Mohammad Geldi Geldi Nejad, hailing from the Turkmen region of Iran, embodies the remarkable talent and passion that has propelled him to the forefront of the Turkmen music world. Born in 1993, he began his musical journey under the tutelage of his father, the gyjak (spike fiddle) master Abdolghaffar Geldinejad, who imparted the profound knowledge of the dutar, a long-necked lute, unto him.
Such was his exceptional aptitude and dexterity that, at a tender age of nine, a council of distinguished Turkmen music masters bestowed upon him the illustrious title of Oghlan Bakhshi. This title befits a prodigious individual who has mastered the art of dutar playing and vocal prowess at an exceptionally youthful stage in their musical development. It is a distinction rarely conferred, with Oghlan Bakhshi being only the second recipient of this honor in the past century, following in the footsteps of the renowned maestro Sahy Jepbarow (1905-1977), a luminary within the bagşy performance school, celebrated for his virtuosity.
In his relentless pursuit of musical excellence, Oghlan Bakhshi sought guidance from eminent Turkmen music luminaries, including mentors Çary Sähetmyradow, Osman Güjimow, and Akmyrat Çaryýew. Under their watchful eyes and invaluable mentorship, he honed his skills and refined his musicality, ensuring an authentic and profound understanding of the rich traditions inherent in Turkmen music.
From his early years, Oghlan Bakhshi presented his prodigious talents on the stages of numerous concerts and music festivals, captivating audiences with his mesmerizing performances of Turkmen traditional music. Not confined to his homeland, his melodic prowess has reached far beyond the borders of Iran, resonating in the hearts of audiences in Turkmenistan, Turkey, as well as various European countries such as France, Spain, and the Czech Republic. Through his passionate renditions and profound musical expressions, he has emerged as a leading exponent and ambassador of the Turkmen musical heritage.
With an unwavering commitment to advancing his musical knowledge, Oghlan Bakhshi pursued higher education at the prestigious Turkmen National Conservatory in Turkmenistan. Building upon his solid foundation, he immersed himself in the study of music, delving deeper into the intricacies of the Turkmen musical traditions. Such dedication and thirst for knowledge have brought him to his current scholarly pursuit, as he embarks on graduate work in ethnomusicology at Wesleyan University in the United States. This academic endeavor allows him to explore the broader dimensions of music, unraveling the cultural and sociological nuances interwoven within the intricate fabric of Turkmen traditional music.
In 2023, Oghlan Bakhshi released the album “Journey Across The Steppes.”
(headline image: Oghlan Bakhshi- Photo by Abdolghaff ar Azarkesht, Pelk Studio)
Discography:
Journey Across The Steppes (Felmay Records, 2023)
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.