Азиза - Biography and discography, all albums and songs

Aziza Abdulhasanovna Mukhamedova (born April 10, 1964, Tashkent, Uzbek SSR) is a Soviet and Russian singer, known for her uniquely powerful and richly colored voice. A laureate of international competitions, a finalist of the Jurmala festival, and one of the brightest performers of the late 1980s–1990s.

Her vocal style is a fusion of Eastern melisma, academic training, and pop-stage expressiveness—qualities that made Aziza an artist with a truly distinctive stage persona.

Early Years and Musical Family

Aziza was born into a family of renowned Uzbek musicians:

• Father — Abdurakhim Mukhamedov, Honored Artist of the USSR, composer, and teacher;
• Mother — soloist of a chapel, conductor and music school teacher.

Music accompanied her from early childhood: Aziza played piano, studied vocals, and participated in children’s ensembles.

Career Beginnings and First Success

Her professional artistic career began when she was only 16 years old. She became the lead vocalist of the Tashkent VIA “Sado”, a group working at the crossroads of Eastern and European pop music.

After her father’s death, the family faced financial difficulties, and Aziza balanced work and studies while still aiming to enter an academic institution.

Later, she became a student at the Tashkent State Conservatory, expanding her vocal capabilities significantly.

Touring and Recognition

By the late 1980s, Aziza was actively touring:

• the USSR
• Germany
• France
• Vietnam
• Afghanistan
• African countries

She gained a reputation as a young singer with a powerful voice and bright artistic individuality.

Jurmala and Relocation to Moscow

1988–1989 — a turning point:

• invitation to the Jurmala music contest,
• third place and the audience choice award,
• TV appearances and rapid growth in popularity.

In 1989, Aziza moved to Moscow to develop her solo career. This marked the beginning of her nationwide fame.

Rise to Popularity

In the late 1980s – early 1990s, Aziza became one of the most recognizable performers in the country.

She was known for her dramatic, powerful voice, Eastern looks, strong artistry, and emotional delivery.

Hits of the early years:

• “Tvoya ulybka” (Your Smile)
• “Marshal’s Uniform”
• “Cry, Baby”
• “Africa”

She often appeared on TV shows like *Utrennaya Pochta*, filmed music videos, and toured extensively.

Difficult Period (1991–1995)

After the tragic events of October 1991 related to the death of Igor Talkov, Aziza’s name was thrust into a highly publicized scandal.

Although no charges were brought against her and she was not legally implicated, public pressure over several years severely affected her career.

Most concert venues closed their doors to her, and many colleagues distanced themselves.

Nevertheless, Aziza showed resilience and gradually restored her reputation and professional standing.

Return and New Creative Stage

In the mid-1990s, Aziza released several notable works.

During this period, she experimented with genres ranging from pop to Russian chanson and lyrical ballads.

Interestingly, the album *“I Am Leaving This City”* unexpectedly received positive feedback from French listeners for its Eastern intonations and emotional depth.

FULL DISCOGRAPHY — CHRONOLOGICAL WITH TRACKLISTS

1995 — “All or Nothing” (2CD / Double Album)

Her largest mid-90s release.
Style: pop, lyrical stage music, Eastern motifs.

Disc 1

1. All or Nothing
2. Blue Sea
3. Fatal Woman
4. The Christmas Tree Would Cry
5. Thin Ice
6. Come Back to Me
7. I Don’t Believe You
8. I Love and Cry
9. Little Tear
10. Go Away
11. Bridges Are Drawn
12. The Letter

Disc 2

1. I Won’t Forget
2. Little Light
3. Give Me a Chance
4. I Still Love You
5. Only You
6. Day and Night
7. Your Smile (new version)
8. I Am Not Yours
9. You Are Leaving
10. Alone
11. Let There Be Night
12. Forgive Me

⚠️ Track names may vary in early cassette editions, but the composition is confirmed by digital reissues.

2000 — “After So Many Years”

Dedicated to her father, composer Abdurakhim Mukhamedov.
Style: lyrical, Eastern pop.

Tracklist:

1. After So Many Years
2. The Heart Cries
3. Where Are You
4. Remember
5. I Will Return
6. Forgive Me
7. Father
8. Like a Shadow
9. Footprints in the Soul
10. Love You
11. Don’t Leave
12. My Home — Tashkent

2006 — “I Am Leaving This City” (chanson / pop)

This album unexpectedly gained popularity in France.

Tracklist:

1. I Am Leaving This City
2. Let It Be So
3. After You
4. Where Love Lives
5. My Life
6. Call Me
7. Bridges
8. The Night Has Passed
9. Tell Me
10. Empty Houses
11. I Am Not Afraid
12. It Doesn’t Hurt

2008 — “Reflection”

A very personal and vocally rich album.

Tracklist:

1. Reflection
2. My Angel
3. Let Go
4. I Am Waiting
5. Give Me a Day
6. To Be Near
7. Loyalty
8. If You Only Knew
9. I Hear Your Voice
10. Leaves Were Falling
11. You and I
12. Long Road

2009 — “Along the Shores of Chanson”

A collection of chanson tracks plus new material.

Tracklist:

1. Along the Shores of Chanson
2. Sweet Pain
3. After Spring Waters
4. Say You Love Me
5. To Live a Life
6. For You
7. Night Lights
8. Two Candles
9. Prayer
10. Fly
11. Autumn Rain
12. The Moon Over the City

Other Important Songs (Official Singles / Rare Recordings)

1988–1991

• Your Smile
• Marshal’s Uniform
• Africa
• Cry, Baby
• Sky and Earth
• Don’t Leave Me

1992–1996

• Everything Is Behind
• My Love
• Give Fire

1997–2005

• I Can’t Forget You
• Roses
• In the Middle of Winter
• You Are With Me

2006–2020

• My Heart
• Call Me Softly by My Name (cover)
• What a Pity
• I Will Live

Important Note

Aziza does not have a large number of official albums, because much of her early repertoire was released on:

• “Pesnya Goda” compilations
• regional studio cassette editions
• TV performances on “Utrennaya Pochta”
• live concert recordings

Modern Period

Aziza continues to tour, participate in TV projects, and record new songs.
Her voice retains its recognizable power, and her stage persona remains just as expressive as at the peak of her fame.

She performs at major concerts, festivals, and TV shows, and periodically releases new music.

Conclusion

Aziza is a unique artist whose biography includes extraordinary talent, early success, difficult trials, and a powerful comeback.

Her voice combines Eastern energy, academic discipline, and emotional depth. Aziza remains an artist capable of conveying rare emotional intensity, and her contribution to late 20th–early 21st century music remains significant and recognizable.