Aizhan Sultan is a singer, songwriter, and doctoral researcher originally from Kazakhstan and currently based in Finland. Her work focuses on themes of decolonization in Central Asia and radical inclusion. As a woman living with achondroplasia, Sultan has an intimate understanding of power as a source of oppression, but also of solidarity and art as forces of emancipation.
Sultan’s compositions draw inspiration from the history and traditions of nomadic culture, blending traditional and contemporary Kazakh music. In her performances, traditional Kazakh vocal improvisation, throat singing, and the sound of the shanqobyz (jaw harp) are seamlessly combined with Saku Liimatainen’s live electronics. This electronic element introduces a modern Finnish soundscape to the nomadic Kazakh heritage.
Curators’ comments: ”Sultan is an incredibly charismatic performer with a talent for blending many different vocal styles into massive soundscapes. A bold artist with a truly fierce attitude!”
Read more: Aizhan Sultan Instagram, Listen on Spotify