Ahead of Enrique Iglesias’ upcoming concerts in Kazakhstan, well‑known artists, athletes, entrepreneurs, and public figures have shared the artist’s songs that hold a special place in their lives. For some, his music brings back memories of first love; for others, it reminds them of family, school years, and youth.
Lifestyle and fashion blogger Karina Syzdykova said that she first heard Enrique Iglesias at the age of 10, when Bailamos was playing all over the world. However, it was Hero that became the soundtrack to her life.
“Hero became the soundtrack of my life, mainly because my brother introduced me to music. Back then I didn’t even understand the meaning of the song, but Hero means exactly what my brother has always been to me. It was thanks to him that I started listening to Enrique Iglesias.
“Whenever I hear this song, I’m transported back to my youth, to my adolescence, and think of my brother. I think Enrique has no idea how many people all over the world return to their most cherished memories through his music. Even talking about it now gives me goosebumps.”
Actress and TV host Ainur Ilyasova recalls she first discovered Enrique Iglesias’s music during her school years:
“I first heard Enrique Iglesias back in 1996. I even bought one of his cassette tapes, and that’s when I fell in love with his music. He was so handsome, and probably like many girls at the time, I had a bit of a crush on him. I really loved Hero and still vividly remember its emotional music video starring the beautiful Jennifer Love Hewitt.
“It made a huge impression on me. My school years are closely associated with Enrique—we had notebooks and diaries covered with his photos, and not just me, but all my classmates too.”
Actress, TV host and singer Gulnara Silbaeva says that one of Enrique’s most famous songs is associated with an important moment in her own career:
“Could I Have This Kiss Forever is a very special song for me. We performed it together with Erden Zhaksybekov in the finale TV show Your Face Sounds Familiar, so it brings back a lot of emotions and memories. At the concert, though, I’m looking forward to Hero the most. And if I ever had the chance, I’d tell Enrique, ‘Let’s record a track together!’”
Singer and vocal producer Nora Nugman said she truly fell in love with the artist’s work after the legendary duet:
“I didn’t just hear him — I fell in love. It happened after I listened to Could I Have This Kiss Forever with Whitney Houston. Enrique has so many heartfelt, dramatic, emotional songs. Of course, that’s the one I’m most excited to hear live. I’m a huge fan of that duet. And I have to give him a big shout‑out for remaining an active artist after all these years and looking great—he’s just a real handsome guy.
Entrepreneur and financial consultant Assel Auelbekova admitted that Enrique Iglesias’s songs remind her of her school years:
“I was in the eleventh grade in 2001, and Hero came out. This song reminds me of my first school love — a basketball player from the neighbouring yard. I’m also looking forward to the song Could I Have This Kiss Forever. And I’ve always admired the way Enrique has carried his love for Anna Kournikova through so many years.”
Professional boxer, Master of Sports of International Class, Angelina Lukas says she first heard Enrique when she was 10 years old and still loves his music:
“Ring My Bells for me is associated with love, peace, and inner harmony, and Bailando is the kind of song that makes you want to dance and have fun. At the concert, I’m most excited to hear Taking Back My Love, Ring My Bells, Bailando, and, of course, Hero.
“Thank you, Enrique, for your music — an entire generation grew up listening to your songs. We’re eagerly waiting for you in Kazakhstan and can’t wait to enjoy the concert together. And by the way, he looks incredible for his age—he hasn’t changed at all.”
This autumn, Kazakhstani fans will be able to hear Enrique Iglesias live and dance to his songs. The singer will take the stage at Astana Arena in Astana on September 3, followed by a concert at the Central Stadium in Almaty on September 5.
Enrique Iglesias is one of the most successful artists in the history of global pop music. According to Billboard, he is the greatest Latin artist of all time. Throughout his career, he has sold more than 180 million records worldwide, and his hits Hero, Bailamos, Escape, and Tonight (I’m Lovin’ You) topped the international charts for many years and became the soundtrack for several generations.
