Throat singing has been practised on the Mongolian steppe and in the neighbouring Tuva region of Russia for centuries. Nomadic people say it grew from the desire to copy the sounds of nature — the wind, rivers, birds and the steppe itself. Traditional singers believe the voice carries spiritual power and that certain styles can attract good luck or connect with the spirit world of the landscape.
There are several different styles of khoomei. Kargyraa is the deepest, most rumbling style — so low it almost vibrates in your chest. Sygyt produces a high, whistling melody that seems almost impossible from a human voice. Khoomei itself is the most common style, producing a warm, rounded overtone. Singers spend years practising to control their voices so precisely.
Today, Mongolian throat singing is recognised by UNESCO as an important piece of intangible world heritage — a cultural tradition worth protecting and celebrating. You can hear it performed at Naadam, in concert halls in Ulaanbaatar, and on the steppe when a herder sings to calm their animals at dusk. It has also spread around the world, inspiring musicians in many different countries.