Yermek Bekmukhamedovich Serkebayev (July 4, 1926 – November 16, 2013) was a legendary Kazakh opera singer (baritone), actor, teacher, People's Artist of the USSR, one of the most outstanding vocalists of Kazakhstan. His name became a symbol of the Kazakh opera stage, and his voice captivated audiences far beyond the republic.

He was born in the city of Petropavlovsk. From childhood he showed a love for music, studied at the Almaty Conservatory, which he graduated in 1951. From the same year he became a soloist of the Kazakh State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater named after Abai, where he performed leading roles in national and world classical operas.

He gained real fame for performing the main parts in Kazakh operas: Abai in “Abai”, Sarym in “Birzhan and Sarah”, Onan in “Er Targyn”, as well as classical roles - Eugene Onegin in “Eugene Onegin”, Figaro in “The Barber of Seville”, Germont in “La Traviata”. His performance was distinguished by expressiveness, emotional depth and virtuoso vocal technique.

Yermek Serkebayev was not only a great singer, but also a talented actor. He starred in films, playing the main roles in the films “Our Dear Doctor”, “Messengers Hurry”, and his screen images complemented his musical heritage.

For outstanding services he was awarded the title of People's Artist of the USSR (1959), the USSR State Prize (1977), the Order of “Otan” and many other awards. He dedicated more than 40 years to the stage, and after completing his career he worked in the field of culture and pedagogy, educating a new generation of vocalists.

His voice, art and dedication to music made him a legend of the Kazakh opera stage. Today, his work remains a standard of excellence, and his contribution to the development of culture of Kazakhstan is invaluable.