A performer from Tajikistan with dwarfism is ready for the stratosphere after that includes in a success with certainly one of Russia’s most notorious musicians, however his success is dividing opinion again residence.
Abdurozik, an 18-year-old singer and would-be blended martial arts fighter, already had greater than 1,000,000 Instagram followers earlier than his bit half in rapper Morgenshtern’s music video “Home,” which dropped on December 10.
That single – Morgenshtern’s first since fleeing his homeland after touchdown within the Kremlin’s unhealthy books final month – has racked up practically 7 million views in its first three days on-line.
Abdurozik’s Instagram following – a great way to measure social media stars’ affect and monetizing potential – has surged.
The performer rose to prominence earlier this yr when a well-liked Chechen sports activities blogger Askhab Tamayev proposed to place him within the ring for an MMA-style combat with one other little particular person, Dagestani Hasbulla “Hasbik” Magomedov, 18.
Fight sports activities are exceedingly in style within the former Soviet Union, however this transfer precipitated unease in MMA circles. Azamat Bostanov, who manages two well-known Russian fighters, complained the concept was “past the boundaries of acceptable and respectable.” The Russian Dwarf Athletic Affiliation criticized the stunt on moral grounds, calling it “some type of laughing present.”
Nonetheless, a mock pre-fight press conference that includes Tamayev enjoying referee to the trash-talking pair racked up hundreds of thousands of views. The combat by no means occurred.
Magomedov’s and Abdurozik’s respective journeys to fame have seen loads of controversies. Each males have accused their handlers of exploiting them for revenue.
In Abdurozik’s case, the accusation got here after his estranged supervisor Behruz Nabiyev complained that Abdurozik was “wrested” from him by unnamed rivals final month. Abdurozik responded that Nabiyev “solely pulled me out of the sticks to make cash off me. [He] modified his automotive [and] opened a restaurant whereas my dad and mom are nonetheless dwelling within the sticks.”
The set-to sparked an earthquake on Tajik social media. Ismoil Mahmadzoyir, grandson of Tajikistan’s president Emomali Rahmon initially backed Nabiyev in a social media publish that was later deleted. Mahmadzoyir has since modified his tune, posting a picture of himself with Abdurozik on TikTok.
Tajikistan has a sophisticated relationship with movie star.
Prior to now, authorities have taken to publicly shaming pop stars for breaking guidelines on mass gatherings or failing to pay dashing fines. One concept for these happenings is that stars should know their place in a system the place there may be solely room for one solar.
Popularity-wise, Abdurozik couldn’t have chosen a extra high-risk companion than hype service provider Morgenshtern, whose actual title is Alisher Valeyev.
The tattoo-faced star fled Russia in November after senior Kremlin official Aleksandr Bastrykin said that Morgenshtern had been “successfully promoting medication on social networks” along with his express lyrics.
The probe launched by Bastrykin’s highly effective Investigative Committee was introduced after Morgenshtern made the mistake of publicly doubting the necessity for festivities honoring Russia’s victory in World Struggle II – arguably the closest factor the Kremlin has to a nationwide ideology – in October.
In “House,” which was filmed within the United Arab Emirates, Morgenshtern sports activities a balaclava and hops on an armored car to deal with Bastrykin with a string of expletives that includes references to his personal intercourse organ.
Abdurozik’s function within the video is restricted to dancing on high of a automotive with the rapper and playfully slapping him on the face.
But loads of Tajiks argue that he had introduced shame to the nation.
“Abdurozik is partaking in stupidity, as a result of he has made unhealthy mates,” wrote one person beneath a publish concerning the clip on the Fb web page of the information outlet Asia Plus.
Others had been more supportive: “Abdurozik is a mega star!” wrote one fan. “And these those that attempt to humiliate him or insult him are simply jealous losers!”
