“I am proud to be Kazakh”: Dimash Kudaibergen about his mission
He emphasized his pride in his national heritage and his desire to share it with audiences worldwide. In the conversation, Dimash reflected on his career, evolving musical style, and the significance of the World Nomad Games for advancing Kazakhstan's culture.
Recalling his early years, he spoke about the influence of great opera singers like Plácido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti on his artistry. Dimash noted that as a child, he had video cassettes of their performances, which inspired him to become a singer.
"I remember how the director of 'Astana Opera' invited me to work with them. But I knew I wanted to perform in all musical genres. Now, if I want to sing opera, I can do it at my concerts. I have that freedom. I have deep respect for 'Astana Opera.' Just a few months ago, my dream came true when my mentor Plácido Domingo invited me to perform with him in Europe. He said, 'You have just two days to prepare for this aria.' I couldn't say 'no.'
When I was five, we had video cassettes of Plácido Domingo and Pavarotti's performances at home. Those concerts inspired me to become a singer. I told Domingo that I became a singer because of him—I wanted to be like him. Vocally, they are the best," shared Dimash.
Discussing his musical journey, Dimash highlighted the role of his family in his success. He recalled how his grandmother, despite health issues, took him to music school every day.
"Now that I have achieved fame and started earning money, I know it’s thanks to my family—my parents, grandmother, grandfather, and friends. Their support means everything to me. My grandmother deserves my success more than I do," he noted.
For Dimash, culture and music are integral parts of life. From a young age, his grandfather taught him to play the dombra.
"If you are a true Kazakh, you need to learn to play the dombra. Now is the perfect time to present our culture to the world. Kazakhstan is a young country, just 33 years old. This is an ideal moment to share our heritage with a global audience," the singer explained.
Dimash actively incorporates Kazakh landscapes into his music videos, believing this is an essential way to showcase the richness of his country's culture.
"I am very proud to be Kazakh. My mission is to introduce the world to the culture, songs, and traditional music of our country. I have performed for audiences ranging from 20,000 to 30,000 people around the world, in New York, Europe, and Asia, and this has only been possible thanks to the support of my fans," he remarked.
He admitted that performing at home brings him special excitement, as he feels additional pressure, like taking an exam in front of his vocal teachers.
"I am very excited about my solo concert, although I am a bit nervous. Performing in other countries is easier, but in Kazakhstan, I feel a little more pressure," Dimash shared.
When asked what he would say to his five-year-old self, Dimash stressed the importance of consistent practice.
"I have been learning for 25 years, and now at 30, I am continuing to pursue a doctorate. If in sports you need to train to become a champion, the same goes for music—you must work hard to become great. It’s simple: practice more," he emphasized.
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