A German Couple Revives Kazakh Music While Nuclear Ghosts Linger
A German couple, Paul Friedrich and Olga Kasper, have dedicated over a decade to keeping Kazakh culture alive in Europe. Through their creative collective, OPM-musikevent, they blend traditional Kazakh music with modern performances. Their work has earned them recognition from Kazakhstan itself, including state honours for cultural promotion.
Meanwhile, the legacy of Soviet nuclear testing continues to haunt parts of Kazakhstan. By 2026, the village of Aksuat in the Semipalatinsk region remains uninhabited due to radioactive contamination from tests conducted between 1949 and 1989. No permanent residents live there today, though occasional visitors and researchers still pass through.
Paul Friedrich’s connection to Kazakhstan runs deep. Born and raised there, he learned Kazakh as his mother tongue during childhood. In 2011, he launched OPM-musikevent with a clear mission: to preserve and share Kazakh culture in Germany. The project’s first release, a cover of the folk song Toi Zhyry, marked the beginning of their journey.
Olga Kasper shares his passion. Despite living far from her homeland, she believes one never truly leaves it behind. Together, they perform Kazakh songs, organise festivals, and create spaces where people can reconnect with their roots. Their cover versions, posted online, have drawn millions of views, resonating with both Kazakh communities and local Germans. The duo’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Kazakhstan awarded them the Order Dostyk II Class and the Medal Shapagat for their role in promoting Kazakh pop music abroad. Their festivals and social media presence offer a platform for cultural exchange, where traditional melodies meet contemporary audiences. Beyond music, their work reflects a broader trend in Europe. Ethnic traditions—whether in clothing, music, or festivals—are gaining renewed appreciation. OPM-musikevent’s charismatic performances have even attracted German listeners who had no prior connection to Kazakh culture. Yet, as their project thrives, parts of Kazakhstan still bear scars from the past. The Semipalatinsk region, once home to nuclear tests, now stands largely empty. Aksuat, a village in the area, has no permanent residents due to lingering radiation. Only researchers or temporary visitors occasionally enter the zone, a silent reminder of history’s impact on the land.
Paul Friedrich and Olga Kasper continue to bridge cultures through music and events. Their awards and online success highlight the growing interest in Kazakh heritage outside its borders. At the same time, abandoned places like Aksuat serve as a stark contrast—a reminder of the challenges Kazakhstan still faces decades after the nuclear era.
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