A ten-year-old Nakubegim Niyozova will represent Tajikistan at the 16th International Charity Festival-Contest “White Cane,” a traditional vocal event for talented children with visual impairments. The festival will take place In Moscow on October 15. Accompanying her will be her vocal teacher, Tahmina Ramazanova, who encouraged the young performer to take part in the competition.
A voice from Tajikistan
The White Cane festival unites children and teenagers with visual disabilities from across the Commonwealth of Independent States and Georgia.
“Participating in the festival is a very meaningful and important event for me — I want to represent my homeland, Tajikistan, with pride!” said Nakubegim in a brief interview with Asia-Plus. “I’ll travel with my family — my beloved father, my dear mother who is my main support, and my teacher, Tahmina Ramazanova.”
Daughter of a musical family
Born into a creative family, Nakubegim grew up surrounded by music. Her father, Khushbakht Niyozov, is a well-known musician and multi-instrumentalist who has performed both traditional and modern music in concerts and festivals around the world. Her mother, Davlatmo Ghulomova, is a trained medical professional who has devoted herself to family and child development.
“I’m very grateful to my father, who is my main idol and mentor, and to my vocal teacher for suggesting I participate in White Cane,” said Nakubegim. “We chose to perform her song ‘Dushanbe’ — and I think it was the right choice.”
Nakubegim is a fourth-grade student at Dushanbe School No. 28. Her favorite subjects are “Native Language” and “The World around Us.” She dreams of becoming a dentist one day “so that everyone can have healthy, strong, and beautiful teeth,” while also continuing to grow as an artist.
“She delights us with her beautiful voice”
Her parents recall that Nakubegim started singing when she was only two years old. Recognizing her natural rhythm and musicality, the family began nurturing her talent early on. Besides singing, she also loves to dance and previously studied piano before focusing fully on vocal training.
Her first public performance took place when she was six, singing an Indian song in preparatory school. Later, in third grade, she successfully performed at a school concert.
“She delights us with her pleasant voice and wonderful songs,” her parents said. “We, along with our daughter, are deeply grateful to Diana Gurtskaya for giving her this opportunity. We’re sure she will represent Tajikistan with dignity!”
Her relatives and friends fully support her artistic journey and believe this first major festival will mark the beginning of a bright musical career.
A challenge overcome
When Nakubegim was just 15 days old, her parents noticed a problem with her eyesight. After consultations with various specialists, she was diagnosed at age two with partial optic nerve atrophy. She now wears glasses constantly. Doctors believe that by adulthood, her condition could be fully treatable — a hope the family holds close.
About the festival
The “White Cane” Gala Concert is held every October in Moscow to mark the International White Cane Day. The event is organized by the “By the Call of the Heart” Foundation of Russian singer Diana Gurtskaya, with support from the Russian Ministry of Culture, the Moscow government, and Rossotrudnichestvo.
At the final concert, young performers share the stage with well-known Russian pop stars. This year, Nakubegim’s duet partner and song remain a surprise.
In past years, Tajik participants have included Alim Muzofirov (who sang with Denis Maidanov in 2022), Nilufar Azizova (with Alsou, 2023), and Muboriz Karimov (with Andrei Kovalyov, 2024).
All participants receive accommodation, meals, and transport covered by the foundation. Every contestant is considered a winner — each receives a diploma and valuable gifts.
