Azerbaijani Mugham performer Aqil Suleymanov has been living in the United States for over seven years, where he continues to promote the unique and deeply traditional music of his homeland. His journey to the U.S. began in 2014 when he traveled with the “Qarabagh Ensemble” to participate in the prestigious SXSW music festival. This trip marked the beginning of his path as a solo performer in the American music scene, where he has since made a lasting impact.
Upon arriving in Texas, Aqil found himself in an unfamiliar cultural landscape where few people had ever heard of Azerbaijani music, let alone the art of Mugham—a genre rooted in profound emotion and complex vocal mastery. Far from being discouraged, Aqil embraced this challenge. He began his journey by performing as a soloist with the Bereket Middle Eastern Ensemble at the University of Texas at Austin. This platform allowed him to introduce Mugham to American audiences, expanding their understanding of Azerbaijani culture. The ensemble held regular concerts, and through these performances, Aqil was able to engage with audiences, educating them on the beauty and depth of Mugham through music and storytelling.
After four years in Austin, Aqil relocated to New York City, a culturally vibrant hub that offered a wider and more diverse audience. Here, he found greater receptivity and appreciation for Mugham among varied communities. However, Aqil remains the only Mugham performer living in the United States, a responsibility he does not take lightly. This unique position motivates him to continue promoting awareness and appreciation for Azerbaijani Mugham, and he derives immense satisfaction from his work to preserve and share his cultural heritage on American soil.
Among Aqil’s notable collaborations in New York has been his work with George Murer, a professor at Hunter College with a strong interest in Azerbaijani music. Through this connection, Aqil was introduced to another professor, Farzad Amoozegar, and together they are working on organizing a Mugham program at Hunter College. This project promises to bring Azerbaijani music into the academic space, offering students a deeper understanding of this ancient musical tradition.
In recent years, Aqil Suleymanov’s talent has earned him significant recognition. At the LIT Music Awards, he achieved remarkable success by winning both the Golden Winner and Silver Winner titles. Aqil received the prestigious Golden Winner award in the “Best Male Singer” category, an acknowledgment of his exceptional vocal skill and dedication to his craft. Additionally, he earned a Silver Winner award in the “Best Folk Music” category, underscoring his excellence in traditional Azerbaijani music and his dedication to preserving this art form. These accolades not only highlight his artistic achievements but also
reflect his role as a cultural ambassador, helping to share Azerbaijani heritage on an international scale.
Aqil’s commitment to Mugham extends beyond performances and accolades. He regularly receives invitations to teach and perform across the United States, which he views as an opportunity to further share Mugham with new audiences. On November 8, 2024, Aqil will join renowned pianist Nergiz Aliyarova for a gala concert at the NMGCS IV International Composition Competition. This event promises to bring together talent from around the world, with Aqil and Nergiz’s performance adding a unique layer of Azerbaijani music to an international showcase of compositions.
Aqil’s connection to Mugham is deeply personal, as it is both a tribute to his homeland and an art form that transcends cultural barriers. Born in Jabrayil, a region recently liberated, Aqil feels a profound connection to his roots, drawing inspiration from stories of joy and return among his family and friends. For Aqil, Mugham is more than music; it is a way of sharing Azerbaijan’s soul with the world. Looking to the future, he plans to collaborate with his friend, kamancha player Togrul Orucov, who recently moved to Virginia. Together, they intend to host performances and master classes to further promote Mugham and Azerbaijani musical traditions in the United States.
Through his performances and teaching, Aqil Suleymanov hopes to ensure that Azerbaijani Mugham remains a celebrated and vital part of the global music landscape. His dedication to bridging cultures with music underscores his mission: to show that the language of Mugham speaks directly to the heart, captivating audiences around the world.