High spending and shady contracts: Anti-Corruption Agency launches probe into Khanabad music festival

Last year, the second International National Pop Music Festival “Echoes of the World” was held in Khanabad from July 29–31, featuring Jah Khalib, Jony, Inna, and renowned Uzbek artists. That edition reportedly cost around UZS 8 billion.

This year, the third edition of the festival will again take place in Khanabad. The regional administration plans to invite more internationally recognized performers. According to a document signed by acting mayor of Khanabad, E. Kholmirzaev, the festival will be held on August 15–17 and include performances by Mustafa Sandal, Arash, In-Grid, Alisha Chinai, Arabesque, and other local artists.

Daryo.uz examined the artists’ appearance fees and other related expenditures.

The outlet reported that initial estimates place the total festival budget at UZS 6 billion. However, given that last year’s edition cost UZS 8 billion, the final figure will only be clear after the event concludes.

How much are the artists being paid?

According to the investigation, the highest-paid performer is Iranian singer Arash, whose appearance will cost UZS 2.095 billion (approximately $164,000 at current rates). Turkish singer Mustafa Sandal is set to receive slightly less – UZS 2.049 billion ($160,000). In-Grid and Alisha Chinai will be paid a combined UZS 837 million ($65,000).

In total, more than UZS 4.981 billion (over $390,000) will be spent on the five international performers.

Experts say the quoted fees are considerably inflated. For instance, Arash and Mustafa Sandal could be brought to Uzbekistan for no more than $200,000 combined under standard arrangements, and the two other singers could be hired for about $20,000. The outlet suggests the fees may have been artificially doubled.

It was revealed that the contract for Arash’s performance was signed with “Qatagon Ideal Market” LLC, registered in Toraqorgon district, Namangan region. The founder and director of the company is Akbarali Azizov.

The arrangement to bring Mustafa Sandal was made with “Bregin Milk Soft” LLC, based in Pop district, Namangan region. The company was established on March 12, 2025, and re-registered in June.

The artists from Italy and India will be brought by “Magnat Construction Planet” LLC for UZS 837 million. This firm, founded on September 11, 2023, in Chust district of Namangan, also lists Akbarali Azizov as its founder.

Thus, Azizov is the founder of both “Qatagon Ideal Market” and “Magnat Construction Planet.”

To enhance the festival experience, “Oltin Tosh Ulgurji” LLC was contracted to provide a hot air balloon for UZS 350 million. This supplier was registered in Andijan just 10 days before the contract was signed.

The stage, lighting, sound systems, special screens, decorations, and night lighting services were contracted to “Dunyo Sahnalari” LLC for UZS 1.25 billion. This company was registered just one day prior to the contract signing.

“The festival’s financial returns outweigh its costs”

The Andijan regional government issued a response to Kun.uz regarding the situation.

Documents show that Mustafa Sandal will be paid $160,000 and Arash $164,000. Experts in Tashkent claim both could be brought in for just $200,000 in total.

The administration explained that logistics in Khanabad differ from those in Tashkent. Artists must first land in Tashkent, then travel by car 8–9 hours to Khanabad, or wait for a connecting flight due to ongoing renovations at the Andijan airport. As a result, performers spend up to three days on the trip – including travel, performance, and return. The pricing was based on these logistical demands.

The regional government also said the festival aims to promote Khanabad’s tourism potential and international recognition through the presence of global celebrities.

According to their data, monthly trade turnover in Khanabad averaged UZS 500 million in 2023. During the festival month, this rose to UZS 10.5 billion. Despite a UZS 7 billion budget for the 2024 festival, the trade turnover exceeded UZS 20 billion.

“Shops, eateries, and service providers made six times more revenue than usual. For example, a small shop owner who normally makes UZS 500,000 in sales reported UZS 8–9 million during the festival days. More than ten thousand visitors from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, South Korea, India, Turkey, and other countries came to see international stars,” the statement reads.

The “Echoes of the World” festival aims to promote national pop music, discover young talent, and boost Khanabad’s attractiveness as a tourist destination.

However, previous editions of the festival in 2023 and 2024 sparked criticism over delayed prize payouts and alleged non-transparent use of public funds. In fact, payments to winners in 2023 were made only after Daryo’s article in December that year.

The Anti-Corruption Agency confirmed to Gazeta.uz that it is reviewing the legality of the allocated festival funds.