Erkin Kydykbaev

Erkin Kydykbaev Keeps Jazz Alive in Central Asia

by Schaen Fox
January 19, 2022

An unintended consequence of Stalin's murderous dictatorship is that many Soviet citizens developed a fondness for jazz after he began punishing anyone caught listening to the forbidden art form. As a result, even today in the Central Asian republic of Kyrgyzstan, a people with their own ancient musical traditions, enough interest in jazz survives that jazz is taught in at least one university. Jazz clubs have also popped up in the cities, and there is a yearly International Jazz-Bishkek Festival. ...