A monument to the founder of national pop art, the People’s Artist of Uzbekistan Botir Zokirov, has been unveiled in Tashkent. The event was attended by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who warmly congratulated art lovers.
– Today is a special day of art and culture. I congratulate you, as well as relatives and fans of Botir Zokirov, and all our people on this joyful event, – said the President.
Botir Zokirov was born in 1936 into a family of artists and grew up in a creative environment. He was awarded the title of People’s Artist of Uzbekistan at the age of 29. In 2000, he was posthumously awarded the «Buyuk xizmatlari uchun» Order, and in 2021 the «El-yurt hurmati» Order.
The Head of State noted the unique talent and human qualities of the singer.
Botir Zokirov lived for only 49 years, but during this time he left behind a rich and varied creative legacy. His magical voice has penetrated every house in our country and took its place in the hearts and the golden fund of our people’s art. He successfully represented Uzbek art in the cultural capitals of the world.
In 1955, at the height of his career, the singer fell seriously ill. He underwent several operations and the doctors forbade him to sing. But even so, he never stopped creating.
Botir Zokirov always strived for innovation. He combined Eastern folklore and modern pop art to create the on-stage performance group «Music Hall». As a singer and composer, he mentored many talented young performers. His contribution to the creation of the deserved ensemble «Yalla» is invaluable.
Much work has been done to commemorate this great artist and to study his creative legacy. In 2021, a Presidential Decree was adopted to celebrate the 85th anniversary of Botir Zokirov’s birth. The National Award of the Great Singer was established, and scientific and artistic works, documentaries and plays were created. Recently, a memorial evening for Botir Zokirov was held with the participation of the public of our country and famous artists from abroad.
The street on which the State Conservatory of Uzbekistan is located, where Botir Zokirov studied, is named after him. The Institute of National Variety Art named after Botir Zokirov was established at the Conservatory. Now the monument installed here gives the complex even more splendor.
– This monument is the 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 the development of culture and art in New Uzbekistan, – said the Head of state.
It was noted that the creative phenomenon of Botir Zokirov represents a whole era in the history of our national art. A decree will be prepared for the in-depth study and dissemination of his rich heritage. According to the decree, it is planned to create a memorial museum of the singer, to hold an international competition of the art of vaudeville named after Botir Zokirov, to establish a state scholarship, to make a feature film and to provide full support for the activities of the National Vaudeville Symphony Orchestra.
Botir Zokirov’s students, cultural and artistic personalities performed at the ceremony.