MOT in Ashgabat: It Felt Like Meeting Family
On Saturday, as part of the New Year's cultural program, popular singer Arash Labafzade (Arash) performed a concert, giving his fans, who occupied the Winter Sports Complex, an unforgettable evening of musical rendezvous.
And on Sunday, Arash was replaced on the podium by Matvey Melnikov, better known as MOT. Neither of them skated at the Ice Palace, captivating the audience with their supreme figure skating skills. Instead, they enthusiastically brought the audience to a musical euphoria in the Ice Palace arena, converted into a huge concert venue.
Getting a ticket to their concerts was like taking a strength of materials exam at a polytechnic. Tickets for their performance sold out in the blink of an eye.
Well, isn't this a clear confirmation of the high interest of local music lovers in pop stars with different styles and performance styles?
As a result, thousands of coveted ticket holders received a boost of energy and emotion from the performance of their idols. While Arash, as usual, thrilled the crowd with a mix of Persian melodies and Western pop, MOT captivated his fans with a hodgepodge of musical styles, from rhythm and blues and soul to rap and hip-hop.
But he especially captivated his fans with his heartfelt ballads – romantic and, at times, philosophical. These included both well-known hits ("Po dusham," "Kapkan," "Kogda muzhchina vlyublen," and others) and new compositions that are, at least for now, gaining popularity in the charts.
Tastes differ, but I'm ready to convince anyone who tries to deny MOT's versatility, which allows him to captivate audiences with his talent, regardless of musical preferences.
If I'm not mistaken, this was the debut in Ashgabat for both performers. At least for MOT, that's for sure. From the stage, Matvey Melnikov shared his impressions of the country, whose music lovers so warmly, even enthusiastically, welcomed their idol. He praised Ashgabat's white marble beauty, the unrivaled taste of its national cuisine, and, of course, the hospitality of the Turkmen people.
"This is our first time in Ashgabat," said MOT. "And we are amazed by how beautiful and bright this city is. But most importantly, the people are warm, welcoming, and truly family-like. It felt like we weren't just here for the first time, but returning to loved ones."
"I wish the new year brought more unity, peace, and hugs. I wish we could see each other more often!" added MOT.
...There's a common phrase, "Spendthrift and Prodigal," which echoes Matvey Melnikov's stage name. It denotes extreme impracticality in spending, a person who spends their resources extravagantly.
In a positive sense, this trait is characteristic of Matvey Melnikov, given his overflowing emotional energy and performing passion, which the Russian MOT generously bestowed upon his Turkmen fans on New Year's Eve at the Ice Palace.
Enejan KEPBANOVA
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