Zohreh Khan is a wedding singer from Uzbekistan With a warm voice, Zohreh Khan sings at weddings in the region of Khorezme in the western part of Uzbekistan located at the crossroads of the Turkish and Persian world. This small woman originally from a farmer family has remained faithful to the ancient musical tradition present since the construction of the historic town of Khive (15th century) in the center of Khorezme.
Accompanied by a percussionist on the dayereh (frame drum) she plays accordion and sings the poetry of love and tells the mythical history of love of Youssef and Zoleykha (history based on the classical Persian literature who invites us to think about Romeo and Juliette of Shakespeare). She is also inspired by the history written in the religious book of Koran. “Since I was a child I have heard the religious stories. Today I use these stories to advise the ladies in their married life.”
Zohreh Khan tells full of passion. She has a very important place in the ladies gathering. As a queen with a voice coming from her bottom of her heart she sings and make the people of the assembly to dance and cry at the rhythm of her improvised poetry. “I have learned everything from my master Ana Bibi. Old blind singer illiterate at the age of 9 years old who is still considered as a legendary voice . For more than a century. Ana Bibi has been singing at the religious ceremonies and the anniversaries of the October revolution, “says Zohreh Khan proud of her master.
Today Zohreh Khan symbolizes the musical tradition of her region. Modern Uzbek singers like Yulduz Osmanova are inspired by her work.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.