Yalla is a folk rock band from Uzbekistan. They appeared in 1970 and in the 1970s–1980s and were popular across the Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact countries. The most prominent song of Yalla was "Учкуду́к, три коло́дца" (trans. Uchkuduk, tri kalodtsa; Russian for "Uchkuduk, three water wells"), released in 1981, and one of the most popular hits in the USSR in 1980s. The band is led by Farrukh Zokirov and directed by Igor Khalikov, with additional members including Abbos Aliyev, Javlon Tokhtayev and Timur Khalikov. The members of Yalla are graduates of the Ostrovsky Theatrical Art Institute and the Ashrafi State Conservatory in Tashkent.

History

The band initially formed in 1973, with Farrukh Zokirov taking on the role of artistic director in 1976. Following this, Yalla appeared on Soviet national television as well as performing in Moscow and elsewhere in the Soviet Union, and on concert tours in Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America, including featured appearances at the "Voice of Asia" festival. In 2019, the group performed at the opening ceremony of the Humo Arena in Tashkent. In 2023, an event was held to commemmorate the 50th anniversary of the band's formation.

Musicians

Below is a list of current former musicians of Yalla.