Gʻulomjon Yoqubov about singers competing for songs and those who are self-destructive

People's Artist of Uzbekistan and Karakalpakstan Gʻulomjon Yoqubov will celebrate his 75th birthday on March 1. He gave an interview to “Daryo” about being a singer's grandson, performing concerts for 25 years, and how song competitions are the work of unconscious people who spread false news about his death here.

Gʻulomjon Yoqubov has been in the art for over 50 years. He has been consistently performing concerts on March 1-2 for 25 years, celebrating his birthday among his fans.

— On my birthday, I think it’s not appropriate to sit here with many people and celebrate; instead, I prefer to sing on stage, let the people hear me, and pour out my sorrows. Some may prefer a restaurant, but I enjoy being with my fans. This year, since my birthday coincides with the first day of Ramadan, we moved the concert one day earlier in honor of this month, and the next day we will break the fast with family, says the master singer.

^{Photo: “Daryo”}
Gʻulomjon Yoqubov has been strongly opposed to his children becoming artists. However, he allowed his grandchildren to enter this field. Although his grandson has performed songs at several concerts, it has not been publicly announced that he is the grandson of the artist.

— The reason I don’t talk about my singer grandson anywhere is to avoid the evil eye. He is still a toddler, and his voice is changing. There are many famous singers who were known from a young age, and their voices amazed the world. But after a while, their voices changed. A young child's voice is still developing, and that’s a process. He won’t perform at this year’s concert; his voice is changing. At such times, it’s important to preserve the voice, says Gʻulomjon Yoqubov.

^{Photo: Screenshot}
How does the People's Artist feel about other singers performing his songs?

— I allowed Yorqinxoʻja to sing “Dilorom.” I was also sitting in the cover, I liked it, so I said go ahead and sing. Wherever we go, they ask us to sing together. However he sings, I will join him and sing the cover. I have no objection to this, as long as the song is not ruined. It’s wrong to say no one should sing; that’s not right, said the artist.

What does Gʻulomjon Yoqubov say about the current trend of song competitions and prohibitions on singing the songs of master artists?

— Art belongs to the people. If it comes from the people, it should be given back. If a song is sung again, it lives longer; if no one sings it, it gradually fades away. Saying you shouldn’t sing this song is the opinion of unconscious people, the invitation of unconscious people. Those who say such things are the most unconscious people! I only think of them as unconscious. They are people without understanding! One should sing freely, as long as the song is not ruined. I allow everyone to sing my songs; if they like it, they can sing freely, said the People's Artist.

How has people's attitude towards art changed today? The artist shares his thoughts on the current state of show business:

— We were taught the maqom from school. Nowadays, people follow the noise. This is not Uzbek art; it’s show business, a way to make money. A song should have Uzbek melodies, laments, and sorrows, it should reach a peak. Today’s songs lack sorrow and lament. They repeat one phrase, turning it into something with “hurrah-hurrah.” Whether sitting or lying down, this song and its clip keep spinning. If a young child wants to hear it, they will hear it regardless. They ask me to be a judge many times. I won’t go because listening to such things annoys me. Which one can I praise later? There are strong-voiced boys and girls; they need support. What’s the point of “shaldir-valdir”? I’ve been watching for 20-30 years — it comes out for five years and disappears, comes out for three years and disappears. It burns brightly and then extinguishes. Uzbek art is completely different! Some songs should be ignored; they are unbearable. But they get in the middle and play with them, ruining the youth. It’s not necessary to do the same thing just because it’s a wedding, says the People's Artist.

^{Photo: Screenshot}
A few months ago, the false unpleasant news spread about Gʻulomjon Yoqubov hit him hard, just like many others...

— There are all kinds of people in life; you can’t distinguish them. Why is it right to say a living person is dead? If I spread rumors about someone being dead for no reason, God will show me. This is just an example. First, it should be verified; if it’s true, then it should be said. Why is there a need for gossip behind? This unpleasant news weighed heavily on my heart. Whether they understand or not, they are spreading such news again. A good horse needs one whip, a bad horse needs a thousand whips. There’s no point in talking to them; may they have some decency. Even if they declare me “dead,” I continue to create. I wish a long life to those who say such things. I don’t intend to stop my creativity; I will serve the people until the end of my life, says Gʻulomjon Yoqubov.

When talking about the artist, his wardrobe becomes a separate topic. Gʻulomjon Yoqubov answered everyone’s curious questions about his costumes:

^{Photo: Instagram}
— When I go abroad, I only look for stores. I might not enter the stores here, but I definitely find something suitable for myself from abroad. I go 3-4 times a year; recently, they asked me to show my wardrobe. No, I won’t show it; what will I do by showing? People boast about their houses and cars; I don’t like doing that, so I won’t show my wardrobe either. They can see it when I wear it; if they like it, they can accept it. That’s enough. I won’t even say the price of my most expensive suit. There are those who can afford it and those who cannot. What benefit do I get from annoying someone? The things I wore 30-40 years ago are still there; they will make a museum after me (laughs), says the creator.