Sauyk Masigutkyzy Zhakanova is one of the most recognizable voices of Kazakhstan radio, an honored artist of Kazakhstan (1995), Honored Worker of Kazakhstan (2021), teacher and master of artistic expression. Her voice sounded in the homes of Kazakhs for decades, accompanying them on weekdays and holidays, leaving an indelible mark on the history of our country radio broadcasting.

Sauyk Zhakanova was born 11 February

1945 in the village of Erkindik, Shet district, Karaganda region. Her parents were simple rural workers, but dreamed of giving their children a decent education. Sauyk, being the eldest in the family, always felt responsible for the future and from her youth showed interest in literature and the art of words.

In 1966 having passed a strict competitive selection, Sauyk Zhakanova became an announcer of the Kazakh radio. At that time, the profession of an announcer required not only impeccable command of the Kazakh language, but also a deep understanding of the text, intonation and emotional message.

For 36 years, she has been one of the country's leading voices  news, radio plays, documentary programs. Her voice sounded in the most significant state and cultural broadcasts, and for many Kazakhstanis it became a symbol of stability and reliability.

The peculiarity of Zhakanova’s work was maximum preparedness: she never allowed herself to read the text mechanically, she always conveyed its depth and meaning.

In 1995, she was awarded the honorary title of Honored Artist of Kazakhstan, which was recognition of her enormous contribution to the development of radio broadcasting.

Having completed her radio career in 2002 Sauyk Zhakanova did not move away from her favorite work. She began teaching stage speech at the Kazakh National Academy of Arts named after T. Zhurgenov and also became an associate professor at the Faculty of Journalism at the Kazakh National University named after al-Farabi.

Her authority in the field of the art of words made her one of the most sought-after mentors for young journalists and announcers. She conveyed not only technical skills, but also a unique professional approach – the ability to convey the meaning of the text to the listener with soul and depth.

These works have become important educational material for future journalists, speakers and presenters, forming a high standard of Kazakh radio broadcasting.

In 2021 she was awarded the title “Honored Worker” Kazakhstan,” which became another recognition of her contribution to the development of culture and media in Kazakhstan.