Emil Kadyrov: “The tragedy of Khojaly is a tragedy of not only Azerbaijan” (Exclusive)

On the night of February 25-26th in 1992 Armenian militants seized the Azerbaijani town of Khojaly and brutally killed 613 civilians, including 106 women, 70 elderly men and 63 children. For 24 years, not only Azerbaijan, but also Russia and other countries mark the tragic date annually. Yesterday, the ‘Memory’ exhibition of paintings by Azerbaijani artists took place in the Congress Park of Ukraine Hotel within the international information campaign ‘Justice for Khojaly’. Such events always have powerful cultural support. This time, Emil Kadyrov, a singer and guitarist, a participant in The Voice, honored the memory of the victims of the Khojaly tragedy.

- Why do you think it is important to remember such dates?

- I have come here because I am an Azerbaijani, and any tragedy or joy of my nation is my own. Of course, the Khojaly tragedy is a tragedy of not only Azerbaijan, but also of all Azerbaijanis who live in various places of the world. That’s why today I am here.

I like events which are organized by the Azerbaijani Youth Organization, because it is an opportunity to get together for Azerbaijanis. However, I hope there will be no new reasons for this, which are similar to the current one. I hope the tragedy will never repeat, and there will be less suffering.

- Do you plan to hold performances in Moscow?

- On April 2nd I invite everybody to visit my solo concert in the Hall of Councils of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. Few people know that there is a wonderful hall under the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. We have found out about it, and now we perform there often.

In May, there will be a concert in the Alexander Gradsky Theater. However, on April 2nd there will be a big concert in the hall with 1200 seats. My friends from The Voice will be there; Muslim Magomayev’s songs will be sung, as well as my own songs. I invite everybody.

- How did The Voice influence your career?

- Now I have many fans. I am holding more concerts, events. Each day there are more and more of them.