CULTURE
COLLEAGUES AND FRIENDS RECALL MUSLIM MAGOMAYEV
Untimely death of prominent singer Muslim Magomayev has distressed his admirers around the globe.
His friends and colleagues in Azerbaijan, Russia and other countries share their recollections of his unique personality.
Popular actor and film director Yuli Gusman said: “It was with a tremendous grief that I learned of the great singer Muslim Magomayev’s demise. I remember his first success. His star shone out like a gem and is still shining. Crowds of people came to the Triumphal Square and Tchaikovsky Concert Hall in Moscow to pay their last tribute to Muslim. He was beloved by all Azerbaijanis… And I am very grateful to President Ilham Aliyev for organization of Muslim Magomayev’s funeral at the Alley of Honors.”
Outstanding Latvian composer Raymond Pauls described Muslim Magomayev as a living legend of the Soviet-era. “Muslim Magomayev was a very talented singer having a charming voice. Unfortunately, I did not know him personally, but I realize the scale of his popularity. His passing away is an irreplaceable loss for us”, he told LETA news agency.
“Even though today we are separated by borders there are symbols binding our peoples together, and Muslim Magomayev is one of such symbols”, Russian pop-star Oleg Gazmanov told journalists.
Sharing his recollections about the great baritone, the well-known Azerbaijani composer Arif Melikov called Magomayev the “brightest star”. “Hundreds of his records will bring Muslim’s charming voice to the people. He was a singer of not only Azerbaijan but also the whole world,” Melikov said.
“We have lost an astounding performer and a wonderful person. Muslim Magomayev was proud of his homeland Azerbaijan, and Azerbaijan was proud of Muslim Magomayev. He will always live in our hearts”, said popular Azerbaijani writer Anar, adding that such a great performer will never be forgotten.