Khoomei: Sounds of harmony

In 2009, khoomei was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, solidifying its significance as a vital part of world cultural heritage. This acknowledgment not only honors its cultural importance but also raises awareness of the ongoing need to preserve this ancient art form. The recognition has fueled efforts to ensure the ancient art form continues to thrive, particularly in the face of modernization and global cultural shifts.

By Jorge Cortes, Chen Nan, Tian Chi and Zhang Chengliang
China Daily Graphics
Updated: 2025-06-28

Khoomei has been passed down through generations of Mongolian nomads and is closely tied to their spiritual and cultural practices. Its ability to mimic the sounds of nature reflects a profound connection to the land, encapsulating the vastness and beauty of the steppes.

Nars, leader of Anda Union, khoomei band from Inner Mongolia, explains the link between two sounds and grassland.

Khoomei, also known as throat singing, is an ancient vocal tradition which allows singers to produce the sounds of multiple notes simultaneously in their throat, creating a mesmerizing, harmonic sound that echoes the natural world — from the howling wind to the rumbling river.

This video was edited with AI, based on real shots, to show synchronously and with the same graphic style, the khoomei student performing the sounds, while Professor Nars shows us with his hands how the tongue moves to emit the high tone.

ANATOMY

Speaking or singing involves various parts of our body to produce sound. We inhale O₂ and exhale CO₂. When we exhale, we can modulate sounds using the vocal cords, the oral cavity, and its parts to produce different sounds.

The bubbling sound of the low tone in khoomei is produced in the trachea, using the vocal cords vibrating as the base sound.

The origin of the strength of singing

By pressing the abdominal area, known as Dan Tian, the air is expelled from the lungs outward and our mouth modulates the sound after passing through the trachea.

The power of singing comes from the Dan Tian, the reserve of Qi.

LONG SONG

Inner Mongolia long song is a significant form of traditional music among the Mongolian ethnic group, renowned for its melodious, expansive, and broad melodies, along with its unique singing style. Its rhythm is free, the vocal range is wide, and the melodies exhibit significant fluctuations, often utilising a wealth of ornamental notes and glissandos, explains Professor Lantensod, Director of the Long Song Department at the Intangible Cultural Heritage College, Inner Mongolia Arts University.

At Inner Mongolia Arts University, a student plays a long song in a short performance. It is possible to hear how strong the voice is and the long tune thanks to the lungs' capacity.

The singers need to learn how to deeply fill the lungs, thus achieving more lasting and stable vocal support. Professor Lantensod guides a student in singing.

HORSE-HEAD FIDDLE

The horse-head fiddle (aka matouqin) is a Mongolian instrument with the top of the pole carved into the shape of a horse head. The instrument has a long history and was quite popular with the Mongolian people during the early period of the 13th century.

The horse-head fiddle often accompanies khoomei, creating a haunting, resonant soundscape that mimics the vast steppes, wind and galloping horses.

The instrument's melodic and rhythmic patterns complement the harmonic drones of throat singing, enhancing its spiritual and meditative quality.

KHOOMEI ROCKS

In 2018, Anda Union, Inner Mongolia's most famous band, was featured on the lineup for Roskilde Festival, the largest music festival in Northern Europe. Nars, the band's frontman, emphasized that they were the only Asian band on the lineup that year.

Roskilde Festival 2018 lineup poster featuring Anda Union

The following video is a compilation of Anda Union performances in various venues.

Provided by Anda Union to China Daily.

Khoomei's competition in Beijing

In April of this year, a rather unusual, colorful and vibrant competition took place in the narrow streets of Beijing's hutongs. Inspired by the battle format popular in modern rap, the organizers attempted to reinvent khoomei in a more youthful and dynamic way. It was an attempt to merge tradition with modern trends.

Khoomei battle competitor celebrating victory — The winner, Anha Bayier, 21 years-old. Photo provided by Stallion Era

Young khoomei competitor from Hohhot — A young competitor from Hohhot, Inner Mongolia. Photo provided by Stallion Era

Khoomei competitor ThanghisKhoo performing — A 27-year-old competitor, ThanghisKhoo. Photo provided by Stallion Era

Enthusiastic audience at khoomei competition — An enthusiastic audience chose the winner. Photo provided by Stallion Era

"The event not only attracted active participation and discussion from niche khoomei enthusiasts, but also sparked widespread interest among young viewers, who reconnected with this ancient and distinctive vocal art through passion, performance and interaction," the organizers said