The music industry of Kyrgyzstan is experiencing a period of active growth, which is also reflected in the increase of author royalties. Payments for the use of works in radio broadcasts, public establishments, and other venues are becoming increasingly significant.
According to 24.kg, the Ministry of Science, Higher Education, and Innovations reports a noticeable increase in payments to local authors over the past three years.
For example, in 2023, over 15.5 million soms were distributed to Kyrgyz performers, and in 2024, this amount rose to 18.5 million, reaching over 21.6 million in 2025.
All collected funds are distributed among the rights holders as follows:
- 40% goes to the author of the lyrics;
- 40% — to the author of the music;
- 20% — to the performer, depending on the number of performances of the works during the reporting period.
Who earns more? Popular performers take the lead
The size of the royalties directly depends on the popularity of the performer: the more often a composition is played on air or in public places, the higher the payments.
In 2023, artists such as Ulukmanapo and Begish confidently led the charts and playlists, with their collaborative tracks, including the hit "Love Like a Dream," frequently played on radio stations. It is also worth noting Bek Borbiev, whose songs remained on air.
In 2024, musical preferences of the audience changed slightly, but Mirbek Atabekov still remained at the top, being one of the most recognizable voices in the country. Alongside him, Erlan Andashev made it to the top, with his dynamic and romantic compositions appealing to a wide audience.
Hip-hop and new talents
The youth of Kyrgyzstan is increasingly turning to national hits, blending them with modern hip-hop rhythms. Listeners enjoy bold experiments with Kyrgyz and Russian languages, sometimes incorporating street slang, making the music more relatable to the younger generation.
Thus, in 2025, one of the most popular performers became Freeman 996, representing a new wave of Kyrgyz hip-hop and rap.
His tracks are becoming increasingly popular among the youth, which is reflected in the author royalties.
Another interesting example is car washer Abuzar, who delights his clients with original rap compositions. He has gained a significant number of views on social media, highlighting the preferences of the youth.
Nevertheless, Bek Borbiev continues to hold high positions, remaining one of the most stable performers with a loyal audience. Among new names, Zarlyk Kambaraliev stands out, whose compositions range from lyrical to rhythmic tracks and are gradually gaining popularity.
The trio "Nomad," which took second place at "Intervision-2025," and popular performers such as Mirbek Atabekov, Bakr, Ulukmanapo, and Gulnur Satylganova also have good ratings.
Top popular performers by listens last year:
- The trio "Nomad" (Bek Israilov, Minzhashar Murzaev, Azat Raimberdiev), which took second place at the international competition "Intervision-2025."
- Urmаt Tokombaev — winner of the "Audience Choice Award" at the "Intervision" selection.
- Freeman 996 — one of the leaders in listens in Kyrgyzstan (tracks "Zhalgyzym," "Sun Like in Miami").
- Bakr — popular rap performer ("Fifth Nep," TYTYN).
- Mirbek Atabekov — pop singer, consistently topping the charts ("Oshondo," "Zhalgyzym").
- Aydana Deka — performer actively participating in major state events.
- V$XV PRiNCE — in-demand artist, especially with the track "Sun."
- Pop masters: Gulnur Satylganova, Bek Borbiev, Bakhtiyar Toktorov, Aichurek Imanalieva, Avaz Akimov.
Development of the music market in response to demand
The ministry emphasizes that the frequency of musical performances and their positions in the rankings depend solely on the preferences of the listeners. The increase in total author payments indicates that the music industry of Kyrgyzstan is becoming more structured, and modern performers are becoming increasingly sought after both by the public and financially.
