The sound of the great steppe made its way to the world record
A press conference was held on June 10, 2026 in the city of Semipalatinsk at the Regional Communications Service Square of Abay Region on the eve of the historic initiative aimed at promoting the Kazakh traditional singing art at the international level and bringing the national cultural heritage to the world space.
The meeting was dedicated to the cultural project of Kayrat Arkashuly Kabyshev, the leader of the culture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, teacher of the "Art" department of Shakarim University, Honorary Professor of the University, who performed 100 traditional Kazakh songs without interruption and entered them into the international record register.
The press conference was attended by Olzhas Sogymbai, Deputy Head of the Department of Culture, Language Development and Archives of Abai Region, Askar Kasymov, Vice-Rector for Strategy and Social Development of Shakarim University, Kuandik Kudaibergen, Chief Record Officer of the Asia and Africa Division of the Global Best of Records (GBR), as well as well-known artists who will give an expert assessment of the project - Honored Artist of Kazakhstan, Folklorist, epic poet Berik Zhusipov, professor of the Kazakh National Academy of Arts named after Temirbek Zhurgenov Nurzhan Zhanpeyisov, Honored Worker of Kazakhstan, professor of the Kazakh National Conservatory named after Kurmangazy Erkin Shukiman and representatives of the mass media took part.
Speaking during the meeting, Olzhas Sogimbai noted that traditional Kazakh song art has been formed through the Arka, Zhetisu, Batys, Altai and Syrbai schools over the centuries and has become the golden backbone of national spirituality.
- The country of Abai is a golden cradle of national art, nourished by the sources of those great schools. This is the noble soil that gave rise to Amir, who was called the father of song, and the moral art street, woven with the legacy of Aset, who brought the song to Alash, and in the later period was filled with the creativity of Zhanibek Karmenov, Bolat Sybanov, Tursyngazy Rakhimov, Sanak Abeuov and Keldenbay Ulmesekov. And our brother Kairat Kabyshev, who has his own signature in this art movement, did not go to the capital and big cities, but stayed in a black house in the holy Karaul, which is known as the Kaaba of black poetry, and showed the moral of serving art. Today, Shakarim educates students in his family, blows the flame of inspiration, lights the candle of traditional songs, and passes on the legacy of national art to the next generation,- said the deputy head of the board.
- This is one of the most complex and responsible records. Here, not only performance ability is evaluated. This is a project of social, historical and cultural significance. Therefore, it is considered not as an individual's achievement, but as an initiative aimed at preserving and promoting the intangible cultural heritage of the Kazakh people, - he said.
In turn, singer, art critic Erkin Shukiman said that this project is a unique phenomenon in the history of Kazakh song art.
- There was no performer who performed a hundred songs at the same time and made a record, neither in the era of Argy sal-seris nor among professional Kazakh singers. Kairat Kabyshev's taking risks in this case is a unique step that demonstrates the wide breath of Kazakh songs and the vocal power of Kazakh singers. Being a representative of Arka tradition, he will perform songs from all five Kazakh singing schools. The main thing here is quality, not quantity. The breath and vocal features of the Kazakh song are visible. This is a matter of great historical, cultural, urban and political significance. A nationally important event. This will give the world an opportunity to show the real essence of Kazakh song, - he said.
Tomorrow, June 1, from 10:00 to 17:00 in the city of Semey, the traditional singer of our region Kairat Kabyshev will implement a cultural project aimed at setting a world record for the continuous performance of 100 traditional songs by one performer. This result will be presented to the international organization.
Dear colleagues, students! Residents of Abay region, art lovers!
We invite you to witness the special cultural event of Kairat Arkashuly Kabyshev, Honorary Professor of Shakarim University, the best in the field of culture of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
This is a historical moment that defines the height of not only one performer, but also the spirituality of the nation.
