Kazakh singer Dimash Qudaibergen and Kyrgyz singer Nur Cholpon exchanged traditional cultural gifts, with each artist presenting items that symbolize their respective national heritage. Their acquaintance began during the filming of the international music project Voice Beyond Horizon, where Nur Cholpon represented the Kyrgyz Republic as one of eight participants from six countries.
The Project That Brought Her International Recognition
Voice Beyond Horizon is a large-scale international music production founded and executive produced by Dimash Qudaibergen. Filming took place in Turkistan, Aktau, Almaty, and concluded in Astana. Contestants represented the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of Kazakhstan, Malaysia, the Republic of Serbia, the Italian Republic, and the Kyrgyz Republic.
“Twenty-two days with Dimash were an invaluable experience”: Kyrgyz singer Nur Cholpon
The project marked Nur Cholpon’s breakthrough on the international stage, bringing her widespread recognition beyond her home country. Following its premiere, the program generated significant public interest across China’s media landscape, ranking among the leading regional and national television broadcasts. The combined audience of its live-streaming broadcasts on digital platforms exceeded 102 million views.
Why the Gift Exchange Remained Confidential
Nur Cholpon was unable to disclose details of the gift exchange until the project had been officially released in China. Such confidentiality requirements are standard practice for international television productions, where behind-the-scenes content is typically reserved for post-premiere promotional activities.
Following the completion of the program’s broadcast in China and after its cumulative online audience exceeded 2.36 billion views, the singer was able to publicly share the story behind the exchange of gifts. It was then revealed that Nur Cholpon presented Dimash with a portrait of Manas, the legendary epic hero, together with the honorary “Manas” badge. In return, Dimash presented her with a dombra, the traditional Kazakh stringed musical instrument, along with traditional national jewelry.
