A 68-year-old retired social worker Esther Uhlmann from Bern, Switzerland, discovered Dimash’s music during the pandemic and has since become one of his most devoted European fans. She travelled to Kazakhstan, learned the Kazakh language, wrote books inspired by his art, and actively promotes Kazakh culture in Europe. In this exclusive interview for El.kz, Esther shares her heartfelt journey with Dimash’s music, meetings with him, and deep admiration for Kazakhstan and its people.

— Please tell us a little about yourself: where are you from, what do you do, and in which field do you work?

— I am Swiss and live in the capital of Switzerland, Bern. I am retired. I used to work as a social worker in social welfare, so I know a lot about poverty in my country. I also teach meditation to seniors and have my own clientele in my coaching business.

— When and under what circumstances did you first become acquainted with Dimash’s music?

— During the pandemic I stumbled across Dimash on YouTube. SOS was the first song I heard, and I was immediately hooked by his voice.

— What impresses or inspires you the most about Dimash?

— Besides his vocal skills, I am deeply impressed by his values and how he stays true to them despite all the temptations in the world. For example, in Dubai, after a fashion show when he won awards and beautiful models were surrounding him, eager to get close, Dimash accepted the award and dedicated it to his grandmother. Respect to the elder generation!  

I was always attracted by classical music. Dimash is the first singer who made me truly appreciate other genres. His cross-genre compositions are incredibly beautiful. And last but not least — the deep meaning in his songs, the cry for peace, the reminder that we are all under one sky. Who else sings: “Learn to share again the love, not shares”?

— When and under what circumstances did you meet Dimash in person?

— I went to Kazakhstan to celebrate Nauryz in Almaty. By coincidence I learned about the OPPO event where Dimash was the ambassador. With the help of the wonderful Kazakh journalist Rashit Ilyassov, I received an invitation and was able to take the famous photo with Dimash in the beautiful yurt.  That was my only three-minute personal meeting with him. All other meetings were from a distance — at airports or concerts. Only in May this year in Almaty I was able to hand him several of my books in a crowd, but it wasn’t a proper personal moment like at the OPPO event.

— How large is the community of Dimash’s fans in Europe?


— I don’t know exact numbers, but at every concert there are fans from over 50, sometimes 60 different nations.

— Do Dimash’s fans from different countries keep in touch with each other?


Yes, some fan clubs organise joint events. I personally stay in close contact with many fans, especially my Kazakh followers on social media. Quite a few have even visited me at my home in Switzerland - it is always a great honour for me.

— Are there any events in European countries dedicated to Dimash’s art or Kazakh culture in general?

— Right now there is an exhibition dedicated to Dimash in Berlin. I am regularly invited by the Kazakh Embassy in Bern to events for Republic Day or Constitution Day. There is also a vibrant Kazakh community in Switzerland that organizes many cultural activities. I was invited to the Kazakh Forum in Switzerland, but unfortunately could not attend because I was at Dimash’s concert in Barcelona.

— When did you first come to Kazakhstan?

— My first trip was in September 2022 for Dimash’s concert at Almaty Arena. The local fan clubs organised many activities, and we explored the mountains around Almaty, Kolsai Lakes, Charyn Canyon, Shymbulak and more.

— How many times have you been to Kazakhstan, and which cities have you visited?

— I have travelled to Kazakhstan eight times and visited Almaty, Astana, Karaganda, Shymkent and Turkestan. I also spent a few days in Uzbekistan — Tashkent and Samarkand.

— What did you like most about Kazakhstan?

— I am deeply impressed by Kazakh culture and the rich history of the country. For over two years I took weekly lessons about your traditions, literature, music and history. I am especially fascinated by the profound wisdom of Abay’s words — they fit Dimash perfectly.

— Have you had a chance to try Kazakh food? What dishes do you like the most?

— I love Kazakh food! I have been invited to many Kazakh homes and tasted beshbarmak, Nauryz koje soup, and of course I can’t wait to eat baursak again.

— In your opinion, how do people in Kazakhstan differ from Europeans?

— I am Swiss, therefore I can't answer for all of Europe. I feel the deep connection to tradition and spiritual activity (religious or non religious) is something we have lost. 
I was deeply impressed when I heard that the majority of Kazakh people know their ancestors back seven generations. This was a shock for me, as I have never even met my biological father. This tradition raises many questions in me that I am still seeking answers to.

— When did you start learning the Kazakh language?

— Right at the beginning when I first heard Dimash sing and I started to search for more information on social media. In January 2020 I found a post on Facebook that said: 10 introduction lessons in Kazakh language. It was offered from Irina who is Kazakh but lives in Argentina. That’s where it started — learining Kazakh tili with Spanish speaking fans and having a book Kazakh/Russian to start with. It was a challenge and still is.

— What difficulties do you face while learning Kazakh?

— My age! I am 68 and my brain often refuses to remember the many words I have already learned. Therefore, I want to encourage the young generation to start learning languages while they are still young!

Esther ’s story is a beautiful example of how Dimash’s art transcends borders, languages and generations. Her journey shows the power of music to open hearts and create deep cultural connections. We thank Esther for her openness, passion, and for being a wonderful ambassador of friendship between Switzerland and Kazakhstan.