Kazakhstani representative Rukhiya Baidukenova secures victory in the premiere of Silk Way Star in China

The 2nd season of the international music competition Silk Way Star has officially premiered on China Central Television (CCTV). Kazakhstan is represented by Rukhiya Baidukenova who  emerged as the winner of the first round of the competition's second season, El.kz reports.

China welcomes the Kazakh "Nightingale"

The premiere of the new season was broadcast in China on the evening of September 6. The program was aired on CCTV-3 (Variety Channel) and CCTV-15 (Music Channel), as well as on the digital platforms of the China Media Group. The current season is being filmed in the city of Yiwu, Zhejiang Province.

Rukhiya Baidukenova represents Kazakhstan in the project, performing under the stage name Lucia. In the first episode, she performed "Bulbul," titled in Chinese as "The Nightingale."

Global Representation: Five Continents Convene

The large-scale competition brings together performers from 12 countries: Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Türkiye, Serbia, South Africa, New Zealand, Brazil, and Georgia.

Prior to the premiere, the Chinese organizers emphasized that the competition would bring together performers from five parts of the world on a single stage.

The program consists of ten themed performances. The overall season winner will be determined based on the cumulative results of all competition stages. Thus, while her success in the premiere gives Baidukenova a strong start, it does not yet guarantee a victory in the general classification.

From Taldykorgan to International Broadcasting

Rukhiya Baidukenova was born in Taldykorgan and began her vocal training in early childhood. Musical traditions were central to her family: her grandfather was a dombra player, and her grandmother was a singer, after whom Rukhiya was named.

Baidukenova later moved to Astana to study at the Kazakh National University of Arts. She gained international prominence after winning the Grand Prix at the Slavianski Bazaar International Festival of Arts in Vitebsk in 2021.

Following this success, her career saw a marked increase in international engagements. China has progressively become a key market for the artist, where she has transitioned from one-off performances to active collaboration with the local music industry.