Dimash Qudaibergen gives an interview for GRAMMY’s new “Global Mixtape” series

Ahead of his upcoming concert tour, Dimash Qudaibergen appeared in the premiere episode of “Global Mixtape,” a new project from the GRAMMY studio. In a conversation with journalist Valerie Lee, Dimash reflected on his journey as a musician, discussed distinctive aspects of Kazakh culture and shared his upcoming concert plans, El.kz cites dimashnews.com.

Dimash Qudaibergen on Kazakh Musical Heritage, His Global Mission, and Upcoming World Tour

For Dimash Qudaibergen, music has been an integral part of his life since childhood. Growing up in a family of renowned artists, he was surrounded by a wide variety of musical traditions that would later shape his distinctive approach to performance and songwriting. In a recent interview, the Kazakh singer reflected on his early musical influences, the richness of his country’s cultural heritage, his commitment to connecting with audiences around the world, and his plans for an upcoming international tour.

Qudaibergen’s parents are well-known artists in Kazakhstan with classical musical training. Their home was always filled with music, ranging from traditional Kazakh folk songs to recordings by the Three Tenors — Plácido Domingo, José Carreras, and Luciano Pavarotti. Growing up in such a diverse musical environment helped foster his appreciation for different genres and influenced the versatility that characterizes his work today.

The singer began performing on stage at the age of five. Now 32, he has spent nearly 27 years performing, gradually developing the stage presence that has become one of his defining qualities as an artist.

Speaking about his cultural roots, Qudaibergen described Kazakh culture as “the voice of the steppe.” He explained that traditional instruments such as the dombra and kobyz reflect the sounds of nature, from the wind and the wolf to the thunder of galloping horses. These instruments also convey the language of love, expressing emotions and experiences deeply connected to the country’s traditions.

Another essential element of Kazakh musical heritage is küi — instrumental compositions that tell stories and preserve history through melody rather than words. As Qudaibergen explained, music itself is a distinct language that can communicate emotions without verbal expression.

He also spoke about aitys, a traditional form of poetic improvisation and verbal competition between performers. Comparing it to a rap battle, he noted that while the two share certain similarities, aitys has its own distinctive character and cultural significance.

Despite his extensive musical experience, Qudaibergen remains modest about his instrumental skills. He has been learning to play the dombra for nearly 20 years but admitted that he still does not consider himself a particularly accomplished player. Although the instrument has only two strings, he emphasized that mastering it is extremely difficult.

Beyond his connection to Kazakh traditions, Qudaibergen has built an international audience through his ability to perform in multiple languages. His repertoire includes songs in Russian, Chinese, French, Italian, and other languages, with the interview noting that he sings and speaks in as many as 12 languages.

For the artist, learning songs in different languages is more than a musical challenge. It is a way to express gratitude to the people who support him and show respect for his culture and country.

“Learning songs in other languages is my way of saying thank you,” he explained.

As he prepares for his next tour, Qudaibergen hopes to perform in the local language of every country he visits. He sees this as an opportunity to connect more closely with audiences and express his appreciation for their support on their own soil.

His artistic vision extends beyond vocal performance to songwriting, where themes such as love, peace, and mutual understanding play an important role. Qudaibergen emphasized that his primary mission is not commercial success or financial gain, but the opportunity to communicate meaningful ideas through music.

He believes that artists with large audiences have a responsibility to remind people of the importance of peace, love, and understanding one another. Money, he said, is not the most important thing in life. Through his work, he hopes to encourage people to focus on the values that bring them together.

This philosophy is closely connected to his approach to personal and professional growth. Reflecting on his journey, Qudaibergen recalled a Kazakh saying: “A person without a goal is like a bird without wings.” He explained that he had always dreamed of performing on the world’s biggest stages and worked hard to make that ambition a reality.

At the same time, he drew inspiration from the words of the great Kazakh poet and philosopher Abai, who emphasized that those who continue seeking have many goals ahead, while those who believe they have already found everything have few remaining. For Qudaibergen, the journey itself is the true purpose, and he intends to keep moving forward.

The singer’s upcoming plans include an international tour that could span more than 20 countries, potentially reaching more than 30 or even 40. Although he has not yet disclosed all the details, he expressed his desire to perform extensively around the world and meet his fans in person. South America is among the regions mentioned in connection with his touring plans.

Another significant moment in his international career will soon be shared with audiences through a documentary about his concert at Madison Square Garden. According to Qudaibergen, the film will be released on his YouTube channel in a couple of weeks.

The performance holds particular significance for the singer and his country. He noted that it was the first time an artist from a Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) country had performed at such a major venue, describing the achievement as a source of personal and national pride.

For Dimash Qudaibergen, music is more than a form of artistic expression. It is a bridge between Kazakhstan’s cultural traditions and the wider world, connecting people across languages and borders through shared emotions. As he prepares to embark on the next stage of his international journey, he remains committed to bringing audiences together through music while continuing to represent his country’s rich cultural heritage on the global stage.