Echoes of Shashmaqam
An in-depth exploration of the life, artistry, and cultural impact of Shoista Mullojonova, the legendary Bukharian Jewish singer.
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Early Life & Heritage
Roots in Central Asia
Born Shushana Rubinovna Mullodzhanova on September 3, 1925, in Dushanbe, Tajik ASSR, Soviet Union, Shoista Mullojonova hailed from a devout Bukharian Jewish family. Her mother, Sivyo Davydova, originated from Samarkand, while her father, Rubin Mullodzhanov, was from Bukhara. The family's lineage reportedly traces back to an aristocratic Levite tribe, known for performing and entertaining since the eras of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem.[1]
A Family of Artists
Mullojonova's upbringing was steeped in the arts, with a family rich in actors, singers, and musicians. Her parents and older siblings (Ribi, Levi, Ishokhor, Zulai, Naftoli) had relocated from Uzbekistan to Tajikistan in 1924, a year before her birth. She was fluent in both Bukhori, a Judeo-Tajik dialect, and Russian. Her mother was also a singer, further cementing the family's musical heritage.
Education and Formal Training
Shoista Mullojonova pursued formal education alongside her burgeoning talent. She graduated from the Stalinabad Women's Pedagogical School in 1943, laying a foundation for her intellectual development. Her musical prowess was further honed at the prestigious Moscow Conservatory, where she studied from 1947 to 1953, a period that undoubtedly shaped her classical technique and understanding of music.[2]
Artistic Journey
Early Acclaim and International Exposure
Mullojonova's remarkable talent was evident from a young age, making her debut on Dushanbe radio at just eight years old. In the early 1940s, she joined the Rubab Player Ensemble in Tajikistan, gaining valuable performance experience. A significant early career highlight was her performance in Iran in 1945, where she sang in Bukhori for the Iranian royal family, including Reza Shah, and a broader Iranian audience.[3] Her exceptional contributions to Tajik culture were recognized early, earning her the title of Merited Artist of Tajikistan at the age of 20.[4]
Solo Career and Iconic Performances
By the mid-1940s, Mullojonova transitioned to a solo career, further solidifying her unique artistic voice. A poignant moment came in May 1945, at the conclusion of the Great Patriotic War, when she performed the Tajik/Russian song "Idi Zafar" (Holiday of Victory) on Tajik State Radio in Stalinabad, commemorating Victory Day over Nazi Germany. Following her graduation from the Moscow Conservatory in 1953, she graced the stage of the Aini Theater for Opera and Ballet, where she developed notable roles such as Mahin in Tohir va Zuhro by A. Lenskii, Gulizor in Shurishi Vose by S. Balasanian, and Marfa in Arusi Shoh by Rimsky-Korsakov.[5]
"Queen of Tajik Music"
Throughout her illustrious career, Shoista Mullojonova became synonymous with Shashmaqam music, performing across Central Asia, the Middle East, and the Soviet Union. Her dedication to her craft and cultural heritage led to her being named the People's Artist of the Tajik SSR in 1957, and later, Merited Artist of the USSR.[6] From the mid-1950s to the mid-1970s, she served as a soloist vocalist for the Tajik State Philharmonic, showcasing a diverse repertoire that included music from various Soviet republics and Eastern cultures, though her heart remained with the music of her Eastern and Tajik people. In 1975, she was appointed senior instructor at the Tajikistan State Institute of Arts.[5] By the 1980s, she had firmly established her reputation as the "Queen of Tajik Music," a title reflecting her five decades of captivating performances across the region.
Personal Life
Enduring Partnership
Shoista Mullojonova shared a profound personal life with Efrem Haritonovich Benyaev, to whom she was married from 1946 until his passing in 1999. Their union was a cornerstone of her life, providing a stable foundation amidst her demanding artistic career. This long-standing partnership underscored a deep personal commitment that paralleled her professional dedication.
Children and Extended Kin
Together, Shoista and Efrem raised three children, each pursuing distinct paths: Anna, a businesswoman residing in Forest Hills, Queens, New York; Negmat, a PhD holder based in Moscow; and Sofia, an M.D. practicing in Austria. The family's artistic legacy extended to her nephew, Yudik Mullodzhanov, a singer, and her niece, Rosa Mullodzhanova, who is recognized as an "Honored Artist of Tajikistan," demonstrating the enduring creative spirit within her lineage.[12]
Later Life & Enduring Legacy
Emigration and New Beginnings
In 1991, amidst the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the onset of civil war and rising Islamic fundamentalism in Tajikistan, Shoista Mullojonova and her family made the significant decision to emigrate to the United States. They settled in Forest Hills, New York,[7] where Mullojonova continued her musical journey. She joined the Bukharan Shashmaqam Ensemble, founded by Fatima Kuinova, also a "Merited Artist of Tajikistan," and later the "Maqom" Ensemble, established by Ilyas Malayev, a "Merited Artist of Uzbekistan." This period marked a new chapter, allowing her to continue sharing her cultural heritage in a new land.
A Dedication and Celebrations
Following the death of her husband, Efrem Haritonovich Benyaev, in 1999, Shoista dedicated an album titled "I'm Singing for You" in his memory, a testament to their enduring bond. In September 2005, her 80th birthday was celebrated with a grand concert at Forest Hills High School. The event drew a distinguished audience, including then-New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former Governor George Pataki, President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, and Boris Kandov, President of the Bukharian Jewish Congress of USA and Canada. At 80, her voice continued to resonate, as she expressed, "I am singing for you," touching the hearts of all present.
Tributes and Final Performances
Her profound impact was further recognized through a biography, "Born to Sing," penned by musicologist Rafael Nektalov and published by Boris Kandov, who also produced a documentary about her life. In March 2008, Shoista performed "Ey Dukhtari Nozanini Qadras" (Persian for "Hey, Beautiful Girl, All Grown Up") at the Golden Ilyas Awards Ceremony, receiving an award in honor of the Bukharian poet, musician, and playwright, Ilyas Malayev.[8] Just a month before her passing in May 2010, she performed her most famous song, "Holiday of Victory" (Idi Zafar/Prazdnik Pobedy), at the Russian Consulate General of New York, commemorating the 65th anniversary of Victory over Nazism. For this, she was awarded a Russian medal for her participation in the war against Nazi Germany during the Great Patriotic War, echoing her original performance of the song 65 years prior.[10]
Accolades & Honors
Distinguished Recognition
Shoista Mullojonova's exceptional contributions to music and culture were recognized with numerous prestigious awards and honors throughout her lifetime, reflecting her status as a national treasure and an international artist.
A Nation Mourns
On June 26, 2010, Shoista Mullojonova passed away after suffering a heart attack in Forest Hills, New York, just three months shy of her 85th birthday.[9] In accordance with Jewish tradition, she was laid to rest the following day in the Bukharian Jewish section of Wellwood Cemetery in Long Island, New York, beside her husband and other deceased family members. Upon hearing the news, President Emomalii Rahmon of Tajikistan promptly conveyed his condolences to her relatives in the United States,[10] and Tajik embassies worldwide held commemorative events in her honor,[11] underscoring the profound impact she had on her homeland and its diaspora.
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References
References
- Profile at aqua.queenslibrary.org
- Tajik Figures @ angelstar.com, ibid.
- Profile @ aqua.queenslibrary, ibid.
- Profile @ aqua.queenslibrary.org, ibid.
- Video on YouTube
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