Natig Shirinov

Who is Natig Shirinov?

Natig Shirinov is an Azerbaijani percussionist and leader of the "Natig Shirinov's Rhythm Group" musical collective. He is frequently recognized as the greatest nagara player to emerge from the Caucasus. He has revolutionized nagara percussion technique by experimenting with measures and hand drumming styles. He is also notorious for being Azerbaijan's first rhythm composer. Along with his musical collective, Natig Shirinov has received world acclaim and won numerous awards. From 1999 to 2007 Natig Shirinov toured the world as part of Alim Qasimov's folk band. He has also collaborated with a number of other musicians including Misirli Ahmet, Ruslana and Billy Cobham. In September 2007 Natig Shirinov was rewarded with the title of Honored Artist of Azerbaijan, one of the highest musical awards in Azerbaijan, by the decree of Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan. On 22 May 2012 his rhythm group participated as interval act in the first semi final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 in Baku.