Garifulla Kurmangaliev is a legend of Kazakh song art, whose life and work have become part of the cultural heritage of Kazakhstan.

Born in 1909 in Akkula, he lost his parents early, but music became his guiding star. Since childhood, listening to the songs of his followers. the great Mukhit, he adopted their manner of performance, developed a natural voice and acquired a unique style.

In his youth, his voice already sounded on dzhailyau, in the villages and neighboring regions. But the real scene was waiting for him ahead. In 1934 he conquered Alma- Ata at the All-Kazakhstan meeting of folk talents and received an invitation to the Kazakh

musical and dramatic theater. This is how his professional career began.

His repertoire included more than twenty opera roles— from “Kyz Zhibek” to “Abai.” During the war, his voice supported the morale of soldiers at the fronts. He performed in Moscow, Kyiv, Leningrad, sang in China and Afghanistan.

Voice of Kurmangaliev captivated. It sounded the breadth of the Kazakh steppe, the swiftness of the argamaks, the power of spring rivers. He created a unique school of folk songs, his students adopted the skill, learned the subtleties of performance.

His contribution was awarded the highest titles: Honored Artist (1939), People's Artist of the Kazakh SSR (1954). Since 1967 he trained young performers at the Republican Art and Circus Studio, and his own songs, imbued with folk intonations, became classics.

He didn’t just sing, he brought songs to life, putting his soul into them. He is remembered. He is loved. He is imitated.