Kaigal-ool Khovalyg

Who is Kaigal-ool Khovalyg?

Kaigal-ool Khovalyg is a Tuvan throat singer and co-founder of the Tuvan music group Huun-Huur-Tu.

A self-taught overtone singer, Khovalyg worked as a shepherd until the age of 21. His musical career began when he was invited to join the Tuvan State Ensemble. He settled in Kyzyl and started teaching throat singing and igil. In 1993, after more than ten years with the State Ensemble, he left to devote his attention to his newly formed group, Huun-Huur-Tu.

He has performed and recorded with the Tuva Ensemble, Vershki da Koreshki, the World Groove Band, and the Volkov Trio.

With a vocal range spanning tenor and bass, Khovalyg is particularly known for his skill in the khöömei and kargyraa singing styles.