Cheng's Musings

I have first heard of Dimash Qudaibergen’s angelic voice in one of China’s variety show in 2017 – Singer Season 5 2017. Although the ultimate singer is Sandy Lam, whom I also like, I thought the surprise talent for the season is actually Dimash Qudaibergen (DQ). In that particular season, there are many veteran singers who are equally mesmerising – think Teresa Carpio, Terry Lin, Li Jian, Sandy and even Malaysia’s Michael Wong.

But in terms of talent, trying out new things & perseverance, DQ showcases his very impressive range of vocal chord and singing in different languages in a very short period of time. He was barely 23 years old when he was exposed to the Chinese expansive market, totally fresh-faced and looking like an angelic teenage boy. Make no mistake, he is very tall at 1.9m and standing next to Terry Lin, both looks great together in duets. He has gained immense popularity and following in China subsequently, but continues to expand his career from his home country of Kazakhstan and explore his own journey in music, be it composition and different genre of music.

Muse #1 – Dimash’s vocal chord is an extremely impressive 6 octaves and 2 semitones, whereas an ordinary person has a broadly 2 to 3 octaves, depending on how trained is the person’s singing capability.

Subsequently, I have always wondered when would I ever get a chance to attend his concert, most likely possibility is to buy a ticket in his home country and take the opportunity to visit Kazakhstan. Lo and behold! They announced in 2022 that he will come to Kuala Lumpur (the only stop too!) to perform. I actually missed the original date slated for November 2022 (which was delayed to 2023), but saw the announcement in early 2023 and quickly snapped up a ticket to watch him live. What are the chances of catching him so easily! And penned in 24 June 2023 in my calendar to look forward to his Dimash Qudaibergen’s Stranger Concert in Kuala Lumpur, held at the closed-door Axiata Arena stadium.

Muse #2 – The tickets to DQ’s concert did not sell out, which is very surprising to me. It is an indication that many in Southeast Asia are not familiar with this great singing talent. However, many fans from other countries including from China, Japan, Singapore, Philippines and Indonesia came for the concert. Some flying in just for this purpose!

The concert starts at slightly after 8.45 pm, with pre-concert entertainment by finalists from a singing competition. I have to say, these finalists (3 of them) are quite impressive on their own with their rendition of DQ’s repertoire.

DQ come on stage in his striking red Central Asia’s costume and belts out a strong opening, with dancers alike to accompany his introduction. The red costume with gold gilding really suits his tall stature, making him look regal.

Muse #3 – DQ looks slightly older in person during the concert, and perhaps a little tired. But it definitely doesn’t show in his often bursting-energy running around the concert. His opening is more traditional when he comes out from the side. In his earlier Stranger Concert in Almaty in Kazakhstan, the venue is outdoor and he comes in dramatically air flown. Definitely dangerous but so captivating and definitely eye-catching & heart-dropping!

His songs at the beginning are old-time favourites including my favourite of French song, SOS d’un terrien en détresse. Although not his original song, this is the song that made me fall in love with this very talented singer and his variation of this song is always one that I love.

Muse #4 – “SOS d’un terrien en détresse” is a song composed by Michel Berger and written by Luc Plamondon in 1978 for the rock opera Starmania, meant to take advantage of the original singer Daniel Balavoine’s 2 octave range. Many singers have their interpretation of this song, but when DQ sings this, he makes it sound so effortless and the shift in the keys! So, so impressive. To think that he sings this almost in every concert. Unfortunately, DQ did not render another favourite of mine Opera Song (originally sung by Vitas). I have read somewhere that Vitas has blocked the song from being sung by others, perhaps copyright issues.

During the concert which lasted nearly 3 hours, he belts out renditions of songs upon songs including older favourites like Ave Maria, Daididau & Ikanaide. Other newer songs include Screaming, Stranger, Olympico, Story of One Sky. I am a little shy to say that I am not that familiar with many of his songs. From the selection of songs that DQ has chosen, he has ventured into various musical genre. There is a mixture of classical music, influence from traditional Central Asia, pop and even rap. Always great to see the journey of a musician and their trial & mixture of various genres of music.

One new song that I really like is Stranger, the key theme used for his concerts. The song is really hauntingly immersive. I love the vibes from the tune, the mystery and the messaging of the song. I think his voice is just angelic to carry such tunes – haunting but lifting, always on opposite ends.

