Khoomei(Mongolian throat singing) —喉音呼麥Hóu yīn hū mài

What’s your first impression for Mongolia? The people who are riding in the horse and living in Yurt(portable, round tent) as nomads, or mascular warriors who are good at riding a horse and archery like Genghis Khan? These might be typical first impression when it comes to Mongolia, but I would introduce Mongolian music today—Khoomei.

Khoomei(Khöömei, Hoomei, or Khuumii), is a form of singing originating in western Mongolia, and available in Inner Mongolia, China and Tuva Republic located in southern Siberia, Russia. The performer imitates sounds of nature, simultaneously emitting distinct vocal sounds: along with continuous low-pitched voices, the singer is humming a whistle-like melody of harmonics.

What does Khoomei mean literally?

Khoomei literally means throat in Mongolian language, and it is believed to have been learned from birds and shamanic practices and spirits. Khoomei expresses respect of life and imitates the sounds of nature, animals, and the winds.

The continous low-pitched voices are produced with very taut vocal cords, and the melody is created by modulating the size and shape of the mouth cavity, opening and closing the lips and moving the tongue.

Which occasions is Khoomei sung in?

Khoomei is performed by Mongolian nomads in a variety of social occasions, from grand state ceremonies to festive household events. Khöömei is also sung during herding, and inside the yurt (a type of round tent with a wooden frame) to lull babies to sleep.

Traditionally, Khöömei is transmitted and taught orally from bearer to learner, or via master-to-apprentice.

Reference: UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

Let’s see the Khoomei performances directly in the following videos

1. please jump to 00:08~00:30 . The male singer in the left side keeps singing in low-pitched voices, Khoomei.

2. The documentary — “金丝带”纪录短片《蒙古喉音歌 呼麦》Mongolian Throat Singing – Khuumii【超清】(with both English and Chinese subtitles, but spoken in Mongolian)

3. The HU band — a Mongolian folk metal band formed in 2016. With traditional Mongolian instrumentation, including the Morin khuur, the Tovshuur, and Mongolian throat singing, the band calls their style of music “Hunnu Rock”

4. The HU – Song of Woman feat. Lzzy Hale of Halestorm — Khoomei mixed with pop music, electric guitar, and jazz drums.