How Whitney Houston inspired Kazakhstan s iconic Nauryz song

Why Whitney Houston is the «mother» of Roza Rymbayeva’s Naurys hit / Collage by Kursiv.media, photo editor: Dastan Shanay

When spring arrives and the Nauryz holiday — marking the spring equinox — approaches, one song is almost guaranteed to be heard in every Kazakh home: «Nauryz Duman.»

Performed by renowned Kazakh singer Roza Rymbayeva, the song has become a defining symbol of the national celebration. But its origins include surprising details that many listeners may not know.

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In a recent interview with the Zamandas podcast, Rymbayeva shared how the song was created — and how an American pop icon played an unexpected role.
A Western influence with a Kazakh soul

Some listeners have wondered whether «Nauryz Duman» was written in a Western style. According to Rymbayeva, the song is not a copy, but its «character and rhythm» were influenced by the music of Whitney Houston.

«Back in 1989, when the tradition of celebrating Nauryz was revived in Kazakhstan, I had the idea to create a song about the holiday,» she said. «At the time, I was listening to one of Whitney Houston’s joyful, energetic songs. I didn’t know the title — I didn’t speak English — but I loved its mood. I wanted our song to feel just as modern, with that same rhythm and energy.»

From poetry to melody

A longtime admirer of Mukagali Makatayev, a prominent Kazakh poet, Rymbayeva selected the lyrics for «Nauryz Duman» from his poetry. She then turned to composer Talgat Sarybayev with a clear vision: to blend Western musical drive with a distinctly Kazakh spirit.

Sarybayev quickly grasped the concept and created the melody that audiences recognize today.

A possible inspiration

The exact Whitney Houston song that inspired «Nauryz Duman» remains unknown. However, based on its upbeat tone and danceable rhythm, we speculate it may have been “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.“

While the connection has never been confirmed, the comparison highlights how global influences helped shape a song that is now deeply rooted in Kazakh tradition.