Kazakhstani singer and songwriter Yenlik has made history by becoming the first artist from Kazakhstan to be featured on the international music platform COLORSxSTUDIOS.
Founded in Berlin in 2016, COLORSxSTUDIOS, commonly known as COLORS, has grown from a small creative experiment into one of YouTube’s most influential music platforms. Recognized for its minimalist visual style, each performance is filmed against a single-color backdrop without set design or special effects, placing the focus squarely on the music, the voice, and the artist. The channel now counts more than 8.2 million subscribers and over 3.5 billion views, cementing its status as a global tastemaker in contemporary music.
Over the years, COLORS has showcased a wide range of talent, from emerging artists to international stars such as Billie Eilish, Drake, Doja Cat, and Joji. The platform describes its mission as an effort to “connect people, countries, and cultures on a creative and emotional level,” framing its global, genre-spanning approach as a form of cultural exchange as much as a musical one.
Yenlik’s Voice: Rooted in Culture, Reaching Beyond Borders
Yenlik, born Enlik Kurarbek, is one of the most prominent figures in Kazakhstan’s emerging musical wave. Her sound blends alternative pop with modern R&B influences, creating a style that feels both personal and closely tied to her cultural identity. The Kazakh language plays a central role in her work, not as a folkloric reference but as a contemporary form of expression. Her music reflects a broader shift in which Kazakh is increasingly present in global pop contexts without being confined to traditional or ethnic frameworks.
Yenlik’s authorial sound, shaped by contemporary production and subtle national influences, is paired with an emotionally restrained vocal delivery that has become her signature. Observers suggest it was this originality that drew the attention of the COLORS curators. Known for prioritizing authenticity over commercial success, the platform seeks artists with strong individuality and a distinctive voice, qualities that align closely with Yenlik’s creative vision.
From Rejection to Recognition
For Yenlik, the invitation from COLORS marked a long-awaited milestone. She had previously applied to the project without receiving a response, making the eventual outreach from the platform all the more meaningful.
“When the invitation came, I was overjoyed and burst into tears,” she recalled. “This project always felt so distant. Two years ago, we submitted an application with no response. And now, COLORS reached out to us first.”
The performance was filmed outside Kazakhstan and completed within a few hours. Yenlik was struck by the production’s simplicity, defined by an absence of elaborate sets and large crews, and by the quiet intimacy that has become a hallmark of COLORS. The team fostered a welcoming atmosphere, and she was even able to choose the episode’s background color, which she described as symbolizing “true gentle strength,” a visual reflection of the emotional tone of her performance.
Rising Digital Momentum
Yenlik’s digital presence has continued to grow steadily, with her music gaining traction among younger audiences on social media. Her songs often circulate widely online, helping to expand her reach beyond Kazakhstan.
In the fall of 2025, she released BIPL, an 11-track album that marked a turning point in her artistic development. The project introduced a more mature and cohesive sound, earning an enthusiastic response and spreading quickly across streaming platforms.
Two tracks drew particular attention. Meili amassed nearly five million views on YouTube, while 16 Qyz surpassed 2.5 million views and gained additional momentum through short-form video content.
More Than a Milestone
Yenlik’s appearance on COLORS represents more than a personal milestone. It marks a significant moment for Kazakhstani music, as an artist from Central Asia steps onto one of the world’s most influential music platforms without reshaping or softening her cultural identity.
Her success, rooted in authenticity and artistic clarity, carries a broader message: local culture can engage global audiences without compromise. By staying true to her language and creative vision, Yenlik demonstrates that music grounded in national context can resonate far beyond its place of origin, and that international recognition does not require abandoning one’s roots.
