Gʻulomjon Yoqubov about singers competing and those who are self-destructing

Uzbekistan and Karakalpakstan People's Artist 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, the fact that competing in singing is the work of unconscious people, and those who spread false news about his death he said.

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

— On my birthday, I think it’s better not to sit here with many people and celebrate, instead, I say if I sing on stage, the people will hear me, and I can pour out my sorrows. Some prefer a restaurant, but I like to be with my fans. Now, this year my birthday coincides with the first day of Ramadan, so in honor of this month, we moved the concert one day earlier, and the next day we will have iftar with relatives, says the master singer.

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Gʻulomjon Yoqubov has been against his children becoming artists with all his might. However, he allowed his grandchildren to enter this field. Although his grandson has sung at several concerts, it has not been announced to the public that this young man is the grandson of the artist.

— The reason I don’t talk about my singer grandson anywhere is that I say I don’t want the evil eye on him. He is still a baby, his voice is changing. There are many famous singers who were known from a young age, who amazed the world with their voices. But after a while, their voices changed. A young child's voice will be pure, and it’s a matter of going through that process. He will not perform at this year's concert; his voice is changing. At such times, it is necessary to preserve the voice, says Gʻulomjon Yoqubov.

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How does the People's Artist feel about other singers performing his songs?

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

What does Gʻulomjon Yoqubov say about the current competition in singing and the prohibition of singing the songs of master artists?

— Art belongs to the people. If it comes from the people, it should be given back to them. If a song is sung again, it lives longer; if no one sings it, it will gradually disappear. 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! It should be said freely, as long as the song is not ruined. I allow everyone to sing my songs; if they like it, they can sing it freely, said the People's Artist.

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

— We were taught maqom from school. Nowadays, people follow the noise. This is not Uzbek art; it’s show business, a way to make money. In a song, there should be Uzbek melody, lament, and pain, it should reach a peak. Today’s songs lack pain, they lack lament. They keep repeating one phrase, turning something into “hooray-hooray.” Whether sitting or lying down, this song and its clip keep circulating. If a young child wants to hear it, they will hear it whether they like it or not. 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 to be supported. What’s the point of “shaldir-valdir”? I have been watching for 20-30 years — they come out for five years and disappear, they come out for three years and disappear. They burn brightly and then extinguish. Uzbek art is completely different! Some songs should be blocked from listening; they are completely inaudible. But they play around with these, ruining the youth. It’s not necessary to do just one thing for weddings, says the People's Artist.

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A few months ago, the false unpleasant news spread about Gʻulomjon Yoqubov affected him deeply, just like many others...

— There are all kinds of people in life; you can’t distinguish them. What’s the point of saying a living person is dead? If I spread news that someone is dead for no reason, God will show me. This is just an example. First, it should be checked; if it’s true, then it should be said. Why is there a need for gossip from 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 do not 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 special topic. Gʻulomjon Yoqubov answered interesting questions about his costumes:

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— 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 it? 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 mention the price of my most expensive suit. There are those who can afford it, and those who can’t. What benefit do I gain by annoying someone? The things I wore 30-40 years ago are still there; after me, they will make a museum (laughs), says the creator.