The performance art of epical folk poems with string musical instrument dutar. It belongs to Uzbek people, which are living in the south of Tajikistan

Anecdote, jokes, small epical form.

Aitys is a contest centred on improvised oral poetry spoken or sung to the accompaniment of traditional musical instruments – the Kazakh dombra. Two performers (akyns) compete with one other to improvise verses on topical themes in a battle of wits that alternates between humorous ripostes and penetrating philosophical reflections. During the competition, the performers sit opposite one another improvising a dialogue on topics chosen by the audience. The winner is the performer considered to have demonstrated the best musical skills, rhythm, originality, resourcefulness, wisdom and wit. The most meaningful and witty expressions often become popular sayings. The element is practiced on a variety of occasions, ranging from local festivities to nationwide events, where practitioners often use the contest to raise important social issues. Although it was traditionally performed only by men, many women now participate in Aitys and use the contest to express women’s aspirations and viewpoints. Akyns compete with each other without any preparation, minutely composing poems mutual answers to questions of concern to society. Deep philosophical reflections in the witty, bubbly manner often turn into a form of poetic ridicule and criticism. Akyns compete in their resourcefulness and originality.

Kazakhstan 2015

The art of the ‘tokmo akyns’ is specific type of the Kyrgyz singing art. Unlike performers of other genres, ‘tokmo akyns’ must possess, first of all, a unique poetic talent and improvisation skills. Akyn singing is characterized by improvisation, folksy development of musical and poetic sentiments, intonation and rhythmic freedom and recitative manner of a performance. Simultaneous playing on komuz during performances of ‘tokmo akyns’ very often reproduces and interludes the akyn’s voice. Instrumental ritornello on komuz sounds at the beginning, between couplets, and at the end of a song. Because of the poetic talent and improvisation skills, tokmo akyns enjoy special status among the Kyrgyz people.