Kazakhstan’s Khabar TV: “We would present Eurovision viewers with something new, fresh and unique”

In July Kazakhstan was announced as one of twenty participating nations in this year’s Junior Eurovision Song Contest. Of course, many fans wondered whether this meant that a debut in the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest was on the horizon.

At the end of July, the EBU clarified that this was currently a no. Nevertheless, broadcaster Khabar Agency has revealed exactly why the nation should be present at the adult contest too, and what they would bring to the 200 million annual viewers.

“Our artists could introduce Eurovision viewers to their unique music”

The CEO of Kazakh broadcaster Khabar Agency, Mr Alan Azhibayev, has made a series of statements to fellow Eurovision website esctoday.com in regards to their Eurovision ambitions. 

Eurovision is one of the most popular contests in the world having a rich history. This is a great event, where music and friendship are the most important things. Different cultures of the world unite here.

Historically our country always has had that special feeling about music. That’s one of the reasons why Kazakhstan viewers pay much attention to international music contests and Eurovision in particular.

Eurovision is all about diversity of cultures and music genres. Kazakhstan’s music industry is diverse as well. I think our artists could broaden the contest’s program and introduce their unique music to viewers around the world.

Also, our country has always been showing a goodwill to be a part of the world community and live in peace with every country. Taking part in the contest could give us a great opportunity to tell about our intentions again.

Khabar Agency to esctoday.com (18 October 2018)

“We would mix modern and traditional styles”

Furthermore, esctoday.com asked the Khabar CEO how he believed his nation would express their local culture and music through the Eurovision Song Contest:

Thank you very much for your comment about our culture and music. As I mentioned before there are a lot of music genres represented in Kazakhstan.

Each of them has been developing under different influences. For instance, traditional music is a part of Kazakh nomad culture and cultures of all the nations living in our country. Some of the modern genres were formed during Soviet period, others were influenced by western music.

There are also musicians combining several genres in an unusual way. We would like to share this with the world. I think if we participate in Eurovision we would mix modern and traditional styles and present the contest viewers something new, fresh and unique.

Khabar Agency to esctoday.com (18 October 2018)

“A wonderful tradition that we’re planning to continue”

Khabar Agency has broadcast the Eurovision Song Contest since 2012, something which the broadcaster’s CEO believes has become a wonderful tradition for the channel’s audience:

Khabar Agency has been broadcasting Eurovision since 2012. Our viewers have always been interested in the contest and support participants from different countries. It’s one of few projects gathering a whole family for watching a show. I want to say, broadcasting Eurovision is a wonderful tradition, and we’re planning to continue it.

Khabar Agency to esctoday.com (18 October 2018)

Counting down to their Junior Eurovision debut

Last month, Daneliya Tuleshova was chosen to be Kazakhstan’s first representative at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in Minsk in November. The final version of the entry Ózíne sen (Seize the Time) was recently released and finds itself as one of the current favourites amongst fans across social media. Perhaps a Junior Eurovision win on their debut could be the key to a debut in the adult contest?

Do you want Kazakhstan to take part in the Eurovision Song Contest? Let us know in the comments below!