Zhakanov Ilya - composer, writer, publicist, musical expert, honoured Art Worker of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Born 1936 in Sarysu district of Jambul region. Graduated from Kirov Kazakh State University in philology. Zhakanov worked as literary editor in the State Broadcasting and Television Committee of the Council of Ministers of the Kaz.SSR and as chief editor of Kazakh Radio’s editorial staff. He is now independently working on his art. Zhakanov’s songs are very popular among young people. He is the author of songs: «Almaty keshinde», «Asylym», «Zhailaukol keshinde» and others. The author of the collected short stories about music: «Yeki zhiren», «Birinshi concert», «Akkular kongan aidyn kol», the novel «Ykhlas» and series of researches on music and musicians.