Tajikistan will be proudly represented at the upcoming 16th International Charity Festival-Contest “White Cane” by 10-year-old Nakubegim Niyozova, a talented young singer with visual impairment.
The festival, dedicated to showcasing the voices of children and teens with vision loss from across the CIS and Georgia, will take place in Moscow on October 15, The Caspian Post informs via Tajik media.
Nakubegim will be accompanied by her vocal coach, Tahmina Ramazanova, who recognized the young artist’s potential and encouraged her to participate in the competition.
A Rising Voice from Tajikistan
“Taking part in this festival means a lot to me - I want to represent my homeland, Tajikistan, with pride,” Nakubegim told Asia-Plus ahead of her departure. “I’ll be traveling with my family - my loving father, supportive mother, and my wonderful teacher, Ms. Ramazanova.”
A Musical Heritage
Nakubegim hails from a creative household. Her father, Khushbakht Niyozov, is a respected musician and multi-instrumentalist with a global performance record in both traditional and contemporary genres. Her mother, Davlatmo Ghulomova, is a medical professional who has dedicated herself to family life and child development.
“I’m especially grateful to my father, who is both my mentor and my inspiration,” Nakubegim said. “And to my teacher for choosing the perfect song - Dushanbe - for this event.”
Currently a fourth-grader at School No. 28 in Dushanbe, Nakubegim’s favorite subjects are "Native Language" and "The World Around Us." While she dreams of becoming a dentist one day - “so that everyone can have strong, healthy, and beautiful teeth” - music remains an integral part of her life.
A Star in the Making
Nakubegim’s musical talent surfaced early - she began singing at the age of two. Her parents, recognizing her innate sense of rhythm and pitch, nurtured her gift from the beginning. She also studied piano before dedicating herself to vocals.
Her first public performance came at age six when she sang an Indian song at her kindergarten graduation. By third grade, she was already performing confidently at school concerts.
“She brings joy to us all with her beautiful voice and heartfelt songs,” her parents said. “We are grateful to Diana Gurtskaya and her foundation for giving our daughter this incredible opportunity. We are confident she will make Tajikistan proud.”
Overcoming the Odds
Nakubegim was just 15 days old when her parents noticed something unusual about her vision. After several consultations, she was diagnosed with partial optic nerve atrophy at the age of two. She now wears glasses full-time, and doctors are hopeful that with continued care, her condition may be fully treatable in adulthood.
About the “White Cane” Festival
Held annually in Moscow to coincide with International White Cane Day, the “White Cane” festival is organized by the By the Call of the Heart Foundation, led by Russian singer Diana Gurtskaya. The event is supported by the Russian Ministry of Culture, the Moscow government, and Rossotrudnichestvo.
At the festival’s final gala concert, children perform alongside well-known Russian pop artists. Past Tajik participants include Alim Muzofirov (2022, duet with Denis Maidanov), Nilufar Azizova (2023, with Alsou), and Muboriz Karimov (2024, with Andrei Kovalyov).
While the name of Nakubegim’s duet partner remains a surprise, her performance is highly anticipated.
All participants receive full accommodation, transportation, meals, and gifts - and each is honored as a winner, receiving a diploma and special recognition.
Looking Ahead
As Nakubegim prepares to take the stage in Moscow, her family, teachers, and supporters back home are cheering her on.
“She has so much ahead of her,” her teacher said. “This festival is just the beginning.”
