The Multi-Voice Ballad of the Hani Minority

 

Honghe County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province

The Multi-voice Ballad of the Hani Minority is mainly found in Hani villages and in Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. The singers sing about the beauty in daily life, work and scenes from the countryside. Representative balladas are Transplant Seedlings Ballad and the Love Songs.

Hani people sing whenever and wherever they please, whether it be in terraced fields, forests, or village squares. The singers make their own musical instruments.

The Multi-voice Ballad style is unique and displays the Hani talent for song. According to folk music experts, the Hani could sing the Eight Voice Ballad, a feat that is extremely rare.

The Hani ballad is regarded as a treasure of Chinese music, however, due to a lack of young folk song singers, the ballad needs attention and protection.