Music Collaboration Event, Silk Way Star, Launches in Kazakhstan, Bridging Asia through Harmony
The first-ever Asian international vocal competition, the Silk Way Star, is set to become a major addition to the global music scene. Held in Astana, Kazakhstan, this competition will run from August 20, 2025, with the grand finale broadcast live on November 22, 2025.
The competition will feature performers from 12 countries: Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and South Korea. The diverse lineup promises a wide range of musical styles and traditions, reflecting each country's unique identity.
The jury consists of 12 international members, one from each participating country, ensuring impartiality. The jury includes famous artists and producers from China and Central Asia, contributing expert judgment throughout the competition.
Kazakhstan's representative is Batyrkhan Malikov, professionally known as ALEM, a singer and composer. ALEM has been a leading member of the Ninety One band since 2015 and was a finalist on The Voice of Kazakhstan and a semi-finalist on X Factor. He participates in the competition as the Kazakhstani artist, showcasing national culture on the Silk Way Star stage.
The Silk Way Star is a joint project organized by the TV and Radio Complex of the Kazakh President and China Media Group, established under an agreement signed in June 2025 during a visit by the Chinese President to Kazakhstan. The competition aims to strengthen cultural ties and discover musical talents, broadcasting in Kazakh, Chinese, and English to over a billion viewers across participating countries.
The show is being organized under the Agreement on the Creation of the International Project Silk Way Star, signed between the TV and Radio Complex of the President of Kazakhstan and China Media Group. Yerkezhan Kuntugan, managing director of Jibek Joly/Silk Way, stated that organizing and hosting the competition requires effort, fresh thinking, and new approaches.
ALEM has expressed his feelings about representing Kazakhstan at the competition, stating it as a great honor and a long-awaited moment. He also noted that after more than a decade away from competitions, he has learned not to undervalue himself, his art, or fellow artists.
The grand finale will be broadcast live on November 22 on Jibek Joly (Silk Way) and major TV channels across participating countries. ALEM believes that art cannot be measured against art, and one form is not greater than another. The competition aims to build a golden bridge of friendship, uniting countries and peoples through the power of culture.
This competition is viewed as a major cultural event promoting friendship and cultural exchange across Asia and Eurasia. It is not just a competition but a platform for talented artists to showcase their talents as "ambassadors of culture, peace, music, their national traditions, and the soul of their people."
