‘Indians can relate to my music better than most people in the world’

Olena Uutai

, a popular throat singer from the Sakha (Yakutia) Republic of Russia, is a household name among world music buffs in Europe. Known for practising a genre of music that is rooted in

shamanism

and

animism

, the 31-year-old exponent of khomus, a kind of jaw harp, enthralled Hyderabadis at the recent folk festival, ‘Root Folkways’, held at Taramati Baradari. In a candid chat with Hyderabad Times, the 2018 semi-finalist of Britain’s Got Talent spoke about an array of topics ranging from her music, her responsibilities as a ambassador of her culture, Indian folk and why she feels at home in the country. Excerpts:

This is your first visit to India and Hyderabad. How has been the experience so far?
Hyderabad is a good place to live and I can feel a lot of energy here. I feel that Indians can relate to my music better than most people in the world. In India, people listen to music with their hearts and share a strong bond with

Mother Nature

, which is exactly what my music talks about. Hence, it is wonderful to
perform in this country. Though this is my first visit to India, I hope to return here very soon.

We hear you are not a stranger to Indian culture?
Yes, it’s true. Indian culture is not new to me. I am a big fan of Indian mantras and I hum Om Namah Shivaya everyday while doing meditation. But I am blown away to experience so many different forms of Indian folk dances and music live at this festival.

You have performed across festivals in Europe. How different is it perform in India?India is a completely different place and unlike most Europeans, Indians know how to appreciate different forms of music. For instance, when I first performed in Europe I was a bit sceptical whether they would like my music because I play the khomus, which has its roots in Europe. While some people do remember the instrument in the continent, many have forgotten about it and hence it’s difficult for them to get my music. But in India, things are different. Hence, it is wonderful to perform in this country.

Tell us about your art that made you so popular all around the world?
I play one of our nation’s native instrument, the khomus. It is known as the jaw harp in English. With it, I also imitate the sounds of sacred animals and birds in our culture such as the white cranes, wolves, horses, owls and many other sounds of Mother Nature such as wind, water and snow. We believe that playing the khomus connects us with Mother Nature and gives us energy. We also believe that the instrument has healing power. What I do on stage is not just a performance; it is more like a ritual I perform to ask all the good things from Mother Nature.

Today’s music is marked by an overlapping of different cultures. In such a scenario, how have you managed to maintain its authenticity? I was born in Republic of Yakutia, it is very far from

Moscow

. It’s a very cold place and it’s not at all comfortable to live. Maybe that’s why our culture has stayed very rooted without getting influenced by others. I feel that I didn’t choose to promote my native culture but it’s the other way round. Today, my mission is
to share it with the world. Interestingly, our ancestors never did shows with khomus but used it as a healing tool by helping people go into a trance. My music is a medicine for the soul.

Today you’re an ambassador of your culture to the world. Do you feel bogged down by that pressure?
Firstly, it is a big responsibility. My people are keeping an eye on me and are watching my videos on social media. At the same time, it’s a great feeling to share my culture with the world. Our republic is a land of just over a million people and I feel it’s my duty to apprise the world about our culture for its longevity. I also have students learning Yakutian music and many people are watching my lessons on the Internet as well. I feel we can make our tradition live longer this way.

Is the government of your republic supportive of your endeavours? Of course, they are proud of me and honour me as the artist of the Republic. I am grateful for them for all the accolades they have bestowed upon me. Having said that, I wish they take up a more active part in promoting our culture than just being onlookers.