APersonIndependent states
Atay Ogonbaev
Composer, folk singer and komuz virtuoso (1900–1949), founder of the Kyrgyz komuz ensemble.
Atay Ogonbaev was born in the village of Kök-Kashat in the Talas area and played the komuz from childhood, growing up in the akyn tradition.
In 1939 he founded the komuz ensemble of the Kirghiz SSR and led it until 1941, receiving the title of People's Artist that same year.
His küüs and songs belong to the classical repertoire of Kyrgyz music. He died in Talas in 1949.
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Updated: October 3, 2026