Echoes of nature: Kazakh khoomei lives on

The captivating sound of khoomei, or throat singing, is a vocal art form rooted in the nomadic lifestyle where people feel at one with nature. Singers imitate sounds from the natural world and can produce two or more pitches simultaneously, creating a unique and mesmerizing auditory experience.

In Kazakh culture, khoomei is more than just a musical technique – it symbolizes respect for nature and the pursuit of spiritual coexistence with nature. Kazakh khoomei inheritor Dumanbek Butikhan and his band have been reinterpreting ancient Kazakh lyrics and blending them with traditional instruments. Their enchanting performances are breathing new life into this rich intangible cultural heritage.