A ceremonial event was held at the “Kuksaroy” residence to mark the 80th anniversary of People's Artist of Uzbekistan, prominent pop music performer Farrukh Zakirov. The ceremony was attended by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, state officials, representatives of the cultural and artistic community, as well as members of the “Yalla” ensemble.
The head of state warmly congratulated the jubilarian, emphasizing the invaluable contribution of the Zakirov dynasty to the development of national culture. The creative school founded by Karim Zakirov and the legacy of Batyr Zakirov are the spiritual wealth of the people, and Farrukh Zakirov has worthily continued these traditions, elevating pop art to a new level.
The President noted that Farrukh Zakirov is a beloved artist not only in Uzbekistan but throughout Central Asia, CIS countries, and the Turkic world. In addition to the titles of People's Artist of Uzbekistan and Karakalpakstan, he has been awarded the highest honorary titles of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Tatarstan, Bashkortostan, and Ingushetia.
Special attention was paid to the “Yalla” ensemble, which has been performing on world stages for 55 years. Songs of the group, such as “Uchkuduk,” “Chaykhana,” and “Shahrisabz,” have made unique corners of Uzbekistan famous worldwide, while compositions like “Yallama Yorim” and “Majnutol” have entered the golden fund of culture. Shavkat Mirziyoyev also highlighted the artist's active mentoring activities, through projects like “The Voice” and other initiatives, helping young talents find their way to the big stage.
During the event, it was announced that the President had signed a decree and resolution aimed at immortalizing the artist's merits and supporting young talents. For his outstanding contribution to the development of art, Farrukh Zakirov was awarded the Order “Buyuk Xizmatlari Uchun” (For Great Services).
According to the adopted documents, the name of Farrukh Zakirov will be assigned to Children's Music and Art School No. 7 in the Yashnabad district of Tashkent. A unique educational and creative platform will be established on the basis of this institution: a children's “Yalla” ensemble and a Youth Creative Laboratory will be organized; modern sound recording and video recording studios equipped with stage equipment will be created; a “mentor – student” system will be introduced with monthly supplements for masters amounting to 5 times the minimum wage.
Starting from the 2026/2027 academic year, 3 gifted students from each region of the country will receive free annual training in special courses. Preferential admission: the 10 best graduates of the school will be able to enroll in specialized art universities without exams under an additional quota. State support: the budget will fully cover the expenses for talented students and their teachers to participate in prestigious international competitions. Monetary prizes: winners of international competitions will receive rewards of up to 30 million soums, and their mentors up to 20 million soums.
The Ministry of Culture has been instructed to publish a complete collection of works performed by Farrukh Zakirov in musical notation for use in the educational process. By the end of 2026, the school building will undergo major reconstruction. For the implementation of these measures, 10 billion soums have been allocated in 2026, and funding in subsequent years will be included in the parameters of the State Budget.
The head of state expressed confidence that the school named after Farrukh Zakirov will become a model educational institution that will help preserve and pass on the priceless heritage of the famous artistic dynasty to future generations.
Source: podrobno.uz