Deputies are figures who are always in the public eye. Their speeches, political views, and decisions, as well as their personal interests and tastes, generate public interest. Despite their demanding work schedules and political responsibilities, members of parliament are not far from music. Some find peace in classical and folk music, while others relax their souls with modern rhythms.
The Modern.az website surveyed deputies to learn about their musical tastes. The results show that there are common points uniting deputies who represent different positions in the political arena.
Elnara Akimova stated that her music choice is mostly related to her mood.
“My music choice is mainly related to my mood. Sometimes I feel the need to listen to classical and folk music, and sometimes I choose pop music performers. Among contemporary artists, I like listening to Ilkin Ahmadov, Miralem Miralemov, and Murad Lachin. Their performances evoke a melancholic, pleasant feeling in people.”
The deputy also stated that she has been following a new music collective with interest recently:
“Lately, I have been listening to the group "Habil Mammadov and his students". They are a successful tandem.”
E. Akimova said that the creativity of some artists holds eternal value for her:
“But there are a few singers who are an eternal love for me and are always with me. Just as Odysseus returned to his island of Ithaca, I too, skipping through various, changing music trends, rest my soul in the infinity of these three artistic giants - Sezen Aksu, Zerrin Özer, and Ahmet Kaya.”
Razi Nurullayev also spoke about his relationship with music. The deputy stated that he listens to music every day, and it holds an important place in his life:
“I love music; every day I listen to various music on my phone, on television, and in my free time. My inclination is more towards classical music because these pieces bring me peace. I also listen to songs by local and foreign performers that I come across. If I like them, I remember them and listen again from time to time.”
Razi Nurullayev noted that he also has great admiration for Azerbaijani music:
“Azerbaijan has many beautiful songs; I listen to all of them. However, I do not want to name a specific singer. I listen to music when I like it. I do not have time to be interested in the personal lives and problems of singers.”
The deputy also recalled some of his favorite performances:
“For example, when I come across songs by Aygun Kazimova, I listen to them. I have memorized three songs by Chinara Malikzade, and I particularly often listen to the song “Mən özüm gedərəm”.”
Razi Nurullayev said that he also follows new music on the TikTok platform:
“I come across many talented performers on TikTok. Some sing medleys; they have very beautiful voices and stage presence. I cannot remember their names, but there are indeed many very good performers among them,” he noted at the end.
Elchin Mirzabayli spoke about his musical taste from his youth to the present day.
“In my youth, I listened mostly to rock. I used to listen to compositions by groups like "Pink Floyd", "Nazareth", "Deep Purple", "Scorpions", and I still listen to them again whenever I get the chance. I love classical music, including mugham. However, I do not like excessive improvisations on classical music. I do not listen to those who shout to show off their vocal power or perform low-quality music.”
According to the deputy, music choice is closely linked to a person's perception, taste, and upbringing:
“Music is a matter related to perception, taste, mood, and most importantly, upbringing. Every person's musical taste is formed from childhood, from a young age. During my secondary school years, together with my teachers, as well as in my free time, I listened to works by composers such as Beethoven, Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Giuseppe Verdi, Uzeyir Hajibeyli, Fikrat Amirov. During my student years, I listened to works recommended by my teachers Shafiga Mammadova and Gulshan Mirzabayova.”
Elchin Mirzabayli noted that due to his work schedule, he often encounters random music now:
“Our life and work schedule are such that a significant part of our day is spent on the road and at events. Sometimes we have to listen to random performances, and sometimes to those that suit someone else's taste.”
The deputy stated that he likes to listen to artists who do not deviate from the mode of Azerbaijani music and who stand out with their voice and performance:
“I listen to all singers who do not deviate from the Azerbaijani musical mode, do not resort to antics to stand out, and have a beautiful vocal timbre and heart. Among them are performers from various age groups. I try to listen to Aybaniz Hashimova, Mansum Ibrahimov, Nazakat Mammadova, Tayyar Bayramov, Samir Jafarov, Sabina Arabli, Abgul Mirzaliyev, and others whenever I get the chance.”
Elchin Mirzabayli also said that he listens to some local contemporary music groups and rap performers:
“Furthermore, I also listen to performances by local rock groups such as "Gara Darvish", "Darvish Band", as well as Okaber and Orkhan Zeynalli.”
When speaking about the music he listens to, Arzukhan Alizade stated that he shows interest in both classical Azerbaijani music and renowned performers on the world stage:
“I particularly love the performances of our coryphaeus artists such as Flora Karimova and the late Yalchin Rzazade,” the deputy stated.
Arzukhan Alizade also said that he listens carefully to contemporary performers:
“I also like the songs of Aygun Kazimova, Brilliant Dadashova, Roya, and our other contemporaries. I also love listening to Mugham and professional Ashiq music.”
He stated that he does not impose genre restrictions on his music choices, and the main thing is for the music to touch the soul:
“Tastes differ, but for me, the main thing is that the music is of high quality and sincere. I love Azerbaijani music, but I also listen to classical foreign music. For example, I really like the works of “Ennio Morricone”. Songs by groups like “Boney M.”, “ABBA”, “Demis Russos” hold nostalgic value for me.”
“Unfortunately, there is little time now, and I cannot listen to much music. But when I am in the car, I definitely turn on music and relieve the day's fatigue with it,” he noted at the end.
Jeyhun Mammadov said that the increasing tendency of young people to listen to foreign and vulgar music causes serious concern, and he emphasized that he himself listens mostly to classical and folk music:
“Shovkat Alakbarova, Rashid Behbudov, Muslim Magomayev are among the musicians I listen to continuously. Among contemporary artists, I can name Alim Gasimov, Nazakat Teymurova, Mansum Ibrahimov, and also Chinara Malikzade. In addition to these, I can mention Ilkin Ahmadov, Miralem Miralemov, Ehtiram Huseynov, Almakhanim,” the deputy stated.
Fazil Mustafa stated that he does not have a conservative approach to art, and the main criterion in music is the feeling and pleasure it creates in a person. He expressed his appreciation for musicians who keep up with the times:
“Flora Karimova cannot become old-fashioned. Even if she does not perform on stage, her music is still listened to and loved by a wide audience. The same can be said for Shovkat Alakbarova and Rashid Behbudov, who were listened to 30–50 years ago.”
According to the deputy, in music, it is not generational division but the voice that complements taste that is important. He also drew attention to the quality of song lyrics:
“In music, there is no concept of new and old generations. In music, there are voices that complement today's taste. But unfortunately, in Azerbaijan, the meaning of the lyrics of even the most beautiful songs is often not at a complementary level,” he stated.