Another song that showcases his impressive vocals is Olympico. Versions with progression of octaves, and his own voice at the later stage of the song. His live-singing is really as good as pre-recorded. Extremely impressive!  

His music is also influenced significantly from the Central Asia’s folk songs, especially with the stringed musical instruments including plucked string of dombra and bowed 2-string instrument kobyz. Beautiful sounds from these traditional instruments. The kobyz actually reminded me of erhu, although the tune is a little more mellow. The short sections for musicians to play these were great introduction to his home traditional folk tunes.

Muse #5 – DQ is known as Kazakhstan’s national treasure, and I can immediately understand why. His voice and concerts have introduced so many things of Kazakhstan to the rest of the world. Great folk songs, great musicians and instruments, beautiful landscapes. Totally a great ambassador to his beloved country.

His concert is also interspersed with sometimes touching stories. There are at least 2 story-telling, which is voiced over in Kazakh language (I think) but translated on the screen in English. One of finding oneself, one of war & peace, linking with family & God’s children. These are set up in anticipation of his songs to come.

The Story of One Sky is so beautifully composed, with very strong message for peace for the world. As DQ reiterates, no matter what are our religions we are the same children of Gods. I especially love the background showing the people with different religion praying in their respective ways.  

In the middle of the section, he is joined by his younger brother who plays the guitar, who looked a little shy. When he changes the instrument to the keyboard and needs a little more time to adjust, DQ is so great to sing spontaneously (without backups) with the crowd to give more time to his fellow musicians & brother on stage. What a wonderful brother! And great bonus to the crowd.

The stage background is beautifully done with many of the sceneries and landscape so breathtakingly beautiful on their own. I am presuming these are landscapes of Kazakhstan with the beautiful city views, and landscape of mountains, lakes, grassland and canyon. The sunset illuminating the earthy red colours of the stones, the soothing colours from the green grass and blue lakes, the pure white and snow cap with layering of the mountains showcasing the coming of spring. Inspiring for more travels to Central Asia!

Near to the end of his concert, he actually moves down from the stage, to shake hands with the fans. The concert-goers seated in the VIP sections are the beneficiary, whereby many crowded the singer as he belts along the song and accompanied by bodyguards to walk around. He is showered with so many gifts including flowers, gifts, balloons. I actually thought doing so is slightly dangerous to DQ, may affect his performance and potentially hurt him in the process. I am very glad that the fans are well-behaved. It is also extremely sweet of him to remind his fans to be careful not to hurt themselves in their excitement to hand him gifts near the stage.  

Muse #6 – I am impressed how the VIPs managed to bring in the gifts. I can’t even bring in water! So many people had to leave their food, water bottle and even lighted items with DQ’s name. Although the VIP section is cordoned off and the nearest to the stage, unfortunately in Axiata Arena, the VIP section is actually flat with plastic chairs set-up.

His finale is to introduce & thank all his backup musicians, instrumentalists, dancers and backstage employees. And all the sponsors. Near 3 full hours of great singing, great accompaniment of talented musicians, beautifully choreographed backstage & dancing, perfect showmanship.

Muse #7 – My conclusion is that personally I like the songs that require his performance in either bass or baritone, ie lower range of his vocals. He sounds so much better when singing in these range, rendering many of these songs in an extremely regal & commanding tune. Almost warrior-like and inspiring.

Last but not least, he has managed to somehow invite Siti Nurhaliza to be the guest star performer in his concert! My every dollar and cent are used with great values whereby I can watch first hand two great singers in one night. Albeit just belting out 2 familiar songs Bukan Cinta Biasa and Nirmala. She even mentions that she is ready to be an audience and buy the tickets to the concert, but is instead invited to be the guest.

Muse #8 – Siti is a veteran of a singer, always looking great in her beautiful beige fitting outings. I was looking forward to a duet from the two singers, but it is too short a period to expect a duet as it is hardwork for singers to work together when they are not even familiar with each other’s styles & methods. It is already a bonus for her to belt out 2 songs. Ah well…

A totally immersing night with Dimash Qudaibergen. Loving the talented singer and his vocals. If he ever comes again or I do get another chance of seeing his performance, I will definitely be going again. Just to relive the live performance of really great singers. I believe, great talented singers are always great in live performances. No matter the circumstances, they will make the night theirs, and yours too if you enjoy their music.