Voices from Central Asia shines a spotlight on the diverse innovators, creatives and leaders who are driving modernity, growth and optimism in the region. Discover how their voices inspire change and shape a vibrant future for Central Asia.

Voices from Central Asia

Meet Toktar Aubakirov, Kazakhstan’s first cosmonaut and national hero

In partnership with MDQ

Kazakhstan’s first cosmonaut, Toktar Aubakirov, recalls his historic 1991 spaceflight and the pride it sparked across his nation.

17/09/2025

Voices from Central Asia

Kazakh musician Layla Tazhibayeva reimagines traditional kobyz

In partnership with MDQ

Renowned Kazakh musician Layla Tazhibayeva is reshaping the future of classical music in her country through her mastery of the kobyz, or Kazakh violin.

11/08/2025

Voices from Central Asia

How Kazakh artist M’Dee is helping shape Central Asia’s musical future

In partnership with MDQ

Reviving legends, producing new voices, and filling concert halls – M’Dee’s journey from self-produced beats to national stages is helping define a new chapter for music in Central Asia.

30/07/2025

Voices from Central Asia

Meet the archaeologist behind Kazakhstan’s most iconic discoveries

In partnership with MDQ

In this episode of Voices from Central Asia, we meet renowned Kazakh archaeologist Zainolla Samashev, whose groundbreaking discoveries have redefined Kazakhstan’s ancient past and challenged long-held myths about nomadic civilizations in the region.

02/07/2025

Voices from Central Asia

Lessons from Hollywood: Robert Kun’s mission to grow Kazakh cinema

In partnership with MDQ

Actor and stunt coordinator Robert Kun’s path in cinema started with martial arts and led to blockbuster stunts. Now he’s bringing the lessons from Hollywood back home to develop Kazakhstan’s film industry.

04/06/2025

Voices from Central Asia

From dream to cockpit: how Temirlan Zhunussov became a pilot

In partnership with MDQ

In this episode of Voices from Central Asia, we meet Temirlan Zhunussov, a First Officer at Air Astana, whose passion for flying took off long before he ever set foot on a plane.

07/05/2025

Voices from Central Asia

David Degtyarev: How Kazakhstan’s para powerlifting champion is inspiring a generation

In partnership with MDQ

In this episode of Voices from Central Asia, we travel to Kazakhstan to meet David Degtyarev, a para-powerlifter who has become a two-time Paralympic champion.

09/04/2025

Voices from Central Asia

Meet Serik Akshulakov, Kazakhstan’s pioneer in Neurosurgery

In partnership with MDQ

In this episode of Voices From Central Asia, we meet Dr Serik Akshulakov, a neurosurgeon whose work is transforming healthcare and advancing medical innovation in Kazakhstan.

12/03/2025

Voices from Central Asia

Meet Aigerim Karibaeva, the Kazakh artist reviving cultural heritage through ethno-modern art

In partnership with MDQ

In this episode of Voices From Central Asia, we meet Aigerim Karibaeva, a Kazakh artist who blends tradition and innovation to create ethno-modern art that preserves cultural identity and inspires others.

12/02/2025

Voices from Central Asia

Meet the producer behind Central Asia's Coachella

In partnership with MDQ

In this episode of Voices From Central Asia, we meet Yerkebulan Kurishbayev, the producer behind OYU Fest, Kazakhstan's cultural phenomenon that brings together musicians, artists and audiences to celebrate the region's rich creative heritage.

01/01/2025

Voices from Central Asia

Meet Alisher Utev: A filmmaker who brings Kazakh stories to the world

In partnership with MDQ

In this episode of Voices From Central Asia, Kazakh filmmaker Alisher Utev discusses his journey to combine artistic realism with national stories to inspire young creators and promote Kazakh cinema on a global scale.

04/12/2024