TASHKENT -- A popular Uzbek pop singer has reportedly received official permission to stage her first concert in her homeland since 2007.
Yulduz Usmonova, who was formerly a frequent sight on government-run media, has essentially been banned from performing over alleged antigovernment remarks.
But a concert has now been scheduled to take place on March 6 in the ancient city of Samarkand.
The 48-year-old singer disappeared from state television some five years ago following several interviews with Western media and amid rumors that she had fallen out of favor with Gulnara Karimova, the influential daughter of longstanding President Islam Karimov.
She later lived part-time in Turkey, citing political persecution at home.
A number of performers, including folk singer Sherali Juraev and comedian Obid Asomov, have also vanished from Uzbekistan state television amid reports that authorities have questioned their loyalty to the government.
Yulduz Usmonova, who was formerly a frequent sight on government-run media, has essentially been banned from performing over alleged antigovernment remarks.
But a concert has now been scheduled to take place on March 6 in the ancient city of Samarkand.
The 48-year-old singer disappeared from state television some five years ago following several interviews with Western media and amid rumors that she had fallen out of favor with Gulnara Karimova, the influential daughter of longstanding President Islam Karimov.
She later lived part-time in Turkey, citing political persecution at home.
A number of performers, including folk singer Sherali Juraev and comedian Obid Asomov, have also vanished from Uzbekistan state television amid reports that authorities have questioned their loyalty to the government.
