Darkhan Baltabekuly Junisbekov[a] (9 August 1990 – 24 February 2023),[1][2] better known as Darkhan Juzz,[3] was a Kazakhstani indie pop singer, songwriter, sound producer and musician.[4]
Darkhan Juzz Дархан Балтабекұлы Жүнісбеков | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 9, 1990 Alma-Ata, Kazakh SSR, Soviet Union |
| Died | February 24, 2023 (aged 32) Phuket, Thailand |
He was included in various music service lists multiple times during his lifetime. Spotify has a history of his songs on the chart. As of 2023, Darkhan Juzz held a strong position in the "Top 100: Kazakhstan" ranking according to Apple Music.[5]
Biography
editDarkhan Junisbekov was born on 9 August 1990 in Alma-Ata (now named Almaty). In his youth, he began to show an interest in music, influenced by a friend who played guitar and performed songs by Viktor Tsoi. This musical experience inspired Junisbekov, and mixing this style with his interest in rap, which he began listening to in first grade, allowed him to create his own unique musical style.[6]
At the age of 14, Darkhan began writing music, but was later forced to put this process on hold due to personal circumstances. Between the ages of 18 and 19, he worked in distribution and temporarily moved to Karaganda. It was there that he chose the stage name Darkhan Juzz, although the origins of this name remain unclear.[7][8]
In 2016, after returning to Almaty (formerly Alma-Ata), Junusbekov began publishing his first tracks, such as "Yen sūlu" and "Kaldyrma meni". His work became prominent in 2017, when his music was used in a short film called "8 Stages of Love", which gained many views on YouTube. Following this, Darkhan Juzz's first music video was released with the title "Kün men aiym" on the channel "Gakku". He also achieved success through collaboration with "Irina Kairatovna Show", where his track "Bәrі musykant" was used in one of the episodes, followed by the release of the music video "Nege nigga?".
Moving forward with his solo career, Darkhan Juzz reached great heights with the track "Sheker" which became a real hit. He also directed the music video for the track, which was filmed using a Samsung smartphone, which he temporarily collaborated with. In 2019, he presented his debut compilation of previously released singles titled "TBRN". Since then, he has established a firm place among significant Kazakhstani performers.
In 2020, Darkhan released several singles, also participated in the album of the duo Sour-Sweet & Bonah in the track "Kadilaktah", and participated in the series of videos õzen, dedicated to the anniversary of Abay. The same year witnessed the use of his music in a TV series called "Sheker".
In 2021, Darkhan Juzz was included in the list of 30 young promising Kazakhstani citizens, which is published annually by Forbes Kazakhstan.[9] This list is formed on the basis of publications in the magazine, recommendations of experts and information from the publication's own sources.
In August 2023, the posthumous album aūe was released, which is Darkhan's second studio album. The album consists of 14 songs. The performer had time to record all the material during his lifetime, and the finalization was done by Darhan's relatives. The album was presented on 11 August 2023 in Almaty at the Tebiren Fest festival dedicated to Darkhan's memory.[10]
Death
editJunisbekov died on 24 February, 2023. The accident occurred as a result of a traffic collision on a rented motorcycle in Phuket, Thailand. The news of his sudden passing caused shock and deep sadness among his many fans and all music lovers in Kazakhstan. Darkhan's death became an object of national attention.[11]
Darkhan's band "Tebiren" and hundreds of his fans, after the funeral on 1 March, 2023, gathered in the center of Almaty on Arbat Street, Jibek Joly Street, to see the departed musician off on his last journey. This show of condolence and respect emphasized the important place he held in people's hearts. The place of farewell was not chosen by chance, as Darkhan started his journey there and sang his songs with a guitar.[12]
õzen, the record label of which Darkhan was a member, released the artist's unfinished album, called aūe. The proceeds from the sale of this album were donated to support Junisbekov's children: son Adi and daughter Aidane. This gesture expressed support and care for Darhan's loved ones and allowed his creative legacy to be preserved. Junisbekov was buried in Kensai Cemetery.[13]
Notes
edit- ^ Kazakh: Дархан Балтабекұлы Жүнісбеков, pronounced [dɑrˈχɑn bɑltɑbeˈkʊlə ʑʏnɪsbeˈkov]; Russian: Дархан Балтабекович Джунусбеков[needs Russian IPA]
References
edit- ^ "Погиб певец Darkhan Juzz — Forbes Kazakhstan". 27 February 2023. Archived from the original on 27 February 2023. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
- ^ aigerakain (24 February 2023). "Darkhan Juzz өмірден өтті". ELLE Kazakhstan – мода, красота, тренды, звезды, отношения (in Russian). Retrieved 28 August 2024.
- ^ "MUSA: Darkhan Juzz — о себе, о творчестве и взрослении". The Village Казахстан. 21 August 2019. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
- ^ Овчинников, Евгений (25 February 2023). "Недописанный альбом Darkhan Juzz выпустят в память о музыканте". Esquire Kazakhstan - электронный журнал для умных мужчин. (in Russian). Retrieved 28 August 2024.
- ^ "Сборник песен автора трека". informburo.kz (in Russian). Retrieved 28 August 2024.
- ^ "Darkhan Juzz: «Мне сделку с совестью предлагали»Музыкант из Казахстана Дархан Джунусбеков — о светлой и темной сторонах, общаге и поиске тюркских корней. - Сергей Лютых ★ - интересные статьи о странах мира ПЕРСПЕКТИВА". Perspectum | Все самое интересное о жизни стран-соседей России (in Russian). 28 December 2020. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
- ^ "Почему Darhan Juzz с iTunes не дружит?". НТК. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
- ^ tengrinews.kz (27 February 2023). "Жена Darkhan Juzz посвятила трогательный пост ушедшему мужу". Главные новости Казахстана - Tengrinews.kz (in Russian). Retrieved 27 February 2023.
- ^ "Лидеры будущего Казахстана: 30 моложе 30 — Forbes Kazakhstan". 2 May 2023. Archived from the original on 2 May 2023. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
- ^ "Посмертный альбом Darkhan Juzz выйдет 9 августа — The Village Казахстан". 8 September 2023. Archived from the original on 8 September 2023. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
- ^ tengrinews.kz (24 February 2023). "Умер известный казахстанский музыкант Darkhan Juzz". Главные новости Казахстана - Tengrinews.kz (in Russian). Retrieved 29 August 2024.
- ^ tengrinews.kz (24 February 2023). "Алматинцы прощаются с Darkhan Juzz". Главные новости Казахстана - Tengrinews.kz (in Russian). Retrieved 29 August 2024.
- ^ Житникова, Оксана (1 March 2023). "В Алматы простились с музыкантом Darkhan Juzz". zakon.kz (in Russian). Retrieved 29 August 2024.