People's Artist of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Babamyrat Hamdamow, passed away at the age of 84.

Babamyrat Hamdamow was born in 1940 in the Lebap region. After graduating from high school, he completed a short course for crane operators and worked in construction. However, due to his passion for singing, he initially performed Indian songs and worked with Komiljon Otaniyazov's ensemble at that time. During one of his performances with this ensemble, he met the famous Indian actor and director Raj Kapoor, a meeting that further deepened his love for Indian music.

Babamyrat Hamdamow mainly performed folk songs in four languages: Turkmen, Uzbek, Tajik, and Hindi. He was a classical master and teacher of music and song, and a recipient of the "Friendship" Order. In addition to his performances, Hamdamow also devoted time to teaching, sharing his vast experience with younger generations.

Babamyrat Hamdamow made a significant contribution to the development of Turkmen and Uzbek national music and song art, created timeless works, and won the love of the audience. Notably, songs like "Kim eken," "Diwana boldum," "Lebabyma," and "Saýadyň" have a special place in the hearts of the people. His songs were widely listened to not only in his homeland but also in neighboring countries. Furthermore, after Turkmenistan gained its independence, Hamdamow performed the first independence song of the country, titled "Garashsyz." This song, written by Turkmenistan's national writer Atamyrat Atabayev, became a cherished symbol of national art through Hamdamow's powerful rendition.