Throat-singing

In the vast grasslands and taiga forests of Tuva, a region in southern Siberia, the pastoralists have a unique way of interacting with their natural environment through a remarkable singing technique called throat-singing, also known as Khoomei or khöömei. This traditional practice involves a single vocalist producing two distinct tones simultaneously, one being a low, sustained drone-like pitch, and the other a series of flutelike harmonics that resonate above the drone. The throat-singers of Tuva sought to duplicate the rich harmonics of natural sounds, such as gurgling water and swishing winds, as part of their ancient animistic beliefs, which attribute spiritual power to natural objects and phenomena.

Over the years, throat-singing has become an essential part of Tuvan cultural identity, passed down through generations. Its popularity among the Tuvan pastoralists has grown, with many male herders learning the art, and even younger women breaking the taboo against female throat-singers and beginning to practice it as well. Throat-singing is not formally taught but acquired like a language, and its aesthetic characteristics involve extended pauses between breaths, allowing time for singers to connect with their environment and respond to the ambient sounds.

While throat-singing is mainly concentrated in Tuva and western Mongolia, it has also been observed in certain forms of Tibetan Buddhist chant and among other Turkic-speaking peoples in Central Asia. Beyond Asia, throat-singing appears sporadically in other traditional music forms, such as the Xhosa women's singing in South Africa or the cowboy songs of Texan singer Arthur Miles.

In recent years, throat-singing, under the name Khoomei, has found an unexpected and unprecedented platform for modern use. The Mongolian band "The Hu" has gained immense popularity and mainstream success by incorporating Khoomei into their music, fusing traditional throat-singing with rock and heavy metal elements. Their unique sound has captivated audiences worldwide, earning them celebrity status and making them symbols of Mongolian cultural identity.

"The Hu" achieved an extraordinary milestone by being asked to work on the soundtrack for a Star Wars video game, officially bringing Khoomei and the Mongolian language into the Star Wars canon. This collaboration has cemented the legacy of Khoomei, integrating it into new rituals and customs associated with the Star Wars universe. The fusion of ancient throat-singing with the modern Star Wars franchise showcases the power of music and culture to transcend time and space, bridging ancient traditions with contemporary global audiences. As a result, Khoomei has found a new and lasting relevance in the world of entertainment and continues to inspire and influence audiences far beyond its traditional roots.