It was this time of year. Autumn had pushed summer aside and arrived a little earlier than expected. The wind, characteristic of Baku, did not subside. We met for the first time on a rainy, drizzly autumn evening. Although the weather outside was annoying, a pleasant atmosphere prevailed inside. His melodious voice, bubbling like a spring, caressed one's heart and soothed one's soul.
Mənsum İbrahimov was singing...
The next day, we met again. Again, he captivated everyone with his masterful performance style and rich repertoire.
Although I knew that the wedding host, a close relative of ours, was a poor man, journalistic curiosity prevailed: “Uncle Adil, how much did Mənsum İbrahimov charge for the event?”
The man frowned, knitted his thick eyebrows, and looked at me carefully: “What money, my child?! My in-law is a martyr's father. They invited him, and the man came. Mənsum muallim attends events for martyr families and veterans free of charge.”
Since this conversation took place approximately 25 years ago, I do not remember what else we talked about. What I do remember is that Mənsum İbrahimov had established a throne in the heart of the now gray-haired 50-year-old journalist 25 years ago. And not only with his art, but also with his simplicity and sincerity...
People's Artist, Professor Mənsum İbrahimov is a masterful connoisseur of mugham, a master khananda, a valuable intellectual, and a noble person who needs no special introduction. There are thousands of pieces of information about him in open sources. These sources state that Mənsum İbrahimov was born on October 1, 1960, in the village of Imamqulubəyli, Aghdam district. The artist's love for the world of music manifested itself from childhood. He first studied at the Asaf Zeynally Baku Music College, and then at the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts.
Oh, what's the point of opening Tarix-i Nadir?! Our Mənsum muallim needs no introduction. He is not only loved in Azerbaijan. He has given concerts in many countries; in Iran, Turkey, France, the USA, and in near and distant lands, he has introduced Azerbaijani music, caressed people's hearts with his invaluable performances, and nourished their souls.
Mənsum İbrahimov is not only loved by audiences but also by his students. He is a professor and head of the mugham (khananda) department at the Azerbaijan National Conservatory. Young people learn the intricacies of art from him. Now, he promotes Azerbaijani culture shoulder-to-shoulder with his beloved students. Figuratively speaking, the trees planted by Mənsum muallim have long borne fruit. What greater happiness could there be for a teacher than this?!
Mənsum İbrahimov is also an active public figure and an exemplary citizen. Thanks to his fluent speech and meaningful addresses, he has become one of journalists' favorite interviewees. Mənsum muallim speaks as well as he sings.
My journalist friends will probably agree with me: although Mənsum İbrahimov is at the pinnacle of his art, he never puts himself on a pedestal like some celebrities. On the contrary, he stands out for his accessibility. He does not even hesitate to patiently and comprehensively answer the convoluted questions of inexperienced journalists taking their first steps in the press. Therefore, journalists love and respect him not only as a master khananda but also as a composed interviewee. And not only journalists, but everyone who loves and appreciates music, regardless of their profession, is the recipient of this love...
Before he became a People's Artist, he was the artist of the people. Of the people to whom he is connected with his p, blood, and soul...
Happy 65th birthday, MASTER!
May Allah keep you in His protection!
Inshallah, may we hear these words from the presenters on your 100th birthday: Mənsum İbrahimov is singing!
Seymur VERDIZADE
