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Writer's pictureEnkhzaya Ganbold

The HU Band: Conquering the Global Stage with Mongolian Traditional Rock

Updated: Jun 9

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Who is the HU Band?

The Hu Band, also known as The HU, is a Mongolian rock band that gained international recognition for their unique fusion of traditional Mongolian music and contemporary rock elements. The band was formed in 2016 and consists of four members: Gala, Jaya, Enkush, and Temka. They draw inspiration from their Mongolian heritage and culture to create a distinctive sound that blends throat singing, traditional instruments such as the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle) and tovshuur (Mongolian guitar), with rock instrumentation.


The Hu Band gained global attention with the release of their debut album "The Gereg" in 2019, which featured their breakout hit "Wolf Totem." The band's music often incorporates powerful and evocative lyrics that celebrate Mongolian history, nature, and spirituality. Their songs explore themes of unity, strength, and the connection between humans and the natural world.


Through their energetic performances and visually striking music videos, the Hu Band has captivated audiences around the world. They have successfully introduced Mongolian traditional music to a global audience, breaking cultural boundaries and attracting fans from diverse backgrounds. The Hu Band's unique musical style, combined with their strong stage presence, has established them as a prominent force in the international rock music scene.

The Mongol and Hun empires

The Hun Empire:

The Huns attacks to Chinese Great Wall
The Huns attacks to Chinese Great Wall

The Hun Empire emerged in Central Asia during the 4th century CE under the leadership of Attila the Hun. Known for their fierce military prowess and nomadic lifestyle, the Huns embarked on a series of military campaigns, expanding their empire across vast territories. Their military tactics, which included horseback archery and swift cavalry attacks, struck fear into the hearts of their adversaries. The Hun Empire was a formidable force that disrupted existing power structures and exerted influence over both Eastern and Western Europe. Although the empire's reign was relatively short-lived, their impact on history is undeniable.


The Mongol Empire:

Expansion of the Mongol Empire between 1206-1294
Expansion of the Mongol Empire between 1206-1294

The Mongol Empire, founded by Genghis Khan in the 13th century, stands as one of the largest contiguous land empires in history. The Mongols were fierce warriors and brilliant strategists, known for their unmatched equestrian skills and their ability to adapt to different terrains and climates. Under Genghis Khan's leadership, the Mongols united various nomadic tribes, creating a formidable military force that swiftly conquered vast territories across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Horsemen of the Mongol Empire
Horsemen of the Mongol Empire

The Mongols employed innovative military tactics, such as their mastery of cavalry warfare and their ability to wage successful siege warfare. However, they were also skilled administrators, implementing efficient governance systems and promoting cultural exchange throughout their vast empire. The Mongol Empire facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies across the Eurasian continent, leading to increased trade and cultural diffusion.


Despite their fierce reputation, the Mongols were not solely focused on conquest. They established a Pax Mongolica, a period of relative peace and stability, which fostered trade, cultural exchanges, and the flourishing of arts and sciences.


Both the Hun and Mongol empires played crucial roles in shaping the course of history, leaving behind a complex legacy. While their military conquests and territorial expansions are noteworthy, their impact extends beyond warfare. These empires fostered cultural exchanges, influenced regional politics, and facilitated the exchange of knowledge, leaving an enduring mark on the civilizations that followed.

The Hu Band members:

All members of the HU Band
All members of the HU Band
  1. Gala: Gala is one of the founding members of the Hu Band. He contributes to the band as a vocalist, using traditional Mongolian throat singing techniques. Gala's distinct vocal style and powerful stage presence are integral to the band's unique sound.

  2. Jaya: Jaya is another vocalist in the Hu Band, known for his captivating throat singing abilities. His deep and resonant voice adds depth and texture to the band's music, enhancing their fusion of traditional Mongolian melodies and modern rock elements.

  3. Enkush: Enkush is a member of the Hu Band who plays the morin khuur, also known as the horsehead fiddle. The morin khuur is a traditional Mongolian stringed instrument, and Enkush's skilled playing brings the melodic and cultural essence of Mongolia to the band's compositions.

