Today we’d like to introduce you to Sangina Sharipova.
Hi Sangina, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My story began with my birth in a small town in Kazakhstan called Taraz. I was born into a mixed heritage family in the south, with a Kazakh father and an Uzbek mother. On my mother’s side, music runs deep in our blood, while on my father’s side, entrepreneurship and sports were prevalent. Most of my maternal relatives pursued careers in academia, with many having a background in music education. My mother, too, was musically gifted.
After I was born and turned six, I was enrolled in piano lessons. I studied piano for about two years, delving into pieces by composers like Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, and others, playing these classical works. Later on, we began to focus more on ballroom dancing, and gradually, my piano lessons came to an end. We moved to Astana, the capital, and that’s when my more conscious musical career began as a hobby.
So, in my surroundings, there were girls in my class who sang incredibly well and were musically gifted. We attended choir lessons together, and then they invited me to join them for vocal lessons at a music studio in the capital. I went for a trial lesson and ended up staying there for a whole 9 years. I was trained in various vocal styles, modern techniques, performed with a live band, appeared at various venues, and organized themed concerts. We recorded songs, shared them on social media, YouTube, Instagram, where I gained my first fans. Then, we started creating my original songs and began preparing me for international competitions and, later on, for international TV projects. So, I traveled to international competitions in Turkey, Bulgaria, Russia, Europe, and Romania and won many competitions, securing first, second, and third places, grand prizes, and cash prizes for my victories.
After that, I started focusing on my original songs and not just participating in TV projects but producing myself as an independent artist. I’ve been an independent artist for quite some time now, recording original songs, collaborating with songwriters, arrangers, and gradually building a team of people I trust. Together, we’ve recorded over 10 songs with various collaborators, and with each song, I feel myself growing, developing, and gradually finding my voice as an artist and my artist identity. So far, I’ve released 6 songs, most of which have made it onto radio stations in Kazakhstan, playing daily across the country. Additionally, my music video is being aired on the main music channels in the country, such as Gakku TV, Toiduman, and the 7th Channel of Kazakhstan. I’ve also performed my original songs at open-air radio station events, major festivals, and other events in main concert halls. Naturally, I’ve often performed at state concerts in front of heads of state, representing Kazakhstan abroad as well.
So, my music career started as a hobby, but it gradually became more serious as I began participating in TV projects such as X-Factor, The Voice of Russia, The Voice of Kazakhstan, I’m a Singer Kazakhstan and TOPJARGAN. The audience started noticing me more and more, I gained fans, and my name became known to people. People started recognizing me on the streets, taking photos with me, and asking for autographs. Then, I held my solo concert at the age of 18 in Astana, attended by 200 people, and performed alongside well-known artists, including People’s Artists of Russia and Kazakhstan, as well as internationally renowned artists like Dimash Qudaibergen, A’Studio, Roza Rymbaeva, ORDA, Dastan Orazbekov, Madina Sadvakassova, Alisher Karimov, Valery Leontiev, Oleg Gazmanov, Vladimir Presnyakov, and many others. In other words, I performed in front of the most famous artists both in the CIS and internationally.
After moving to Los Angeles, I continued my path as an independent artist. Having completed my studies at the Musicians Institute College of Contemporary Music in Hollywood, specializing in the Independent Artist Certificate Program, I delved into subjects such as Songwriting, Music Business, Music Marketing, Visual Media, Recording Project, Artist Development, Live Performance, Artist Identity, Branding, and Sound Engineering. Additionally, I’m currently undergoing training at the Grammy Museum, and I’m a member of ASCAP, the Recording Academy, and SCL. This year, I plan to release many songs that are already prepared, among other projects.
Currently, I perform my original music in Los Angeles with my live band. I’ve already held three successful solo concerts at venues with more than 500 people, like my latest show at Troubadour on April 20th. I have my own merchandise and my own website, www.sanginamusic.com, which I created myself. I write songs, produce music, and manage myself. I’m following my dream of becoming an internationally renowned artist and sharing my creativity with as many people as possible. I aim to make this world a better place through the gift of music and singing.
I also plan to release songs in collaboration with well-known artists. Starting this year, I’m releasing songs in English. Previously, my releases were in Russian and Kazakh. In February, I released my first single in English titled “Run Out Of Time.” The next in line will be the single “My Motherland,” followed by “Replay.” I currently have collaborations with famous artist Danna Max that has over 2 million streams monthly on streaming platforms, which I’m gonna release next in the order. Additionally, I plan to start working on a solo album and release it next year.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey has been far from smooth. Initially, I had to grapple with a significant decision in favor of pursuing music. Despite graduating from medical university as a dentist, I struggled to dedicate 100% of my time to music due to financial constraints and uncertainty about its viability as a career. Over the past 3-4 years, I’ve taken deliberate steps to promote myself as an artist, investing my own earnings from dentistry into my musical endeavors. While navigating this path, I faced numerous challenges, particularly as an independent artist responsible for handling all aspects of my career.
Participating in international competitions and projects presented its own set of psychological hurdles. Despite my efforts, I often found myself overlooked or unfairly judged, leading to doubts about my talent and worth. It took time to realize that success in these endeavors is subjective and does not define my artistic ability. Through self-reflection and perseverance, I’ve worked to bolster my self-esteem and reaffirm my passion for music.
