Junior Eurovision 2021 Review - Kazakhstan: Alinur & Beknur Fairy World
The Artist
Kazakhstan are sending a duo for the first time: Alinur Khamzin and Beknur Zhanibekuly. Both young men won the National Final as soloists so they are teaming up to go to Paris.
11 year old Alinur is from Uralsk, who hopes to be a famous singer. He enjoys origami, chess and loves robotics. Alinur has also taken part in many singing competitions including the Kazhak version of The Voice Kids.
9 year old Beknur, who is currently living in France, is not only a singer but a wiz at maths and geography and a keen artist. He was born with Phocomelia, a condition that affected the growth of his limbs. When he grows up, he wants to be a scientist.
The Song
Ertegı älemı (Fairy World) is about believing in the magic in each other. The song is in Kazakh and French and is a soft rock ballad with a touch of rap!
The song is written by Nurbolat Qanay (musician and singer from Kazakhstan) and Ferran Aguilar (bioengineering student from Andorra). Ferran also built the prosthetic arm for Beknur.
Fairy world can be found on our YouTube and Spotify playlists.
Kazakhstan at JESC
This year will be the 4th time Kazakhstan takes part at JESC after their debut in 2018. Since they started participating, they have achieved two second placings in 2019 and 2020: Yerzhan Maxim with Armanyńnan qalma, and Forever by Karakat Bashanova.
OGAE Australia JESC Team scores and thoughts:
Ally: 5/10 ✭✭✭✭✭✩✩✩✩✩
What a beautiful song! Not a strong song though and I question why they bothered putting all the effort into creating the duet version if the second singer only gets one verse, but either way I can’t wait to see what they do with the staging.
Blake: 4/10 ✭✭✭✭✩✩✩✩✩✩
Another solid entry from Kazakhstan!
The revamp certainly lifts it a lot and it's an example of where a rap actually adds to the song. Alinur's vocals are beautiful and the production is really nice too!
Danie: 6/10 ✭✭✭✭✭✭✩✩✩✩
Worth waiting for Kazakhstan! A great song, sadly it is a bit one sided with Alinur doing most of the singing - yes it was his song originally so we get it - but Beknur’s rap was something I was not expecting. Also great to see some disabled representation at JESC (correct me if I am wrong but is Beknur our first wheelie at the junior contest?).
Kurtis: 8/10 ✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✩✩
Kazakhstan has submitted a lovely, emotional and unique ballad. Alinur has a very powerful but also young sounding voice and I also like the little na na na backing sections. I tend to not be a fan of rap, but Beknur adds an extra oomph to the song, and he is adorable. My only criticism, more Beknur please.
Raquel: 5/10 ✭✭✭✭✭✩✩✩✩✩
It’s a great unique ballad with a touch of rap! Alinur has a great voice and I like that well needed Beknur rap! But I’m sad he only got one verse!
Average Score: 5.6
The JESC Team score does not reflect the views of all OGAE Australia members.