Zere Asylbek

Zere Asylbek (Kyrgyz: Зере Асылбек; born 4 December 1998 in Bishkek), commonly known just as Zere, is a Kyrgyz singer-songwriter. Her discography features numerous tracks that advocate for women's autonomy and social rights, frequently challenging the traditional patriarchal structures within Kyrgyz society. Biography

At 16, she decided to become involved in various NGOs and associations to fight global injustices. For example, she joined the AIESEC. At the encouragement of an American friend to become a singer, Zere began to write songs about social problems such as "lack of economic growth" or "gender inequality". One specific threat, which she reported to the police, warned that she would be killed if she did not delete the video and "apologize to the Kyrgyz people."

Asylbek performed during the Civil Society Forum ahead of the Beijing+25 Regional Review Meeting in Geneva in 2019. That same year, she moved to Rome, Italy, to study Performing Arts, seeking to integrate her activism with professional theater and stagecraft. 2024–2026: Transitioned into a more experimental phase with singles such as "Anything real" (2024) and "Jogolgon Tumar" (2026), the latter released under the qazaq indie label, further establishing her presence in the Central Asian independent music scene.

Documentary In 2025, director Leigh Iacobucci released A Free Daughter of Free Kyrgyzstan, a feature-length documentary following Asylbek's activism and musical career. The film, Iacobucci's debut as a feature director after 25 years working as a documentary editor and videographer, chronicles Asylbek's journey from her viral debut with "Kyz" through escalating threats and the broader political crackdown in Kyrgyzstan . Rather than relying on graphic depictions of violence against women, the documentary weaves Asylbek's music videos throughout the narrative to illustrate the issues she campaigns against. followed by a screening at the Slamdance Film Festival in February 2026. One World Prague, Movies that Matter in The Hague, and the Human Rights Film Festival Berlin in April 2026. The film was listed among those eligible for the Best Documentary Feature category at the 98th Academy Awards.

Discography Extended plays Title Details TracklistBashtalos' (Баштaлось) Released: December 7, 2018 Language: Kyrgyz, English Formats: Digital download, streaming Kyz (Wargo-S Remix) Daddy Told Men Bashkacha (featuring Beytaanysh) Baby Boy Ilgeri-Ilgeri

Albums TitleDetailsTracklistEKÉK Released: August 12, 2021 Language: Kyrgyz, English Formats: Digital download, streaming Blow It Up (2:27) Tuura (0:47) Ekék (2:51) Drama Queens (4:17) Sistr (0:33) Apam Aitkan (3:31) Jeñeke (3:21) Hide & Seek help (4:36) Böböchök (feat. Biykech) (2:57)