“If a singer comes into this art for the sake of art, they must act in accordance with the Azerbaijani people. Whether in their clothing, behavior, or way of conduct. I cannot tolerate it. When invited to broadcasts, I first set the condition that we will not talk about my family or my child. I held such a big wedding. All the channels said to come and shoot and light it up. My son said, mom, end this conversation once and for all. I do not like to open up and show the inside of my home. What do I have to do with your life? What do you have to do with mine? That’s why until now I have been respected.”
This was said by singer Almaz Saraylı in her statement to Medianews.az.
She then went on to talk about her continuous appearances at weddings for many years:
“Do you know how they receive me at weddings? If others were in my place, they would ignore it. I go to weddings in a simple car. Now should I come in an expensive car? We don’t have expensive cars. They come and think they have entered the art world without understanding. This one is offended by that, this one reconciles with that, that one throws words at this one. Personally, when I watch, my skin crawls. There are those who sing better than me. We have great artists. They are left aside, look at the broadcasts, who have occupied them! This is simply terrible. I come on broadcasts with support and sing. I have worked with Ağaxan Abdullayev, Məmmədbağır Bağırzadə, Sabir Əliyev. They have valued me. That’s why I still have my weddings today. I have preserved this for years. This is necessary. Sometimes I get emotional, I cry giving thanks for my day. The girl next to me says that you have earned this respect. That’s why there is no need to be a “one-hit wonder,” a singer for 1-2 months. Unfortunately, on broadcasts we mostly see people like that. They take someone’s husband, give birth to someone else’s child. There is no end to these talks. The hosts are to blame too. I come on broadcasts once or twice a year with support, then I stop. Next month is my birthday. One host says come celebrate with us, another says celebrate on our broadcast. I don’t want to refuse. My family also says if you are invited, go. Honestly, they kiss my hands and my head. I have earned this respect. It is a gift from God. There are many good singers, but there is no one who holds weddings like I do. When Mətanət Əsədova or Elnarə Abdullayev sing, I watch. I know there is art there.”
Almaz Saraylı also responded to a question concerning her relative Elnarə Xəlilova and Mina Hüseyn:
“Every time this topic is brought up on broadcasts. I acted so that this topic would be closed. They are younger than me. They should say that Almaz Saraylı is the granddaughter of our aunt. Let them even say aunt. Why should I talk about them? They are step-relatives; they say distant relatives. After my grandmother passed away, my grandfather married my grandmother’s cousin. They should be proud of me. I have no right to talk about them. It would be better if everyone knew their place.”
Əli Əsgər,
Medianews.az