Sherali Joʻrayev, born on 12 April 1947 in Asaka, Uzbek SSR, USSR (exact birthday symbolic), was a prominent Uzbek singer, songwriter, poet, author, and actor. He played a significant role in Uzbek cultural life for nearly five decades, producing much of his celebrated work during the 1980s and 1990s.

His most renowned songs, like “Birinchi muhabbatim,” “Inson qasidasi,” “Karvon,” “Oshiqlar sardori,” and “Oʻzbegim,” are frequently played at public events and weddings in Uzbekistan and neighboring Central Asian countries. Joʻrayev’s lyrics were influenced by politics, society, philosophy, and literature, often incorporating lines from renowned poets into his songs.

Apart from his music career, Joʻrayev wrote the screenplay and played the lead role in the 1989 film “Sherali va Oybarchin.” He authored two books, “Bola dunyoni tebratar” (1988) and “Bir qoʻshiq kuylayki…” (2023). He served as a member of the Supreme Assembly of Uzbekistan from 1990 to 1995.

Joʻrayev received numerous awards and nominations, including People’s Artist of the Uzbek SSR (1987) and the Alisher Navoiy State Prize (1991). Despite a period of government disfavor due to critical remarks about the country’s economic situation, he regained prominence in later years and was regularly featured on state television.

He passed away on 4 September 2023 at the age of 76, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Uzbek cultural and musical spheres.