 |
Sevara NazarhanUzbek pop and folk rock singer
Country:
 Uzbekistan |
Biography of Sevara Nazarkhan
Early LifeSevara Nazarkhan, the Uzbek pop and folk rock singer, is one of the most successful pop performers in the history of modern Uzbekistan. Her songs are known and popular beyond her native country, with her concert tours spanning from Asia to Europe. While her talent is undeniable, it seems that her current popularity is only the beginning. This vibrant Uzbek singer surely has more to offer to the world. Nazarkhan was born in the sunny city of Andijan. Her family consisted mostly of individuals involved in creative professions, so from an early age, her life was saturated with music. Her mother played a crucial role in Nazarkhan's life. As a music teacher, she often gave her daughter vocal lessons and provided advice in other areas. Therefore, from a young age, the future singer acquired the necessary knowledge that would help her in her career. Her father also played a significant role in Nazarkhan's upbringing. From an early age, he played the dutar, an ancient Uzbek instrument, instilling in the young girl a love for traditional Asian music. Thanks to her parents' influence, Nazarkhan began to develop a passion for music. In 1998, she moved to Tashkent, where she applied to the State Conservatory of Uzbekistan. Here, she continued to develop her innate talent and learn the intricacies of stage singing. This period played a significant role in Nazarkhan's development as a professional singer. During her studies at the conservatory, she established numerous connections and soon started performing on big stages.
Early Career and First Success
According to some reports, Nazarkhan began her professional career in jazz. Performing in bars and restaurants in Tashkent in the evenings, she sang classic jazz compositions by Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, earning her first singing fees. As a jazz singer, Nazarkhan became well-known in certain circles, and soon she received her first serious offers from directors and producers in Uzbekistan. While still a student, she landed one of the leading roles in the Tashkent musical "Maisara - Superstar," and shortly after, she joined the female group Sideris, where she performed alongside three other girls. Although the project was supported by Mansur Tashmatov, a People's Artist of Uzbekistan, the group did not become widely popular and eventually disbanded. Despite this fact, this period in Nazarkhan's career cannot be considered a failure. She gained valuable experience and established numerous connections that would greatly assist her in her solo career.
Solo Career
Nazarkhan's rise to the top of the music industry was bright and rapid. In 2000, she recorded her album "Bahtimdan," which quickly became popular throughout Uzbekistan. This was followed by her participation in the Womad international festival of ethnic music, where she met the English musician Peter Gabriel, who offered her the opportunity to record a solo album at his Real World Records studio. Several months later, her second album, "Yol Bolsin" ("Have a Safe Journey"), was recorded in London. The album was produced by the renowned French musician Hector Zazou. The success of the new album exceeded all expectations. The Uzbek singer's album was warmly received by the European audience, and soon Sevara Nazarkhan embarked on a tour of the United States, Canada, and Western Europe, named "Growing Up." In 2005, she won the BBC World Music Award, being recognized as the "Best Artist of Asia." After this achievement, Nazarkhan turned her attention towards the East, performing concerts in Russia, China, and other Asian countries. In 2006 and 2007, she released two more albums, "Bu Sevgi" and "Sen," the latter recorded in collaboration with producers Bruno Ellingham and Victor Sologub. These releases were successful, although in her native Uzbekistan, critics still voiced concerns regarding her pop interpretation of traditional music. Nevertheless, such remarks were not taken seriously by her fans.
Current Endeavors
In 2010, under the pseudonym "Sevara & Elf," she released the album "Tak Legko," her first Russian-language record. Following this, the artist began to appear more frequently in Russia and perform live concerts. In 2012 and 2013, Sevara Nazarkhan participated in several television projects on Russian television, including "The Voice" and "Vyshka." These appearances further solidified her popularity and attracted additional attention to her songs and live performances. Her latest album to date is "Tortadur," which consists of traditional Uzbek songs. The album was recorded in Uzbekistan, with the material being mixed at the renowned Abbey Road Studios in London.
Personal Life
In 2007, Sevara Nazarkhan married Bahram Pirimkulov. It is unknown what her husband does for a living. When asked about her spouse, Nazarkhan cryptically stated that he is "a driver, a cook, and a designer." The couple has a young son named Dengiz. Currently, the family resides in Uzbekistan. When asked about the possibility of moving to Europe or the United States, Nazarkhan firmly refuses, emphasizing her patriotism towards her country.
