Magauiya Khamzin was a renowned Kazakh dombra player, composer-kyushi, and a prominent representative of the shertpe-kui tradition. He was born on December 29, 1927, in what is now the Aktogay District of the Karaganda Region. From the age of 10, he developed a passion for the dombra and went on to achieve great heights in the national art of kui.

The development of Khamzin as a kyushi was significantly influenced by his father, Khamza, as well as the celebrated kyushi Akk yz. He first showcased his talent through masterful performances of Tattimbet’s kuis “Saryzhailau” and “Sylkyldak.” In 1949, he graduated from the Almaty Music College and began performing with the Karaganda Philharmonic. Later, he worked with the Orchestra of Kazakh Folk Instruments and became widely known as a solo dombra player within the Kazakhconcert ensemble.

Magauiya Khamzin composed works not only within the traditional musical canon but also on contemporary themes. Among his notable kuis are: “Qosbasar” (two versions), “Miners’ Kui,” “Cosmonauts,” “Golden Grain,” “Jailau,” “The Race,” “Kui about Amangeldy,” “Shepherd’s Kui,” “Unknown Soldier,” “Tokyrauyn Tolgauy,” “Young Kazakh,” and others.

As a recognized master of the dombra, Magauiya Khamzin was awarded the title of People’s Artist of the Kazakh SSR in 1979. In 1998, at an international festival dedicated to the 175th anniversary of Kurmangazy, he, along with tokpe-kui performer Rysbai Gabdiev, received the prize “For a Great Contribution to the Development of Traditional Musical Culture.”

The creative legacy of Magauiya Khamzin made a significant contribution to the evolution of Kazakh kui art. He left behind works that will forever remain in the golden treasury of the nation’s musical heritage.