The teacher of Shakarim University set a world record
Kazakh traditional song art has conquered another historical milestone. A special event took place in the country of Abai, which elevated the status of national art, and Kairat Arkashuly Kabyshev, the leader of the culture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the teacher of the "Art" department of Shakarim University, the honorary professor of the university, entered the book of world records of Asia and Africa in the field of ethnoculture.
The artist was officially presented with a record holder's certificate, a special silver medal and a commemorative statuette were presented for his first record. This is not only a personal achievement, but also a clear manifestation of international recognition of Kazakh traditional singing art.
Kairat Kabyshev performed 102 traditional Kazakh songs for 5 hours and 29 minutes without stopping for a single moment. According to the rules, a 15-minute break is provided for every 25 songs, but the singer did not use this benefit. The most important thing is that he performed all the songs without notes, without lyrics, accompanied by his own instrument.
Kuandyk Kudaibergen, chief record officer of the Asia and Africa division of the international Global Best of Records (GBR) organization, who specially participated in this historic moment, emphasized that this achievement is a rare phenomenon at the world level.
– A new world record was officially registered today. This is the work of not only one person, but a whole team that supported this initiative. Therefore, the name of the organizing institutions will be included in the book of world records for 2026, he said.
According to this decision, the name of the rector of Shakarim University and the head of the Abay regional department of culture, language development and archive affairs was to be included in the 2026 edition of the world record book with golden letters. A special letter of thanks was presented to the university management.
Known artists who gave an expert assessment of the project also emphasized the historical significance of this achievement. Meritorious figure of Kazakhstan, professor of the Kazakh National Conservatory named after Kurmangazy Erkin Shukiman:
- This is an unprecedented event in the history of Kazakh culture. Kairat Kabyshev achieved a big goal that he had been preparing for two and a half years. He proved the natural ability of the voice, the depth of the singing school. It was a world that surprised not only us, but also the international experts of the project. This is the historical moment that draws the world's attention to the Kazakh song, - he assessed.
In turn, Kairat Kabyshev expressed with excitement that the root of this success lies in the training of teachers.
- Being a student of an individual like Zhanibek Karmenov, the teaching of such teachers as Kairat Baibosynov and Bekbolat Tileukhan is a great school that has led to today's success. I hope that this initiative will give impetus to the promotion of national art to young people after me,- said the singer.
The organizer of the event, the head of the Abay regional department of culture, language development and archive affairs Zhanzhigit Omarkhan noted that setting such a record in the holy land of Abay is a clear proof of the region's spiritual potential. At the end of the event, letters of thanks were presented to Kairat Kabyshev and special guests, and the singer who honored the country was given a horse ride in Kazakh tradition.
This day is not just the victory of one singer. This is a historical milestone that recognized the voice of the nation, the clay of the field, and the value of art handed down from ancestors to the world. This music, which started in the country of Abai, has become a new height of Kazakh spirituality.
