For Dimash Kudaibergen, the outgoing year of 2025 turned out to be exceptionally bright and eventful — a year filled with milestones that wrote themselves not only into his personal story, but also into the cultural history of his homeland. As we approach the end of the first quarter of the 21st century, DK Media Europe invites readers to look back at the key achievements of the world-renowned Kazakh vocalist who has earned love and respect both at home and far beyond Kazakhstan’s borders.
A historic tour across three continents
The final quarter of 2025 in Dimash’s career was especially rich in events unprecedented for the cultural history of Kazakhstan and the CIS. Many of them were connected with his tour under the intriguing title “Stranger,” which began three years earlier with a large-scale show in Almaty.
The list of major milestones opened with a triumphant concert at one of the world’s most iconic venues — Madison Square Garden (MSG) in New York. Until Dimash, no artist from Kazakhstan or the CIS had achieved such success, gathering nearly 20,000 spectators on October 5 for his unique show in the very heart of New York City.
Another milestone consisted of two historic concerts in Mexico City, held in massive venues that sold out within minutes — concerts that effectively launched a new stage of cultural exchange between two friendly countries: Mexico and Kazakhstan.
Following New York came sensational news for Kazakhstan: Dimash’s new track “Fire,” written together with Ukrainian-American composer and arranger Dmytro Gordon, was included in the Grammy project “Global Spin.”
Ainur Adylbekova, DK Media Europe
After America, Dimash headed to Europe. Barcelona, London, Berlin and Riga not only applauded the singer — they sang with him in Kazakh, openly sharing their excitement.
This is the Dimash phenomenon: fans from across the globe — Dear family — sing along with him in his native language. He is perhaps the only artist from Kazakhstan who has inspired such sincere love for his homeland and its language among an international audience.
A true milestone on the musical Olympus was the first solo concert in the history of Kazakhstan and the CIS held as part of the “Echo of the Pyramids” festival in Cairo. Its uniqueness lay not only in the music, but in the setting — right on the Giza Plateau, against the backdrop of the ancient pyramids and under the watchful gaze of the Sphinx. For the first time in his career, Dimash performed in Egypt — adding yet another continent to his resume: Africa.
“Performing on a new continent and representing my country is a great honor and joy,” he said ahead of the concert.
The eight solo shows that Dimash presented in 2025 across three continents — bringing together audiences from all five — became the final chapter of the “Stranger” tour. Although the programs were similar, each concert had its own character, its own emotional nuances, its own “signature moments.”
The artist himself confirmed what audiences felt:
“Every concert is unique. Even if the program is the same, even if the songs are the same — the audience is different. We change countries and cities, and the level of enthusiasm changes as well.”
The tour program became truly beloved, and the artist doesn’t hide his gratitude:
“Speaking to my listeners all over the world, I want to say thank you a thousand times. Whether it was the recent concert near the pyramids or solo shows in other countries — every step I take, every concert I give — you support me with such warmth and love, inspiring me from the bottom of my heart. You are my beloved listeners. I will always try to show you the very best of my art.”
His closing words sounded like the conclusion of one great chapter — but in reality, they opened the horizon for new achievements, and not only in music.
Cultural bridges of understanding
Dimash is first and foremost a singer. But he is also much more than that. Beyond vocal mastery, he is driven by an unwavering desire to introduce the world to his homeland and to Kazakh culture — building bridges of understanding and creative cooperation.
Ainur Adylbekova, DK Media Europe
One of the most symbolic of such bridges was a concert held at the “Ho Guom” Opera House in Hanoi, Vietnam. Three outstanding voices took the stage: Maestro Plácido Domingo from Spain, opera star Kristine Opolais from Latvia, and Kazakhstan’s own Dimash Kudaibergen.
Announced as an event “where music erases boundaries — opera meets crossover, classical meets contemporary, and emotions reach their peak,” the concert fully lived up to expectations. Dimash’s innovative and fearless voice played a key role in dissolving those boundaries.
China also became an important stage for strengthening the artist’s recognition.
For the third time, Dimash was honored to perform at the China Media Group’s Chinese New Year Gala — an event watched by as many as 1.5 billion viewers worldwide.
He was then invited to take part in the televised Lantern Festival celebration — the second most important traditional Chinese holiday after New Year.
He also appeared in the program “Central Axis of Beijing,” where, together with Chinese singer Gong Linna, he walked through the city’s historic landmarks and symbolically built a musical bridge between Kazakhstan and China. The two artists performed a special composition combining the Chinese song “Phoenix” and the Kazakh song “Karatorgai,” accompanied by national instruments from both cultures.
Dimash also performed at the closing ceremony of the Shanghai International Film Festival, where filmmakers from around the world heard his powerful rendition of Édith Piaf’s iconic “Hymne à l’amour.”
