Kyrgyzstan hosts pop music showdown with 25 countries
Three-day pop festival at Issyk-Kul to feature global talents, cultural exchange, and rising young performers
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan MNTV) — Kyrgyzstan will host the fourth edition of the Meikin Asia International Festival of Pop Music Performers from July 20 to 22, bringing together emerging artists from over 25 countries in a celebration of global music and cultural exchange.
Deputy Minister of Culture, Information and Youth Policy Timurlan Azhimaliev announced the event at a press briefing held by the state-run Kabar News Agency, emphasizing the festival’s growing international presence and its role in promoting Kyrgyzstan as a hub for regional cultural diplomacy.
The three-day event will take place along the scenic shores of Lake Issyk-Kul, a prominent tourist destination. The lineup features concerts by acclaimed artists from both Central Asia and abroad, with headline performances by Kazakh superstar Dimash Kudaibergen, along with groups Ay-Yola and Sevak. Dimash, who won the inaugural Meikin Asia competition, returns this year as a guest of honor.
The 2025 edition will include a live competition among young performers, selected through a national process involving public online voting. That same voting system will be used during the festival’s main competition, allowing global audiences to cast their votes via QR codes.
“This year, we’ve focused on inclusion and transparency. The national selection featured 19 contestants, and three were chosen to represent Kyrgyzstan — one directly by public vote,” Azhimaliev said. “Our goal is to promote young talent, deepen cultural ties, and elevate Kyrgyzstan’s presence in the international cultural arena.”
Organizers have also submitted a formal application for Meikin Asia to be recognized by the Association of World Festivals, a move they say would expand cooperation with major cultural institutions worldwide. Over 70 foreign media outlets are expected to cover the event.
The international jury includes prominent figures from across Europe and Central Asia:
- Marjan Kataroski (North Macedonia) – Jury Chair
- Yryskeldi Osmonkulov (Kyrgyzstan)
- Maya Tatic (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
- Erzinjan Gurdal (Turkiye)
- Aitzhan Nurmagambetova (Kazakhstan)
- Natalia Banova (Russia)
- Avaz Mansurov (Uzbekistan)
“This platform gives young artists a rare chance to be heard on the international stage,” said Osmonkulov, who also served on the national selection jury. “Some of these voices might never have been discovered otherwise. Events like Meikin Asia don’t just promote music — they strengthen cultural bridges.”
The festival will open on July 20, continue with its second round on July 21, and conclude with a closing ceremony and awards on July 22, featuring a headline performance by Dimash Kudaibergen.
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