D Billions
{{Short description|Kyrgyz musical group}}{{Infobox YouTube channel
| origin = Kyrgyzstan
| name = DBILLIONS
| image =
| views = 45.5 billion
| subscribers = 34.1 million
| presenter = {{plainlist|Asylbek Anarkul Uulu
- Angelina I
- Janybek Jenishbekov
- Baktybek Ismanaliev}}
| years_active = 2019–present
| website = {{URL|dbillions.com}}
| channel_handle = @dbillions
| channel_display_name = D Billions
| genre = Children’s educational entertainment
Musical comedy
Nursery rhymes and sing-along songs
Edutainment (educational + entertainment)
| silver_button = yes
| silver_year =
| gold_button = yes
| gold_year =
| diamond_button = yes
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| red_diamond_button =
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| stats_update = 02 May, 2025
}}
D Billions is a children's music group and YouTube channel based in Kyrgyzstan, known for producing entertaining and educational content for young audiences. They are also known for their "Clap, Clap, Cha Cha Cha!" video, which has surpassed over 2,7 billion views onto YouTube. The channel features four characters: Cha-Cha, Lya-Lya, Boom-Boom, and Chicky, each portrayed by different performers.{{Cite news |date=2023-09-15 |title=D Billions Is Creating a YouTube Kids' Entertainment Empire in Kyrgyzstan |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-09-15/d-billions-youtube-is-a-made-in-kyrgyzstan-hit-kids-show |access-date=2025-01-11 |work=Bloomberg.com |language=en}}
History
The group was founded by Ernist Umetaliev, who is the owner and producer of Ekarecords.{{Cite web |last=Kondratyeva |first=Tatyana |date=2024-07-23 |title=Phenomenon of D Billions: How Kyrgyz artists make millions of dollars on YouTube |url=https://kz.kursiv.media/en/2024-07-23/phenomenon-of-d-billions-how-youtubers-make-millions-of-dollars-in-kyrgyzstan/ |access-date=2025-01-11 |website=Kursiv Media Kazakhstan |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Vance |first=Ashlee |date=2023-09-17 |title=D Billions crea un imperio del entretenimiento infantil en YouTube |url=https://www.bloomberglinea.com/2023/09/17/d-billions-crea-un-imperio-del-entretenimiento-infantil-en-youtube/ |access-date=2025-01-11 |website=Bloomberg Línea |language=es}} The D Billions YouTube channel was launched on July 27, 2019, with their debut video, "Left! Right! | D Billions Kids Songs," released on August 8, 2019.{{Cite web |title=Could 'Chicky Cha-Cha Boom-Boom' Become Kyrgyzstan's Soft Power Motto? |url=https://thediplomat.com/2023/06/could-chicky-cha-cha-boom-boom-become-kyrgyzstans-soft-power-motto/ |access-date=2025-01-11 |website=thediplomat.com |language=en-US}} The video, showcasing a simple English song with a catchy tune, has garnered over 90 million views.
= Characters and performers =
The group comprises four main characters, each distinguished by unique costumes and personas.
- Cha-Cha: Portrayed by Asylbek Anarkul Uulu, Cha-Cha is known for his blue and yellow attire and dynamic dance moves.
- Lya-Lya: Played by Darina Vekua, Lya-Lya joined the group in June 2020, adding a vibrant presence with her colourful outfits.
- Boom-Boom: Represented by Janybek Jenishbekov, Boom-Boom is characterized by his red and blue costume and rhythmic drumming.
- Chicky: Enacted by Baktybek Ismanaliev, Chicky is noted for his yellow and red ensemble and playful antics.
Content
D Billions specializes in creating educational songs and dance videos aimed at preschool children. Their content covers various topics, including basic mathematics, language skills, and physical activities.{{Cite web |last=Кондратьева |first=Татьяна |date=2024-07-22 |title=Как в Кыргызстане зарабатывают миллионы долларов на YouTube. Феномен D Billions |url=https://kz.kursiv.media/2024-07-22/lfst-ttkn-d-billions/ |access-date=2025-01-11 |website=Kursiv Media Казахстан |language=ru}}
Notable achievements
One of their most popular videos, "Clap, Clap, Cha Cha Cha!" has garnered over 2 billion views.{{Cite web |date=2022-03-28 |title=Ok so what is the viral TikTok 'my name is Chicky' and why can I not escape it on the FYP? |url=https://archive.thetab.com/uk/2022/03/28/tiktok-my-name-is-chicky-song-245221 |access-date=2025-01-11 |website=The Tab |language=en-GB}} Additionally, the song inspired millions of videos on TikTok, becoming a top trend in 2022{{Cite web |date=2022-03-31 |title=That Viral "My Name Is Chicky" TikTok Trend Actually Comes From A Children's Song |url=https://www.romper.com/life/my-name-is-chicky-viral-tiktok-song |access-date=2025-01-11 |website=Romper |language=en}} and leading to a feature at the opening of Eurovision 2022.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCkhSX_l-gs |title=Eurovision 2022 - Semi-Final 2 Opening Act Music |date=2022-05-13 |last=Kubas Eurovision |access-date=2025-01-11 |via=YouTube}}
In May 2023, D Billions was officially acknowledged by local authorities as a significant cultural export of Kyrgyzstan. The group was awarded an honorary certificate in recognition of their "notable contribution to the development of the nation."
Live performances
The group's live shows have attracted substantial audiences, with their first concert setting a record attendance of over 60,000 people in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, marking it as the largest live show attendance in the city's history.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-09 |title=Kyrgyzstan's YouTube sensation, D Billions, kicks off its global concert tour |url=https://globalvoices.org/2023/06/09/kyrgyzstans-youtube-sensation-d-billions-kicks-off-its-global-concert-tour/ |access-date=2025-01-11 |website=Global Voices |language=en}}