Silk Way Star brings together artists from 12 countries in Kazakhstan

The Silk Way Star international music competition has united talented singers from 12 countries on a single stage in the Kazakh capital, writes Dana Omirgazy in Astana.

The project premiered on the Jibek Joly TV channel on 20 September, marking the launch of what organizers describe as a new cultural brand of Eurasia. Participating countries include Azerbaijan, Armenia, China, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Malaysia, Mongolia, South Korea, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

The competition provides a platform for creative exchange and cultural dialogue, showcasing national traditions and cross-cultural collaborations. Each performance is carefully prepared, including musical arrangements and stage presentation, creating a rich display of artistic diversity.

Kazakhstan is represented in the project by popular vocalist Batyrkhan Malikov, known as ALEM. From China, singer Zhāng Hèxuān, a finalist of The Voice of China, participates, highlighting the international appeal of the project. Zhang shared his impressions of performing a famous Kazakh song, noting that “music unites our cultures!”

The project format includes ten episodes, culminating in a live grand finale on Nov. 22, which will be broadcast on Jibek Joly and partner channels across the participating countries. The winner will be determined through a combination of jury evaluation (50%) and online audience voting (50%), with an expected global audience of over one billion viewers.

Silk Way Star is designed not only as a vocal competition but also as a cultural bridge connecting nations and fostering creative collaborations. Organizers aim to make the project one of the most prominent musical events of the year, celebrating talent, diversity, and cross-cultural unity.

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