First-Ever Silk Way Star Vocal Contest Brings Asia’s Music Stars to Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana, will host the first-ever Asian vocal competition, Silk Way Star, in August 2025.

The announcement was made during a press conference at the Kazmedia Center on the eve of the launch of this major international music project, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

The competition is being organized under the Agreement on the Creation of the International Project Silk Way Star, signed on June 16, 2025, between the TV and Radio Complex of the President of Kazakhstan and China Media Group, in the presence of Presidents Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Xi Jinping during the Chinese leader’s official visit to Astana.

Performers from 12 countries-Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and South Korea-will compete. Filming starts August 20, 2025, with the grand finale broadcast live on November 22 across Jibek Joly/Silk Way and major TV channels in participating nations.

“This is an unprecedented experience for us. Organizing and hosting a project of this scale requires creativity, dedication, and fresh approaches. Our team has shown persistence, enthusiasm, and commitment to making this collaboration with China Media Group a success. We’re proud to offer a platform for talented artists who are ambassadors of culture, peace, and music. Our audience can expect discoveries and unforgettable moments uniting people across the world. This is our mission-building a golden bridge of friendship through culture,” said Yerkezhan Kuntugan, Managing Director of Jibek Joly/Silk Way.

Silk Way Star aims to become a highlight of the global music scene, celebrating the cultural heritage of nations along the Great Silk Road. Contestants will present diverse musical styles, traditions, and motifs reflecting the unique identity of their countries.

The jury will include prominent performers, songwriters, producers, and media personalities, ensuring expert evaluation. The competition will also serve as a platform to promote Asian music, strengthen cultural ties, and showcase a new generation of talent.

Previously, it was reported that Silk Way Star will feature performers from Central Asia, the Caucasus, and China in a multilingual contest, gala concert, and cultural exchange, airing on Silk Way and CGTN TV channels as part of a broader media partnership between Kazakhstan and China.