10 Stories of Women. (7) Sainkho Namtchylak
Sainkho Namtchylak & Tinariwen - Nomadic Mood, 2016. For
@[Taddi] "Throat singing" is something for men, especially in its "xöömej" variant (the throat singing of Tuva), because it connects with the Spirits. And there, at the border between Siberia and Mongolia, speaking with the Spirits is a man's business.
But for someone like Sainkho, whose nomadic grandparents roamed the steppes and whose parents were teachers, born right there in Tuva where "xöömej" originated, this isn’t a good reason to give up. It’s her grandparents who introduce her to the "song of the Spirits." Just as the refusal of the music academy in her hometown to accept her as a student won’t stop her.
She leaves for Moscow, Sainkho, to study music. In Moscow, in the last years before the fall of the Wall, an incredible amount of music is being played: from jazz to experimentation, from rock to electronics.
Sainkho joins the "Tri-o" and begins to gain recognition even outside the Soviet Union. Then everything changes, and she starts traveling, her voice opening many doors for her.
Because Sainkho's voice is incredible, a unique, indescribable experience (and I won’t describe it for you; just listen to it). And then she, petite, dressed like a monk, with a completely shaved head, is a very strong presence.
However, someone tries to silence that voice.
It's 1997, and Sainkho is hospitalized in Moscow. She is in a coma. She will remain there for over two weeks.
Some speak of a neo-Nazi attack, others of a brain tumor, others of thieves... No. Sainkho will recount it herself: "Three people from my country, two women and a man I hadn’t seen in a long time, but connected to my childhood memories, had asked me for hospitality for one night. They arrived with a nice load of vodka bottles, and I did not exercise the necessary caution; our tradition demands that we welcome a guest."
However, after these events, Sainkho will leave Russia forever.
Then she will record "Naked Spirit," which is considered her masterpiece.
But I am very attached to this "Like a Bird or Spirit, Not A Face," in which she, on some tracks, is joined by a part of the Tinariwen.
Music from all deserts.
Music without borders, if there ever was any.
