Aitys (in Kazakh language), Aitysh (in Kyrgyz) is an improvised competition of two akyns, the form of oral poetry performed in a singing manner, poetic contest of improvisations or a poetic duel of wits. The element is performed to the accompaniment of traditional musical instruments: Kazakh dombra or Kyrgyz komuz. Two akyns compete with each other in improvisation of verses on topical themes in a wit-sparkling manner alternating humour and deep philosophic reflections. During the competition two akyns sitting opposite each other develop a song-like dialogue catching up the opponent’s words and performing in turn their improvisations on the spur of the moment. Songs performed during the aitysh-aitys are improvised on whatever topics which come up depending on the wish of the audience. The winner of the competition is the one considered to have demonstrated the most musical skills, rhythm, originality, resourcefulness, wisdom and wit. The element is very popular among people and is considered as a “folk tribune”. In fact, all regions of the countries have bearers and practitioners who often represent their local communities at the poetic competitions raising up topical and urgent problems of social life and criticizing all kinds of vices. The element is practiced at various events from local festivities to nation-wide events. Aitysh/Aitys presents the art of a dialogue participated not only by the performers but by their listeners as well. It is an essential part of life for the communities of tokmo-akyns and aityskers.

Kyrgyzstan,Kazakhstan 2015

Bakhshi is an epic creator. The Bakhshi art is one of the specific genres of folk performing art. Bakhshi is a master and improvisator of words and stories, a skillful musician (skillfully plays on certain musical instrument) and singer (possesses the skills of traditional singing), who can accompany his performance with mimicry and plastique. He should be familiar with the life of his nation, with its culture and history. Moreover, he should have a rich vocabulary and masterly use popular language, be able to play with words, use their diverse forms. And all these features are connected with the art of bakhshi (bakhshichilik), which has centuries long history. The repertoire of Uzbek storytellers and narrators includes heroic, historical and romantic dostons, which incorporated ancient cultural traditions, memory of the nation, its spiritual world and historical destiny, its civic, moral and aesthetic ideals. In dostons it is possible to find the ideas of patriotism and humanism, commitment and love, friendship and brotherhood. At the same time, freedom of fantasy, which is observed among bakhshis, makes possible artistic realization of folk ideals. It should be noted that doston is not about verbal performance only. It is also the work of art which is prosaic, poetic and musical. Indeed, bakhshi does not read doston but sings it. The singing is accompanied by playing on dombra or by instrumental ensemble. The whole artistic composition, all figurative means and expressions of doston are aimed at improving the perception of listeners.

Uzbekistan 2021

Anak Umbang is the main musical instrument in a Saba performance in Terengganu to create the rhythm of the Saba songs. The sound of this instrument is often associated with the droning sound from a type of insect, the specie known as Kumbang or Sri Umbang. Anak Umbang is also similar to Rebab; triple-stringed, bowed and played solo. Now, Anak Umbang is becoming forgotten and only one such person is well-versed in its creation that is Che Wan Norsaidi Binti Che Wan Abdul Rahman (Saba Figure).

The Joget Gamelan is a court dance that exudes grace, dignity and beauty. The Gamelan Dance is a name given to a number of dances that are accompanied by the Gamelan musical instrument. This dance that is performed by women only was first introduced in Pahang during the reign of the first Sultan Ahmad Muadzam Shah, crowned on 6th August, 1882 and reigned until 8th May, 1914, and was introduced to the Terengganu Court in the 1920s by the late HRH Tengku Ampuan Mariam, a princess from Pahang who later became the consort of HRH Sultan Sulaiman Badrul Alam Shah, the Sultan of Terengganu from 1914 to 1942. The Joget Gamelan as it is called, comes with a nine-piece ensemble. The musical instruments are various types of gongs, barrel drums, as well as xylophone and metallophone equipments. Among the many popular dances at that time were the Timang Burung, Ayak – Ayak, Togok, Geliung, Kunang – Kunang Mabuk, and Lambang Sari. Gamelan has now lifted its veil to audiences and listeners beyond the royal circle, thus allowing the beauty and splendor of this precious heritage to be enjoyed and explored by generations to come.