Late singers Muhriddin Kholikov and Okhunjon Madaliyev posthumously awarded state orders

Honored Artist of Uzbekistan Okhunjon Madaliyev has been posthumously awarded the Order of Mehnat Shuhrati (Order of Labor Glory), while Honored Artist of Uzbekistan Muhriddin Kholikov has been posthumously awarded the Order of Fidokorona Khizmatlari Uchun (For Selfless Services). A corresponding decree was signed today, August 23, by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The awards were presented on the occasion of the 34th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence. According to the decree, both singers dedicated their lives to serving the people through decades of fruitful artistic and social activity, demonstrating exceptional talent that enriched the country’s cultural and spiritual life. They made significant contributions to the development of literature, culture, and the arts, as well as to the promotion of values such as patriotism, justice, tolerance, and kindness. Their work and character left a lasting mark in the memory of the Uzbek people.

Muhriddin Kholikov, an Honored Artist of Uzbekistan and recipient of the Order for Selfless Services, rose to prominence with his song “Parizod.” He was mentored by the late Sherali Jo’rayev and went on to mentor prominent singers such as Minister of Culture Ozodbek Nazarbekov, Abdulla Qurbanov, and Anvar Sanayev. During his career, Kholikov held around 20 concerts, with his last performance taking place in 2000. He passed away on November 21, 2001, in Tashkent.

Okhunjon Madaliyev, a celebrated singer and composer, achieved wide recognition in Uzbekistan and neighboring republics during the 1990s. He recorded hundreds of songs, including popular hits such as “Yolgiz Ayol,” “Javohirim,” “Onaming Duosi,” “Seni Buzgan Ko‘rmasam Bo‘lmas,” “Turkman Qiz,” and “Unutmoq Osonmas Bizlarni.” Madaliyev died of a heart attack on June 29, 2000, at the age of 37, while traveling home after performing at a wedding.

Earlier, singer Jahongir Poziljonov of the Uzbek Concert State Institution was awarded the honorary title of Honored Artist of Uzbekistan, while Minister of Culture Ozodbek Nazarbekov received the honorary title of Honored Cultural Worker of Uzbekistan.