Honored Worker of Kazakhstan, composer Kaldybek Kurmanali shared heartfelt memories of the late singer Madina Yeraliyeva, reports Todayinfo news agency.
According to the composer, Madina Yeraliyeva held a special place in his creative journey. He recalled how the singer always supported him and placed great trust in him. During difficult times, she provided help, and they went on tour together, contributing to his artistic development.
"If there were no singer Madina Yeraliyeva, there would be no composer Kaldybek Kurmanali. She was like a sister to me. Everyone knows that. Even Zhenis Iskakova said, 'she singled you out among us.' Madina Yeraliyeva had special respect for me. She led me by the hand, traveled across regions, and gave concerts. I sometimes hosted concerts. Madina Yeraliyeva never spared money for me. When I was struggling, I would call her home and say I needed money. She would open her bag and say, take it. I would ask, 'is it a loan or just like that?' She would say, 'take it, I have it.' I never denied her anything," the composer sighed.
Kurmanali also admitted that he was surprised by the singer's decision to get married. In his opinion, he wanted Madina Yeraliyeva to remain free and continue her creative path, but he respected her choice.
"I did not support her marriage to Bolat Nazarbayev. One day she called and said she was getting married. I laughed. She wasn't in a position to have children. I thought she was tired of loneliness. I went to her house, and there were two people sitting. A man with a big belly, a reddish nose, and a dark complexion. She introduced me. His character was somewhat heavy. I asked a couple of questions, but he didn't answer. You can't open up to a stranger. Otherwise, I would have turned the place into a celebration. But first, I didn't recognize my future 'brother-in-law.' I only found out when Madina herself told me. At one meeting, I said, 'I don't support it.' 'Why do you need a husband? You are a famous singer, you give concerts, you have a house, you have a child,' I said. She lived in the prestigious Samal district. Her apartment was 160 square meters. At that time, it was one of the best houses. Roza Baglanova lived on the second floor of the same building, and Madina on the ninth. It turned out she chose him herself. I wanted her to be free. I was afraid she would go there and become like a parrot. 'Be patient a little, your brother-in-law is generous, he will buy you a house and a car,' he said. But Madina passed away. We never became relatives, never bought a house, never drove a car," the composer said.
