In December 2025, the final concert of the third world tour of People’s Artist of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic, Dimash Qudaibergen, took place in Riga, the capital of Latvia. The last show of the “Stranger” tour was performed in his new public capacity as Global Goodwill Ambassador of the International Organization for Migration under the United Nations. We invite readers to step into the concert hall with us and hear the impressions of those who were at Xiaomi Arena that evening.
The closing concert of Dimash’s mystically titled “Stranger” tour was held in early December 2025 in wintry Riga. The Latvian capital had the honor of bringing to a close the three-year world tour that began in September 2022 with a large-scale concert in Dimash’s homeland, in Kazakhstan’s cultural capital, Almaty.
Over the course of three years, the extraordinary vocalist visited numerous cities and countries. Step by step, through sold-out performances across continents and on prestigious stages, the show secured its place in the cultural history of Kazakhstan. The geography of “Stranger” is impressive: Armenia, the United Kingdom, Hungary, Germany, Hong Kong, Egypt, Spain, Malaysia, Mexico, the United States, Türkiye, and the Czech Republic were all part of the tour, with unforgettable concerts held in Almaty, Antalya, Astana, Barcelona, Berlin, Budapest, Hong Kong, Düsseldorf, Yerevan, Cairo, Kuala Lumpur, London, Mexico City, New York, Prague, and Istanbul. In some cities, concerts were held twice. Germany currently holds the record for the highest number of Dimash’s overseas shows, with two concerts in Düsseldorf and one in Berlin.
© Ainura Adylbekova, DK Media Europe
While in Riga, the DK Media Europe editorial team also had the opportunity to meet Dauren Karipov, former Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Federal Republic of Germany and now Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Latvia. He not only attended the concert of his talented compatriot but also kindly shared his thoughts with us. A separate interview with the Ambassador published here.
“Makhabbat ber magan” – the unofficial anthem of the Dears fandom
Without giving in to excessive sentimentality, it is worth noting that the end of the tour symbolically marked a summary of a quarter century of the vocalist’s musical career. A reflective mood hovered beneath the arena’s vaulted ceiling, reminding the audience that it was time to let go of the familiar past and embrace a beautiful new chapter.
© Ainura Adylbekova, DK Media Europe
Before the concert began, the foyer was filled with the colors and symbols of numerous fan clubs that had gathered from all over the world for this musical celebration. One of the largest groups was the Polish fan club, easily recognizable by their bright turquoise sweatshirts. Teresa, the welcoming head of the club, told us that over the years a solid core of about one hundred members had formed. They regularly travel to Dimash’s concerts and actively participate in various projects, including “Dimash Radio” and the “DiVoices” choir.
The latter stands out for its harmonious singing during the Kazakh artist’s concerts. As Teresa explained, their precision is the result of serious online training sessions with a Kazakh language teacher. The Dears deliberately practice correct pronunciation of the lyrics in Dimash’s native language.
One Polish chorister with an especially powerful voice caught Dimash’s attention during the performance of the lyrical ballad “Makhabbat ber magan,” a song that has become a true highlight of every concert. The arena was immersed in a sea of shimmering phone lights, accompanied by the heartfelt choral singing of the Dears. Unable to resist, Dimash invited the strong-voiced fan onto the stage and asked him to sing lines from the beloved song.
© Ainura Adylbekova, DK Media Europe
Artur is no stranger within the Dears community. He had already gained some recognition during a previous concert in Prague, when Dimash engaged him in a playful exchange between songs. This time, however, his name was surely remembered by many. After successfully performing his vocal part, the Polish fan received well-deserved applause from both Dimash and the audience, as well as high praise from the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Latvia:
“It was a very touching moment. When the entire arena sang in Kazakh together with Dimash, it became clear that language has no borders here. People were singing not because they knew the words perfectly, but because they felt the music.
And Artur’s performance on stage is a story in itself. It was evident that he sang not for effect, but from the heart. The fact that a Polish fan performed ‘Makhabbat ber magan’ with such respect and sincerity showed how Dimash’s music unites people from different countries.”
