EMBASSY OF KAZAKHSTAN IN RSA AND SOUTH AFRICAN PUBLIC FIGURES AND ART LOVERS TOOK PART IN THE ONLINE EVENT DEDICATED TO THE KAZAKHSTANI NATIONAL DAY OF DOMBYRA
On 4 July 2020, the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of South Africa together with public activist and representative of music art of Kazakhstan and South Africa participated in a livestream & virtual concert event dedicated to the Day of Dombyra. This festive was organized by the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, APK and the National Foundation of Kazakh Compatriots “Otandastar”.
The Day of Dombyra is an annual event and it is celebrated on the first Sunday of July. It was declared as the National Day of Dombyra two years ago by the wise decision of H.E. Mr. Nursultan Nazarbayev, the First President of Kazakhstan – the Leader of the Nation (Elbasy).
Dombyra is the most widely used Kazakh music folk instrument. It is a popular instrument among Turkic communities in Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, as well as Afghanistan and Mongolia (it is played by strumming with the hand or plucking each string individually, with an occasional tap on the main surface of the instrument). The instrument is also included in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
As the nation adjusts to the new reality of life in the midst of the global pandemic, the show online shared some musical joy during these trying times.
The event was attended by 86 people from more than thirty countries, including Vice Presidents of APK (Deputy Chairman) and National Foundation of Kazakh Compatriots “Otandastar”, the statesmen and public figures, cultural facients, representatives of Kazakhstani diplomatic missions and the Kazakh diaspora from all over the globe.
During the flash mob, held in online format, participants in the event from various countries simultaneously performed on dombra the great Kazakh composer Kurmangazy’s composition "Balbyrauyn", both famous statesmen, public, social and Kazakh diaspora activists, cultural figures, as well as representatives of youth.
H.E. Mr. Kanat Tumysh, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to South Africa in his speech, made during the event, pointed out the following moments. “This day, which in the framework of this festive day, was dedicated to honoring the Kazakh national instrument – dombra online. This virtual conference and concert have been warmly welcomed by South African public figures and musician society”.
Ms. Susan Novela, CEO & Publisher of the Diplomatic Informer Magazine SA, one of the leading South African Diplomatic Publication, while participating in today's celebration, extended her heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of this festival, dedicated to the sacred instrument of the Kazakh people - Dombra, reflecting the spirit and Soul of the Kazakhs history and tradition.
Another participant from South Africa, a well-known producer and artist, young leader Mr. Nkosi (Bonginkosi) Nhleko, outlined that musical instruments play an important role in connecting peoples and continents and on behalf of RSA Youth in music industry congratulated the Kazakh people on this very auspicious event. As it was highlighted by Mr. Nhleko: “Comparing the dombyra with the most popular Ndebele handmade and hand tuned traditional South African instrument, we express our desire to learn more about Kazakhstan instrument and create a melody, that combines the national instruments and musical traditions of both countries.”