Uzbek Ministry of Culture Responds to Video of Minister Singing and Receiving Money at Wedding

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Ministry of Culture of Uzbekistan has commented on a video circulating on social media showing Culture Minister Ozodbek Nazarbekov performing a song at a wedding and accepting money from guests.

The ministry stated that the event aligns with national traditions and does not violate current legislation.

According to Kun.uz, citing the ministry’s press secretary Sirojiddin Usarov, the video was recorded on 25 October 2025, at the wedding of a ministry employee. Usarov emphasized that the situation was unplanned, and the minister’s refusal to accept the money could have embarrassed the attendees or been perceived as disrespectful.

The ministry highlighted that giving money to performers at weddings is not prohibited by law and is part of Uzbekistan’s longstanding national customs and cultural values. Such actions, they noted, are acceptable within the framework of Uzbek traditions.

Nazarbekov is not only the Minister of Culture but also a celebrated performer, recognized as a People’s Artist of Uzbekistan, Karakalpakstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, as well as an Honored Worker of Culture of Uzbekistan. His professional activities are closely tied to national vocal art, and the wedding performance should be considered in this context.

The ministry added that a person, regardless of their government position, cannot be entirely separated from their profession, and this case should be viewed from that perspective.

At the same time, Kun.uz reports that the Anti-Corruption Agency has sent a formal notice regarding this incident to the Ministry of Culture.