History of the song 

At that time, when the “king of waltz” had gained a national fame, his mother was diagnosed with a serious illness. She felt that she was going to past away soon, and called him back from Almaty.

 – “Dear son, it would seem that God did not commit me to see my daughter-in-law and enjoy my grandchildren. Perhaps, it was just a destiny. I have only one wish for you, be healthy! May your new, emerging song never be interrupted, be happy, my son!” – she said.

 Shamshi was feeling very excited after his mother’s sincere words and wishes. After contemplating about it, he came to an idea that his mother had given and revealed the light of the world for him. Then, Shamshi stated:

– “Mom, I can’t promise you that I will set up a mausoleum for you, but I will dedicate to you the most intimate and tender of songs. And, it will never be forgotten!” – he said.

These events occurred in 1957, and Shamshi wrote the song later, in 1961. There is such a story of the “Song about mother”, which is nationwide popular among the Kazakh people today. And at present, this song is definitely one of the most popular songs about the mother in the world.

 Composer, Shamshi Kaldayakov

 “Song about mother” was translated into Tatar language for the first time

The “Song about mother” was widely recognized in the Turkic space during the Soviet Union times. Even for the first time, the song had been performed in the Tatar language. A name of the song in Tatar language is called “Aynenni” (for mother). The text was translated by Gosman Akhmatzhanov. Since the Kazakh and Tatar languages are very close and similar in meaning, some of the words of the song can be immediately understood. For example, let’s look at the original version of the song:

Бірғансен син мина ал нұрын таңнарның,

Җыйғансың син мина бар голен даланың,

Бірғансен қанаттар талпыныр шағымда,

Балалық рахмәтем җырымда шағыл.

Қадерләп үстерген мин синѣ җимешен,

Күенің – голбақча, назлы һил – сулышын.

Инде сатып җитсәм дә, мин сына сабиймын,

Күгелен наздарын күзеннан танымын.

Translation of the song in English:

The light of the world, you gave me.

Every flower of the field, you have collected for me.

The birds you gave, the wings fluttered.

My childhood passion, dedicated to yourself.

You are the fruit that you care about and grow,

When there is a breeze in the park, your embrace is for me.

Even if I grow up, I’m a baby to you,

I know your mood like spring in your eyes.

For the first time, in this country, this song was performed by the People’s Artist of Tatarstan, a singer – Flura Suleymanova.

At the photo: Flura Suleymanova 

With this song, the singer conveys all the grief for her father, who died in the war and her mother, who passed away early. Then, the “Song about mother” was performed in Bashkir language. Since the Bashkir and Kazakh languages have the essential differences, the song can be distinguished only by the melody in the performance of the Bashkir singers. Moreover, the “Song about mother” is well received in this country and performed by the singer Hassan Usmanov. Besides that, the name of the song in Bashkortostan is called the “Asaime” (mother).

Also, the Chinese singer Bikchantayev became one of those who turned his attention to the “Song about mother”. Bazarbai was born in Chishma, and it is the only Tatar village in the Xinjiang region. He is a Tatar by nationality. Later, he moved to Kazan. However, he does not meet with his relatives in China very often. Thus, it is the boredom that leads the singer back to the “Song about mother”. That’s why, in the music video for this song, an author shows the traditions of the Tatars in China.

 “Song about mother” in Mongolian and Kazakh languages 

Nowadays, Shamshi Kaldayakov’s the “Song about mother” has become the Kazakh national benchmark. Especially in the recent years, the Mongolian artists have been very curious and interested in this work. The famous Mongolian public figure, scientist and writer Sultan Taukeiuly translated the lyrics of the song from Kazakh into Mongolian. A song has been performed in the Mongolian language for the first time by little singer Enji, who dedicated the song for her mother. And, the famous Mongolian artist, actor and singer Gansukhiyn Naransolongo took the stage in Kazakh language. After that, the “Song about mother” was performed at the Turkish stage by the young talent Terendejid Nouamdorj with the kobyz (Kazakh national stringed bowed musical instrument). 

 Terendejid Nouamdorj 

 “Song about mother” is a song written for the world stage…”

А Korean singer Song Won Sub, who visited Kazakhstan this year, performed a cover version of the “Song about mother” and won the hearts of the Kazakh citizens in his concert. We can note that this time around, “This song is special from the previous one”, and the “Song about mother” has acquired a new meaning. There is no doubt that the greatness of Shamshi’s songs lies in his touching melody. However, we are very surprised that the “Song about mother” is being played back in a new way over time.

“A cover of Shamshi Kaldayakov’s “Song about mother” by Korean musicians” is a modern performance, which revived the stage and made a great impression for many people. The song was full of longing for the mother. Thus, Song Won Sub, who performs the Kazakh songs in Korean, sings the “Song about mother” in Kazakh, and our fellow compatriot from Kostanay, a famous singer on YouTube channel Togzhan Murat translates and performs all Shamshi’s works into Russian language and performs in a new sound.

– “Shamshi is a great Kazakh composer, the king of the waltz, pride of the nation. His songs have been remembered by generations. Due to this, it is a great pleasure for me to translate the works and songs of the Kazakh king into another language”, – the singer says.

Togzhan is an interpreter by his profession, combining with art, he showcases the Kazakh songs to the world. Amongthem, there are several Shamshi’s songs as well.

P.S Not only Shamshi’s “Song about mother” is famous, but they all are the treasures, bright traits in Kazakh culture, which can undoubtedly be translated into foreign languages. The “Song about mother” has already become an original trademark in the world. The number of people interested in the performance of this masterpiece has been growing every day. And what do you think, which of the artists we have told you, performed the “Song about mother” in a special way?