In 2006, the 12th National Youth Singing Contest adopted a new singing style: Aboriginal Singing (or Natural Singing, Primitive Singing). This new style adds to the existing three major singing styles (Bel Canto, Pop Singing, and Folk Singing).
Abao's (阿宝) "Xin Tian You" (信天游, literally wandering in the sky) singing style can be classified as the Aborginal Singing (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iASwHJ8f6CY ). Actually Abao has been refused to attend the National Singing Contest for 12 years simply because his singing style could not be classified into any recognized style (Bel Canto, Pop Singing, and Folk Singing). Apparently it was very ridiculous because Abao's singing style is a typical Chinese singing style in North China and Northwest China. And his singing style is truly Chinese style.
Besides Abao, many other aboriginal singers started to be recognized by the Chinese public. Another example is Qiong Li (李琼), who is an ethnic Tujia Chinese singer (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGwulSoNP1w ). Her voice is excellent, but she did not win any medal in the National Singing Contest. The reason, again, was that her singing style was not any of the styles listed above.
In 2005, an ethinic Miao(Hmong) singer Ayouduo (阿幼朵) used Miao language to sing an aboriginal Miao song at the Chinese New Year Concert in the Vienna Golden Hall (see http://www.3miao.net/viewnews-1054 and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VChnB9KIy1s ). Her performance was so impressive that the Chinese public and musical professionals started to realize the value of the Aboriginal Singing style.
Before the Aboriginal Singing was adopted by the National Singing Contest, the Ministry of Culture has already held three national contests for aboriginal singers. Song Li (李松) is the major organizor of these contests. He devoted himself to save valuable aboriginal culture for many years. He said that the aboriginal culture is so natural, so peaceful, so tranquil, and so beautiful. However, people of today spend too much time on comercial songs, some of which lose the true beauty of naturalism.
More and more people started to criticize the National Singing Contest. Some argued that the Folk Singing style adopted by the National Singing Contest is actually a mixture of Chinese folk singing technique and Western Operatic singing technique. The so-called Folk Singing is more like a Broadway performance in New York rather than a true & pure Chinese singing performance. Some argued that the Chinese music industry has been too westernalized and commercialized and has lost the true Chinese taste. Some warned that if we do not recognize the beautiful culture of many different ethnic groups in China and protect them, then all of them could die before we realize that they are pandas of culture.
Because of many people's efforts, the Aboriginal Singing style was formally recognized in the National Singing Contest in 2006. Many famous aboriginal singers such as Ayouduo, Xianer Long, Hairi Mutai, etc. attended the contest. It was a splendid success in 2006. Many Chinese were shocked by the beautiful culture of different ethnic minority groups.
Huaixiu Li (李怀秀) told the audience that very few Yi people can sing "Haicai Tune" Yi folk songs like her. Xianer Long mentioned that the Back-basket Drum is a typical Miao musical instrument; but very few people can play it now. But I think that more and more people, after realizing the value of this rare and beautiful culture, will give greater supports to help maintain the aboriginal culture.
After fierce competition, 29 finalists were chosen to attend the final stage contest. There were four rounds in the final stage. This vedio clip shows 29 finalists and their beautiful ethnic costumes. I will upload some of their singing performances later.
#1 Aermai Tibetan Multi-part Voices (Tibetan)
#2 Zhaxi Nima (Tibetan)
#3 Beon, Young Hwa (Korean)
---Silver Medal
#4 Peasant Brothers (Tujia)
#5 Qiang's Biman Group (Qiang)
---Bronze Medal
#6 Luo Sang (Tibetan)
#7 Huaixiu Li and Huaifu Li (Yi)
---Gold Medal
#8 Feng Li (Han)
#9 Anda Band (Mongolian)
---Bronze Medal
#10 Jinzhu Zhuoma (Tibetan)
#11 Batu Suhe (Mongolian)
#12 Haimu Ritai (Mongolian)
#13 Nuoen Jiya Band (Mongolian)
#14 Baoli Gao (Han)
#15 Shubao Liu & Yuehua Chai (Han)
#16 Ayi Jisi (Yugu)
#17 Loud Songs Band (Zhuang)
#18 Xianer Long (Miao)
#19 Douyin Che (Han)
#20 Zhengfei Li (Han)
#21 Ayouduo (Miao)
#22 Hongyu Li & Xia Liu (Han)
#23 Dong Songs Band of Chejiang (Dong)
#24 Baima Yongxi (Tibetan)
#25 Duodie Duoah Band (Miao)
#26 Gongsang Deji (Tibetan)
#27 Alateng Wula (Mongolian)
---Bronze Medal
#28 Zhaxi Lazong (Tibetan)
#29 Cicada Songs Band (Dong)
---Silver Medal
Tags: 汉族 Han 侗族 Dong 蒙古族 Mongol 藏族 Tibetan 苗族 Miao Hmong 壮族 Zhuang 裕固族 Yugu 彝族 Yi 羌族 Qiang 土家族 Tujia 朝鲜族 Korean
