared to bounce! where’s the spunk and energy and crazy dancing i love them for?” when the four minute mark hit and i paused to laugh at “all the big baby”.. i came back and pressed play and INSTANTLY regretted everything i had thought previously. i’m sorry for doubting u renzo……. it turns out that I’M the big baby. anyway thank you for opening my eyes.… Read more »

Liam Lindsay
Liam Lindsay
7 years ago

It should be Lashyn
https://youtu.be/J5qgQuFCxkA

Watch the video and give me your thoughts

Mathew
Mathew
7 years ago

Very surprised not to see Kesh You on this list, especially after the success of Zhanar Dugalova at Turkvizyon. Their song ??????? in particular would be perfect, for Eurovision or Asiavision alike!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWV-JUNPK1Y

Siranush
Siranush
7 years ago

Zhanar Duglova should represent Kazakhstan! She won Türkvision, so maybe she could win this too!

Mati
Mati
7 years ago

Ali Okapov should represent Kazakhstan!!! He rocks!

fikrifadzil92@yahoo.com
7 years ago

dimashhhh

EurovisionSimon
7 years ago

If South Korea will be the Sweden of Eurovision Asia like I’ve heard quite a few people say, then I think Kazakhstan is going to be Russia. Lots of musical gems!

blondboybc
blondboybc
7 years ago

Hope they send the fabulous DIMASH…he’s simply got the most incredible voice and range I’ve ever heard! 🙂

Gobio
Gobio
7 years ago

Dimash is incredible and the only one from KZH that I’ve heard of honestly.

Makhm
Makhm
7 years ago

Ayumi for SURE.

trutu
trutu
7 years ago

No I dont want. First please no more Kostov in Eurovision. He was the most overrated person in Eurovision. And he reoresendet school level. And please no children from famous parents. I hate connections. And I dont not want Eurovision Asia because Eurovision is only one and its for Europe.

Jo
Jo
7 years ago

Gakku.tv channel on Youtube has many Kazakh songs. Despite the possibility of joining the East bloc, Kazakhstan would be a great acquisition to Eurovision.

Jo
Jo
7 years ago
Reply to  Jo

Aidana Medenova.

brunowskii
brunowskii
7 years ago

I would consider also “A-Studio” for Kazhakstan

Gorilla716
Gorilla716
7 years ago
Reply to  brunowskii

Even though A-Studio is originally from Kazakhstan, I think if they were to compete they would most definitely represent Russia at Eurovision since they do most of their work over there. Personally, I’m a huge fan of A-Studio and I would absolutely love to see them at Eurovision.

jessica
jessica
7 years ago
Reply to  Gorilla716

I dont want Eurovision Asia. And I dont want people who have connections and famouse parents.