Additionally, honing my skills has been a continuous journey. I’ve sought guidance from multiple teachers across various countries and invested in online courses to deepen my understanding of vocal anatomy and technique. While the competitive nature of the industry, especially for female pop artists, presents ongoing challenges and high expectations, I find fulfillment in the process of growth and self-discovery. Ultimately, despite the obstacles, I remain committed to sharing my love for music and connecting with audiences through my performances and songs.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a singer, songwriter, recording and performing artist, music producer, vocal coach, and self-managed independent artist. I specialize in pop, R&B, funk, and disco music genres with influences from my Eastern and Central Asian heritage. I like to combine positive messages in my music, uplifting and bringing hope and brightness to the world. I’m also passionate about ballads and big songs about love, self-discovery, and self-growth. I get inspired by the miracles of life and destiny, by every stage of self-growth and self-understanding that I’m going through. I believe there are many people in the world who have gone through or are still going through the same things, chasing to find answers.
I’m currently located in Los Angeles, where I work as a vocal coach. I have private students whom I train to become better singers and artists because I’ve gone through this journey myself, building my skills piece by piece and gathering information from multiple sources and mentors. It excites me to share this knowledge and experience with people who are just as passionate about making music. I help them make their learning process smoother, filled with purified information and useful tips that I’ve learned over the 14 years I’ve been singing and performing professionally. Making an impact on even one person makes my day meaningful and brings me happiness and fulfillment.
I’m known for my powerful, strong voice, confident stage presence, ability to speak in multiple languages, musical talent, ambitious mindset, big goals, hardworking and positive energy. I also stand out for my ability to manage multiple aspects, from creative to business processes, which is uncommon for women in the industry, as well as for my pure soul and strong character.
I’m really proud of the experience I’ve built over 14 years in the music industry, starting as a student in a vocal class and developing myself into a real artist. I’m proud that many people I dreamed of working within Kazakhstan and Russia are now my good friends, and I’ve had great opportunities to collaborate with them. I’m proud of the fire inside me to make a positive impact on the world and that every day I take another step towards my biggest mission. I’m especially proud that I was brave enough to move to the U.S. only a year ago to improve myself, gain new knowledge, and start a new chapter in making my dream of becoming a world-famous artist come true. I’m proud that I didn’t give up at the beginning and that I never give up, even when it’s tough, dealing with challenges that only artists understand. Society and people often have certain expectations about who you should be, and differentiating who you truly are amidst this can be difficult. I’m happy that I’ve overcome this and found myself as a talented, unique singer who wants to share this God-given gift with the world.
What sets me apart from others is my unique blend of cultural influences and musical styles, my dedication to personal and artistic growth, and my holistic approach to mentoring aspiring artists. My journey has been one of continuous self-discovery and resilience, and I bring this depth and authenticity to my music and teaching. My ability to seamlessly integrate different aspects of my heritage into contemporary music, combined with my passion for empowering others, truly distinguishes me in the industry.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Absolutely, I learned several important lessons during the COVID-19 crisis. First and foremost, I was completing my studies online. Being alone gave me the chance to understand what truly matters to me. I discovered what I genuinely love doing, regardless of the circumstances. The pandemic allowed me to focus on things I never had time for amidst the constant hustle and bustle.
I also read a lot of books and successfully finished my university studies online. I realized that, at that time, performing on stage wasn’t an option. Instead, I started doing live online broadcasts to interact with the world. This experience taught me that my ability to share my talent with the world wasn’t confined to a physical stage. I could do it even within the limited space of my room and apartment.
Furthermore, I realized that family is a fundamental part of my life. I spent as much time as possible with my family, which was a valuable and wonderful lesson. It gave me the opportunity to take care of my loved ones. I came to understand that the value of life doesn’t lie in achieving incredible success but in being grateful every day for your health, for waking up, and for the well-being of your loved ones.
Additionally, during the pandemic, the entertainment industry was completely shut down, with no concerts happening. I was living in Kazakhstan at the time and had certain plans for my life, such as studying in Russia. Having finished my medical university, I realized that my knowledge and experience were needed immediately. Since I couldn’t fully use my musical background, I was fortunate to begin practicing as a doctor. I started training in dentistry, attending various workshops and began working directly in the field as a dentist and therapist. This experience taught me a lot and significantly developed my professional and personal qualities.
Working as a doctor instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility, focus, and the ability to block out unnecessary distractions to concentrate on my work, knowing that lives depend on it. These qualities, honed over three years of medical practice, have been invaluable. They are now instrumental as I develop as an artist and build my team in the music business, knowing the principles and human values required to succeed.
Moreover, I dedicated time to pursuing a master’s degree. Sadly, during COVID-19, I lost many relatives, both close and distant. This made me realize how fortunate and blessed I am to still have time to live and experience life on this earth. It reinforced the importance of not wasting time and making the most of every moment. I understood that there is a profound meaning to life, and for me, it is crucial to do good, help others, and continue to grow and develop myself. By setting an example, I hope to inspire others to take responsibility for their lives and pursue their goals and dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sanginamusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sangina.music/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sangina.kz/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sangina-sharipova-61b8b1260/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sangina_music
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/sangina-sharipova
- Other: https://linktr.ee/sangina
Image Credits
Recording Academy™️
Tommaso Boddi
Getty Images
Surya Nikhil
Aidyn Ahmet