Another major step in developing cultural understanding was his collaboration with Hunan TV on a new project, where Dimash took on an entirely new role — executive producer of the musical show “Voice Beyond Horizon.”
It is worth remembering that his international success began in 2017 with the program “I Am Singer” — produced by the same network. At the age of 22, the young Kazakh gained millions of fans. Today, audiences in 180 countries applaud him. No other Kazakh artist has achieved such global recognition — and it is no surprise that Dimash wants to share the culture of his homeland with the world.
Filming for “Voice Beyond Horizon” took place in four of Kazakhstan’s most beautiful regions — Atyrau, Mangystau, Almaty and Astana.
Ainur Adylbekova, DK Media Europe
“As planned, the competition will be filmed in Kazakhstan and will become a symbol of friendship not only between Kazakhstan and China, but with other countries as well,” Dimash said.
He also shared some details:
“I will be on the jury as well. To support the new generation of singers, the panel will include world-renowned artists — professionals in their fields.”
One such judge was two-time Grammy winner and American producer Walter Afanasieff, who fulfilled a long-held dream of visiting the homeland of his favorite singer:
“I’ve been wanting so much to come to Kazakhstan — for inspiration, for music, and to show my respect.”
Afanasieff worked for many years with Mariah Carey, collaborated with Céline Dion on “My Heart Will Go On,” and co-wrote “Love Is Not Over Yet” especially for Dimash.
“We will do our best to create a truly great project,” Dimash assured. The results remain ahead — but it is already clear that the show will be brought to life with the same professionalism that defines both Dimash and Hunan TV.
A sign of respect and recognition
The stage of the IV International Music Festival “Meikin Asia” in Cholpon-Ata, on the shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, became the setting for an important cultural and diplomatic moment. Invited as an honored guest, Dimash Kudaibergen was awarded the title of People’s Artist of Kyrgyzstan. The title was bestowed personally by President Sadyr Japarov — a gesture of deep respect for Dimash’s talent and of recognition for his contribution to strengthening cultural ties between the two nations.
International fame has not distanced him from home. Earlier this year, he received the national “People’s Favorite” award for the fourth time, in the category “Cultural Figure of the Year.”
At the end of the year, another meaningful event awaited him. During a motivational meeting with students of the Kazakh National Medical University in Almaty, the rector presented Dimash with the title of Honorary Professor of KazNMU — in recognition of his role in cultural development, spiritual education of young people, and promoting Kazakhstan’s image on the world stage.
But 2025 was marked not only by awards and titles.
During his farewell tour, legendary Spanish tenor José Carreras — before performing Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” — invited Dimash onto the stage:
“If you don’t mind, I would like to dedicate the next song to my wonderful colleague and dear friend.”
Thanks to the 10th anniversary edition of the “Virtuosos” project, where Dimash served as a jury member, “My Way” gained new life — and symbolically, the remaining members of the famous “Three Tenors” — Plácido Domingo and José Carreras — seemed to pass the torch to Dimash, accompanied by the virtuoso cello of Stjepan Hauser.
The mission of talent
Dimash clearly understands his abilities — and does not limit himself only to music.
“A first and foremost, I see myself as a diplomat,” he said last year, when he was named Regional Goodwill Ambassador for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Asia. “Given that my profession allows me to reach so many people, I would like to speak more about love, kindness, and about people learning to be friends with one another.”
IOM Director General Amy Pope had every reason to state:
“Dimash uses his voice not only to move audiences, but to ensure that people affected by crises are seen and heard, and that their cultural diversity is recognized. His music crosses borders, and his work draws attention to lives that are too often overlooked.”
On December 8, in recognition of his humanitarian efforts, Dimash Kudaibergen was appointed Global Goodwill Ambassador — becoming the first Kazakh to receive this honor and joining the ranks of prominent cultural figures working with UN organizations.
He described his role as follows:
“Above all, I see it as an expression of trust — from our listeners and from people who need our support. Every artist needs a mission. Mine is to call humanity to unity, to speak about peace and mutual understanding. Today, when tension between countries often grows, we — people of art — must remind the world of peace, harmony and cooperation.”
He is convinced:
“Music reminds us of what unites us. Together we can protect the rights of vulnerable people and awaken solidarity where it is most needed.”
What comes next?
The coming year in Dimash Kudaibergen’s career promises to be no less bright. A new program will replace “Stranger,” and the global audience of his fans can already begin preparing for new spectacular concerts around the world.
We will see the broadcast of “Voice Beyond Horizon,” and an extraordinary concert featuring world stars is planned for April in Budapest.
As Dimash himself says:
“We’ll see.”
