It is no coincidence that when talking about Arif Babayev, they say, “He put a statue in “Segah”. “Kharij segah” performed with burning harmony has become an example of immortal art. There is a saying among musicians that if all mughams are like a wreath, “Segah” is the crown of this wreath. Arif Babayev is the most skilled performer of “Segah”. The root of “Segah” mugham, which is one of the main mughams in Azerbaijani music, also plays a key role in Ashiq music. Most of Ashiq’s songs are based on this mugham. This mugham is a piece of music from the mother song of our people. Why are you so attached to “Segah” than mughams?” – the artist answers the question as follows:
“Because our immortal mughams are made from the philosophy of life. “Segah” has found its way to my heart since childhood. This mug has a special charm, in a word, I can pour out my heart with it: to the person, to the time, to the world! “Segah” is the closest to the people among mughams.
The living luminary Arif Babayev is one of the artists who made mugham the closest to the people. Today, the mugham master is 86 years old. I found out that there will be a lot of guests on his birthday. I called yesterday evening to find out how he felt about his birthday. It’s not a joke, 86 years is not for every man.
Publika.az It presents an interview with the People’s Artist.
– Hello Mr. Arif, have a good time.
– Hello, my daughter, hello. Have a good time.
-How are you? What’s going on?
– Thank God, my dear father.
– Teacher Arif, tomorrow (today) is your birthday, I wanted to congratulate you first, happy birthday, teacher!
– Thank you very much, be there.
– Mashallah, I heard your voice well.
– My father, yes. Thank you for today. God bless.
– He is 85 years old, right?
– 86 (laughs) 86 is complete, he goes to 87.
– How does a person feel at this age, master?
– Let me say that I am 100% fine, but I can’t say it. Thank you for this. May our people live and prosper. They pay good attention to me. My students often come to visit me. I agree very much. Let me be a sacrifice to God, I am satisfied with everything.
– God gave Arif this age also because he was able to see the land where he was born and grew up free.
– Yes Yes. It was a great victory. We did not believe that we could return to those lands so soon. Thank God, our land was taken. We are free. May God have mercy on our martyrs, may our veterans live. Long live the head of our state, the Commander-in-Chief, and our army. May our flag always fly.
– Is it likely that everyone will gather at your place tomorrow?
– Yes, my daughter, we have guests tomorrow. We will celebrate my birthday live on “Khazar” TV channel. My students will be with me.
– What was the most valuable gift you ever received?
– Health! This is my most valuable gift in life.
– Thank you, teacher Arif.
– May God bless you too, you write and illuminate, you never forget us artists. Thank you very much, my daughter.
– Thank you, master. This is our duty. Be there!
– Thanks.
Jamila Hatamkhanova
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