Astana to Host First Pan-Asian Vocal Competition Silk Way Star

Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, is set to become a meeting point for musicians from across the Asian continent as it prepares to host the first-ever Silk Way Star vocal competition this August. The announcement was made during a press conference at the Kazmedia Center.

The initiative is being implemented under an agreement between the TV and Radio Complex of the President of Kazakhstan and China Media Group. The document was signed on 16 June, 2025, in Astana, witnessed by Presidents Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Xi Jinping during the Chinese leader’s official visit.

The competition will bring together performers from 12 countries, including Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and South Korea. Each contestant will present music that reflects their nation’s cultural identity, from traditional melodies to contemporary interpretations.

Filming will start on 20 August, leading up to a live-broadcast grand finale on 22 November, which will air on Jibek Joly/Silk Way and major TV channels across all participating states. The programme will feature a multilingual format and a diverse jury composed of well-known singers, composers, producers, and media personalities.

Speaking at the press event, Yerkezhan Kuntugan, Managing Director of Jibek Joly/Silk Way, emphasised that the project is more than a competition.

“We see it as a platform where culture, peace, and dialogue meet. Artists will bring with them not only their voices, but also the stories, traditions, and the soul of their people. Our mission is to build a golden bridge of friendship, uniting countries through the power of culture. We want audiences to witness moments of genuine human connection that transcend borders,” she said.

Organisers believe the Silk Way Star will become a recurring event, contributing to the global visibility of Asian music and offering new opportunities for emerging talent.

The project also reflects a growing trend of cultural diplomacy in the region, using the arts as a means to foster cooperation and mutual understanding.

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