We bring our website readers a festive interview with the winner of the «Ýylyň parlak ýyldyzy — 2025» (“Bright Star of the Year — 2025”) contest, the charming singer Gowher Hojimyradova.
— Gowher, at the start of our conversation could you tell us about your first steps in the arts?
— Since childhood I loved singing. Although no one in my family was professionally involved in the arts, my parents’ support in this field was very significant.
— Who was your mentor?
— My first mentor was the singer Akgul Togtamyradova. At her initiative I began singing at age three in Kindergarten No. 20 in Ashgabat. Later, while studying at Secondary School No. 38 and at Children’s Art School No. 2, I performed songs to the words and music of teacher Akgul. From the honored artist of Turkmenistan Rustem Bayramov I learned the subtle secrets of performing folk songs.
— Which song first brought you fame?
— “Balajyk gelýär” (“Little One Is Coming”). This song, set to music by composer and honored artist of Turkmenistan Begenç Hojaýew in 2018, was well received by listeners.
— What kinds of songs do you feel closest to creating?
— Mainly patriotic themes. Songs about mothers are also close to me.
— Who was your first listener?
— My first listener, confidante, soulmate, advisor and support was my mother. She was even my stylist.
— If you hadn’t become a singer…
— I would have continued my mother’s profession: I would have become a doctor.
— Which composers’ music and which poets’ words do you turn to most often?
— To the people’s writer of Turkmenistan Dowletgeldi Annamyradow and our poetess Gulshirin Hanowa. I often write myself, because no one knows the song an artist will sing better than the artist herself. In the final stage of the contest I performed “Ýüregim aldy” — a song set to my own words. We also work with composers Begenç Hojayew, Maksat Tuwakow, Babamyrat Babayew, and others.
— In your opinion, what is the secret of success?
— First of all, family support. Relentless hard work, tirelessness and perseverance are the main things.
— What kind of gifts do you like to receive during holidays?
— Any gift given from the heart.
— What is your biggest wish for the New Year?
— I would wish for all the good wishes of people around the world to come true.
— Gowher, may your future wishes come true as well!
— Thank you! May the New Year bring every family prosperity, happiness and honor! May our country be peaceful and our nation prosperous!
«THE ASHGABAT TIMES».
