Akmal' (Akmal Khodzhaniyazov) is a Russian singer, musician, songwriter, and video blogger of Turkmen origin. He was born on November 23, 2003, in Bayramali (Turkmenistan). In his childhood, he moved with his family to Saint Petersburg, where he obtained Russian citizenship. He rose to prominence after competing on the Russian television show “The Voice Kids” on Basta's team and publishing viral videos on TikTok.
Listening to this artist's tracks on official streaming platforms, social media, and other services indirectly contributes to financing the war — through taxes paid to the budget of the Russian Federation.
Akmal's Stance on the War in Ukraine
Following the outbreak of the full-scale war, Akmal adopted an explicit pro-government stance and openly supported the Russian armed forces.
Scandal in Kazakhstan and Support for the “Special Military Operation”
In October 2025, during an Akmal' concert in Petropavlovsk (Kazakhstan), a scandalous incident occurred. A female fan brought a gift onto the stage inside a blue-and-yellow bag. The singer accepted the gift but ostentatiously returned the bag to the girl with the words:
Burn this bag. I don't like the colors. You understand, right?
This Ukrainophobic incident triggered a storm of indignation across Kazakhstan, resulting in the mass cancellation of his subsequent concerts across the country, with ticket costs refunded to attendees.
Commenting on the cancellation of his concerts to Russian media outlets, Akmal reaffirmed his pro-war position and expressed his backing for Russian servicemen:
God grant good health to our fighters so that everything is well for us. That is how I will comment on it.
He further added that he was completely unconcerned about the backlash and consequences arising from his behavior.
In addition, at another concert, Akmal took a fan's smartphone and recorded a video greeting for her husband deployed in the “special military operation”:
A hero of our time! Thank you so much. I sincerely wish that you return healthy, whole, safe, and unharmed, because your loved ones are waiting for you at home. You need to come back, Grisha. Thank you so much.
Concerts in the Occupied Territories
In 2025, Akmal staged performances across temporarily Russian-occupied Ukrainian cities, including Donetsk, Luhansk, and Mariupol.
In the summer of 2026, the artist embarked on a tour across cities in Russian-occupied Crimea.
Threat to Ukraine's National Security
In March 2026, responding to the blue-and-yellow bag controversy and his public endorsement of Russian aggression, Ukraine's Ministry of Culture officially designated Akmal Khodzhaniyazov on the list of persons posing a threat to national security.
