The Honoured Artist of Uzbekistan and one of the most sought-after singers at weddings in the oasis, Hosila Rakhimova, turned 51 on 22 April. The work of the artist, who from childhood rode horses and practised horsemanship, is as fiery and energetic as she is. On this occasion, we take a look at her life and creative journey.
Hosila Rakhimova was born into a family of doctors. Her father Ibrohim Khoji was one of the most renowned healers in Denov. After having three daughters in a row, he dreamed of a son and, following a folk custom, named his youngest daughter Kholmat. The wrestler and rider known in the neighbourhood by this name was none other than the singer we know today.
"My late father, since only daughters kept being born, named me Kholmat as a folk superstition. From the time I can remember myself, my hair was cut short, like a boy's. From appearance to character, everything about me was boyish. Horse riding and wrestling were among my favourite activities," says the singer.
"We are always grateful to our father"
Hosila Rakhimova emphasises that her father played a great role in her interest in art, as their home became a guesthouse for many artists.
"A great many performers were guests in our home. My father was a true lover of art and supported my interest," says the singer.
"I was a feisty girl"
Today, the artist prefers to stay away from PR and scandals. But she recalls with a laugh that she was rather pugnacious in her childhood.
"A person's character changes over time. Some traits from childhood have remained, but my pugnacity has gone. I didn't like weak-willed children. 'A boy must be brave,' I used to say, and I would not leave the children of the neighbourhood in peace," she says.
"At home we acted as nurses"
Under the influence of her family environment, the singer became interested in medicine from childhood. Even now she has a good knowledge of medicines.
"At that time, doctors used reusable syringes. Since my father also received patients at home, my sister and I would boil the syringes, prepare the medicines and help him," she says.
"I entered the institute after having two children"
She received her higher education later than her peers.
"My father first wanted me to get married. Then, after I had two children, I entered studies with his support," she says.
"I missed my daughters and could not sleep"
In 1998 she entered the Tashkent State Institute of Culture. Studying with two children was not easy.
"I missed my daughters terribly and even could not sleep," says the singer.
"My sister was my producer"
In 2001, after graduating from the institute, she began her solo career.
"At that time, I didn't know the concept of a 'producer'. My sister helped me and supported me in all my work," she says.
Hard days and the responsibility of the stage
In 2006, after losing her father, the singer gave a concert shortly afterwards.
"Even though I was heartbroken, I went on stage. And after the concert, I could not hold back my tears," she says.
An unpleasant incident
In 2015, at one of the weddings in Tashkent, the singer experienced disrespectful behaviour. Because of drunken guests, she stopped her song halfway through and left the gathering.
Hosila today
Today Hosila Rakhimova continues to impress many with her appearance. She is the mother of two daughters and a son, and the grandmother of six grandchildren. Her eldest son-in-law is the singer Bahriddin Zukhriddinov.
The singer loves to travel and in 2025 bought a house in Antalya.
Return to the big stage
Hosila Rakhimova is once again on the verge of meeting her fans. On 5–7 June at the "Friendship of Peoples" Palace, she will present a three-day solo concert programme entitled "Qorabayir".
"After a 10-year break, the meeting with my fans stirs great excitement in my heart," says the singer.
Read “Zamin” on Telegram!
