Womad

AltaiKAI

Epic throat-singers from 'the navel of the universe'

Nestling at the junction of Siberia, Mongolia and Kazakhstan, the little-known Republic of Altai is believed to be the mythical land of Shambala, known as 'the navel of the universe'. Its snow-capped mountains, dense forests, deep river valleys and high steppes are home to wild bears, lynxes and snow leopards - and the mysterious but mighty throat-singing of AltaiKAI. Formed in 1997 and with half a dozen records under their belt, the group is dedicated to preserving the ancient traditions of the Altai people, under threat from development and migration. Their distinctive singing - in which the central melody is enriched by spectral overtones and undertones - is rooted in the Altai's spiritual traditions of shamanism and Buddhism. Led by singer Urmat Yntaev and accompanied by such traditional instruments as horse-hair fiddles, lutes and jaw's harps, their songs tell of mythical epic heroes battling with supernatural forces and evoke an ancient world that has barely been touched by the 21st century.

Biog by Nigel Williamson