“Today is a special holiday of art and culture. I congratulate you, Botir Zokirov’s relatives and fans, and all our people on this joyful event”, the President said.
Botir Zokirov was born in 1936 into a family of artists and grew up in a creative environment. At the age of 29, he received the title of People’s Artist of Uzbekistan. In 2000, he was posthumously awarded the “Buyuk Khizmatlari Uchun” (For Outstanding Merit) Order, and in 2021, the “El-Yurt Khurmati” (Respect of the Nation) Order.
The Head of state noted the unique talent and human qualities of the singer.
Botir Zokirov lived only 49 years, but he left behind a rich and varied creative heritage during this time. His magical voice entered every home of the country and took place in the hearts and in the golden fund of the art of people. He represented Uzbek art with great success in the cultural capitals of the world.
In 1955, being in the prime of his life, the singer was faced with a severe illness. He underwent several operations, and doctors forbade him to sing. But even in this state, he did not stop creating.
Botir Zokirov has always strived for innovation. He combined oriental folklore and modern pop art, establishing the creative group “Music Hall”. As a singer and composer, he mentored many talented young performers. His contribution to creating the honored ensemble “Yalla” is invaluable.
Large-scale activities have been undertaken in memory of the great artist and to study his creative heritage.
According to the Presidential Resolution, the 85th anniversary of Botir Zokirov’s birth was widely celebrated in 2021. A national award named after the great singer was established, and scientific and artistic works, documentaries, and performances were created. Recently, an evening in memory of Botir Zokirov took place, which was held with the participation of the public of the country and famous artists from abroad.
The street on which the State Conservatory of Uzbekistan is located, where Botir Zokirov studied, is named in his honor. The Institute of National Pop Art named after Botir Zokirov was created at the conservatory. Now, the monument installed here gives the complex even greater splendor.
“This memorial is a material embodiment of the memory of Botir Zokirov. At the same time, the best monument to this great artist is all our reforms and their practical results aimed at developing culture and art in New Uzbekistan”, the Head of state said.
It was noted that the creative phenomenon of Botir Zokirov represents an entire era in the history of our national art. For an in-depth study and dissemination of his rich heritage, the Cabinet of Ministers was instructed to prepare a resolution providing for the creation in Tashkent of a memorial museum of the singer, an international pop art competition named after Botir Zokirov, the establishment of a state scholarship, the creation of a feature film and comprehensive support for the activities of the National Pop Symphony Orchestra.
Students of Botir Zokirov, as well as cultural and artistic figures, delivered speeches at the ceremony.