Thanks to Teresa, we were also able to ask Artur a few questions.
What did you feel when Dimash invited you on stage to sing beside him?
“It’s an incredible feeling that cannot be described in simple words. On the one hand, I felt pride and joy that Dimash noticed and heard me from the stage – for the second time after Prague. And of course, I felt enormous fear and excitement.”
How many songs from Dimash’s repertoire do you know by heart?
“Three songs in Kazakh and one in Ukrainian in full. And the choruses of several others.”
Where else can people hear you sing besides Dimash’s concerts?
“My journey in singing began in the ‘DiVoices’ choir within the Polish fan club. Later, I also started singing in the ‘Solski’ choir at the Solski Theatre in Tarnów.”
Not everyone can sing as well as you. Did you ever study music?
“When I was a teenager, I graduated from a first-level music school. At one time, I played four instruments. Now, unfortunately, that remains only a memory.”
Why are you drawn to singing in Kazakh?
“There should be no doubt about it – because of and for Dimash.”
What is it about “Makhabbat ber magan” that you love so much?
“There is nothing in this song that one could dislike. A beautiful melody, incredibly emotional lyrics. And, of course, our beloved Dimash…”
© Ainura Adylbekova, DK Media Europe
Our beloved Dimash
Speaking with audience members who had come to the arena, we were once again convinced that Dimash’s appeal extends far beyond geographical borders. Among the many fans who had traveled from different parts of the world, we sought out those who do not yet consider themselves part of the fandom – newcomers affectionately called “Baby Dears,” who are only just discovering this remarkable vocalist.
Many local residents attended the concert as well. For them, Dimash prepared a short address in Latvian, since respect for the language of the host country is the foundation of mutual respect. We asked several spectators waiting for the show what they expected and how they first learned about the artist from Kazakhstan.
Here are some of their comments:
“We heard him sing before, back in China when he performed in a competition. I like the way Dimash sings. A strong, powerful, magnificent voice. Such range. I’m not a musician, just an amateur, but I understand that he is not an ordinary performer – he’s truly unique. We don’t know if we’ll have another chance to attend his concert, but we expect to spend a wonderful evening. He definitely won’t disappoint. We’re happy to have this opportunity.”
Two female spectators came somewhat prepared:
“My granddaughter studies vocals too. I watched many shows in China. I really liked how he sings; I love many of his songs. Listening to Dimash is fascinating. He has such a remarkable, unusual voice. The genres he performs are also diverse – everything is always different. Every song he reinterprets sounds unique and distinct from the original.
This is our first concert. We’re expecting a show – a real wow effect. We watched his concerts online and loved them. It doesn’t matter what language he sings in. I even learned the chorus of ‘Umytylmas Kun’ in Kazakh. I don’t know Kazakh at all, but now I know the chorus.”
© Ainura Adylbekova, DK Media Europe
After the show, we spoke with one spectator who had flown from Strasbourg, France, especially for the concert:
“I heard Dimash four months ago. His voice feels almost otherworldly. He is so charismatic that it was worth flying from France to Riga just for him. This is my first concert. The show was simply magnificent and, thanks to the visual design, also intellectually engaging – it takes you on a journey into deep history. I came without any particular expectations. And although it lasted more than two and a half hours, it felt like a single breath. Kazakh is unfamiliar to me, as it is to many in the hall. But Dimash is right when he says music has no barriers, and by the end I was singing along in Kazakh with everyone else. I absolutely loved ‘Makhabbat ber magan.’ It’s so beautiful when the arena is filled with lights. What I admire about Dimash as an artist is his versatility. Near the stage, fans began to dance. It was wonderful – a long-forgotten sense of energy. We immediately struck up conversations with our neighbors, people we had never met before, and together we danced and sang.”
Curtain!
One chapter has come to an end. Ahead lie new shows, premieres, creative surprises, new encounters, and new journeys. After all, the purpose of these travels across boundless seas and oceans is to introduce as many people as possible to the culture of his homeland. And, of course, to continue delighting audiences with magical art that knows neither barriers nor borders.
