People’s Artist of Uzbekistan Farrukh Zakirov honored

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev attended a ceremony at the Kuksaroy residence marking the 80th anniversary of the distinguished representative of Uzbek pop art, People’s Artist of Uzbekistan Farrukh Zakirov.

The event brought together prominent state and public figures, leading representatives of culture and the arts, members of the creative intelligentsia, as well as members of the "Yalla" ensemble.

In his address, the Head of State warmly congratulated Farrukh Zakirov on his 80th birthday, wishing him good health, family well-being, and continued creative success.

The Zakirov dynasty has made an invaluable contribution to the development of Uzbek musical and vocal art over many years. The creative school founded by People’s Artist of Uzbekistan Karim Zakirov, together with the rich legacy of Batyr Zakirov—one of the founders of the Uzbek pop scene—is rightfully regarded as a significant part of the nation’s cultural heritage.

The President particularly emphasized that such instances, where an entire family across generations devotes itself to the advancement of art and culture, are exceptionally rare. By carrying forward these traditions, Farrukh Zakirov has elevated Uzbek pop art to a new level.

Farrukh Zakirov is widely beloved not only in Uzbekistan but across Central Asia, the CIS, and the broader Turkic world. It was noted that, in addition to his titles as People’s Artist of Uzbekistan and Karakalpakstan, he was awarded the same honorary title in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, as well as in Tatarstan, Bashkortostan, and Ingushetia—clear recognition of the high esteem for his work.

Today, the name of Farrukh Zakirov is inextricably linked with the renowned “Yalla” ensemble, and in turn “Yalla” with his artistic legacy. For over 55 years, the band has performed not only in Uzbekistan but also on prestigious international stages, earning the admiration of millions. By laying the foundations of collective pop performance, “Yalla” opened a new chapter in the cultural history of Uzbekistan. Today, it is difficult to imagine national celebrations and major public events without the songs performed by this group.

The long-standing fruitful creative work of the "Yalla" ensemble members—Javlon Tukhtaev, Abbos Aliev, Temur Khalikov, and Igor Khalikov—was also specially noted at the evening.

More than 400 songs performed by the “Yalla”ensemble, reflecting the national spirit and distinctive melodies, have become true examples of folk art and form part of the golden fund of national culture. Songs such as “Yallama yorim,”“Yul bulsin,” “Handalak,” “Majnuntol,” and “Kelibdi,” as well as the compositions “Choykhona” and “Sumalak,” celebrate national values, while “Toshkentim onam,” “Uchkuduk,”and “Shahrisabz” have showcased the unique regions of our country to audiences around the world.

The Head of State also highlighted Farrukh Zakirov’s active role in the country’s social and cultural life, noting that his mentorship and support for hundreds of young performers on their path to the stage serve as a true example. Through major projects such as “The Voice” he continues to pass on the fundamentals of artistic and stage culture to emerging talents.

It was noted that the established cooperation with creative figures of the region serves as a spiritual bridge between peoples. The state will continue to support international creative projects and new artistic works by distinguished artists such as Farrukh Zakirov.

At the ceremony, it was announced that the President has signed a decree and a resolution in recognition of Farrukh Zakirov’s long-standing and fruitful work and his selfless contribution to the development of national culture and art.

In particular, Children’s Music and Art School No. 7 in Tashkent’s Yashnabad district will be named after Farrukh Zakirov.

A children’s “Yalla” ensemble, a youth creative laboratory, and modern sound and video recording studios will be established at the school. Based on the “mentor–apprentice” tradition, master classes in pop performance will be introduced, and mentors will receive salary bonuses. Special opportunities will be created for top students to gain admission to specialized art and culture institutions. Each year, talented students from across the country will be able to further develop their skills at this school. Gifted students, together with their mentors, will be sent to prestigious international competitions and duly rewarded from the state budget.

Confidence was expressed that this educational institution will become one of the leading institutions in the country and will help preserve and pass on the invaluable creative heritage of the Zakirov dynasty to future generations.

At the ceremony, the President awarded Farrukh Zakirov the “Buyuk xizmatlari uchun” Order in recognition of his long-standing and outstanding contribution to the development of national art and culture.