Mona Songz Composer, singer Date of Birth: 18.06.1995 Country: Kazakhstan

1. Early Life and Musical Beginnings
2. Education and Musical Journey
3. Breakthrough with "Pesni"
4. Career and Collaborations
5. Personal Life and Values
6. Recent Developments

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

On June 18, 1995, Manarbek Zhumabay (aka Mona Songz) was born in a village near Pavlodar, Kazakhstan. From a young age, he developed a passion for singing, inspired by his mother's musical abilities. He began singing "Asyl Azhem" by Rakhat Turlykhanov, a song dedicated to his grandmother, who he deeply cherished.

At 11, Zhumabay's musical interests expanded to include Jay Sean, Justin Bieber, and Dima Bilan. Despite his curly hair, he attempted to grow a braid like Bilan's, the 2008 Eurovision winner. His parents supported his artistic aspirations. In sixth grade, he embarked on guitar lessons, trekking to a neighboring village and later receiving a seven-string guitar from his father.

Education and Musical Journey

After graduating high school in 2011, Zhumabay enrolled in the Pyotr Tchaikovsky Musical College's choral conducting program. Despite initial doubts, he gained the respect of his teachers. He then pursued a degree in pop vocals at the Kazakh National University of Arts.

At 16, Zhumabay transitioned to professional music and began recording with friends. It was during this time that he adopted the stage name Mona Songz. In college, he relocated to Astana and sang in restaurants.

Breakthrough with "Pesni"

Mona Songz's breakout moment came on the second season of "Pesni" on TNT. In the fifth episode, he impressed the judges with his original songs and a bold statement that he could create a track in an hour. He delivered on his promise, composing "Varnava Vozvrashchaetsya v Pavlodar" dedicated to Ekaterina Varnava.

Career and Collaborations

Since then, Mona Songz has released numerous singles, including "Uуайт," "Mona," "Ne Dlya Tebya," "Devochkoy-Mechtoy," and "Lyubov Na Rayone." In 2020, his cover of Valery Meladze's "Salut, Vera" went viral, amassing millions of views.

Collaborations have also been a significant part of his career. He has worked with artists such as Shvringvn, Jexy, and qobee.

Personal Life and Values

Mona Songz met his wife, Guzel Bayatova, at university. They married in 2020 and are expecting their first child. His wife is also a musician and understands the demands of his profession.

Zhumabay values faith, kindness, and authenticity. He steers clear of politics, dislikes tattoos, and considers teleportation his ultimate superpower.

Recent Developments

In 2021, Mona Songz released "Ostatsya" with qobee and shared his plans to record a solo EP. He continues to prioritize his family, music, and his unique artistic vision.