  4. Temka: Temka is a key member of the Hu Band, playing the tovshuur. The tovshuur is a two-stringed instrument resembling a guitar or lute, and it is commonly used in Mongolian folk music. Temka's mastery of the tovshuur adds a rich and authentic sound to the band's musical arrangements.

Touring members (2019-present):

  1. Unumunkh "Ono" Maralkhuu: Ono contributes to the band as a percussionist, playing instruments such as tumur hhuur, and provides backing vocals during live performances.

  2. Jambaldorj "Jamba" Ayush: Jamba is responsible for guitars and backing vocals while on tour with the Hu Band. His guitar skills contribute to the band's powerful and dynamic sound.

  3. Nyamdavaa "Davaa" Byambaa: Davaa joined the band as a bassist and provides backing vocals during their live shows. His bass playing adds depth and groove to the band's music.

  4. Odbayar "Odko" Gantumur: Odko takes on the role of drummer during the band's tours. His rhythmic contributions provide the driving force behind the band's energetic and captivating performances.

Former touring member (2019-2020):

  1. Batkhuu Batbayar: Batkhuu served as the bassist and provided backing vocals during the early touring days of the Hu Band.

Instruments of the The HU Band

The Hu Band incorporates a blend of traditional Mongolian instruments and contemporary rock instrumentation to create their unique sound. Here are some of the instruments commonly used by the Hu Band:

The HU Bands main instruments
The HU Bands main instruments

1. Morin Khuur (Horsehead Fiddle): The morin khuur is a traditional Mongolian stringed instrument with two strings and a distinctive horsehead-shaped carving at the top of its neck. It is often played with a horsehair bow and produces a haunting and melodic sound.


2. Tovshuur (Mongolian Guitar): The tovshuur is a traditional Mongolian plucked instrument resembling a guitar. It typically has four or five strings and a long, narrow body. The tovshuur adds a rich and resonant tone to the Hu Band's music.

3. Tsuur: The tsuur is a traditional Mongolian end-blown flute made of wood or bamboo. It is known for its deep and melancholic sound, often used to create soulful melodies.


4. Morin Khuur Bass: The Hu Band also incorporates a bass version of the morin khuur, which provides a low and powerful undertone to their music, adding depth and texture to their compositions.


5. Drum Kit: Alongside the traditional Mongolian instruments, the Hu Band includes a standard drum kit commonly used in rock music. The drums provide a driving rhythm and enhance the energetic and dynamic nature of their songs.


6. Electric Guitar: The Hu Band incorporates electric guitars, often played with a mix of traditional Mongolian and contemporary rock techniques. The electric guitar adds a modern and powerful element to their sound, fusing traditional Mongolian melodies with rock and metal influences.


What is the HU bands clothes

By blending these traditional Mongolian instruments with contemporary rock instrumentation, the Hu Band creates a distinct and captivating musical experience that seamlessly merges the ancient and the modern.


The Hu Band is known for their distinctive and visually striking attire, which reflects their Mongolian heritage and cultural identity. The band members often wear a combination of traditional Mongolian garments and modern rock-inspired elements. Here are some key elements of the Hu Band's clothing style:

1. Deel: The band members frequently wear traditional Mongolian deels, which are long, robe-like garments with a high collar and wide sleeves. Deels are typically made of colorful fabrics and feature intricate patterns and embroidery.

The accessories of the HU band
The accessories of the HU band

2. Traditional Mongolian Accessories: The Hu Band incorporates traditional Mongolian accessories into their outfits. This may include decorative belts, sashes, and adorned hats, such as the traditional Mongolian hat known as "khalkha."


3. Leather and Metal Accents: To infuse a contemporary rock aesthetic into their attire, the band members often incorporate leather and metal elements. This can include leather jackets, vests, or pants, sometimes adorned with metal studs, buckles, or chains.



4. Boots: The Hu Band is often seen wearing sturdy leather boots, which are both practical for their performances and add to the rugged and powerful image they project.


5. Tribal-inspired Details: The band occasionally incorporates tribal-inspired details into their clothing, such as feathers, bones, or other natural elements, reminiscent of the rich Shamanic traditions and spiritual connections in Mongolian culture.


It's important to note that the Hu Band's clothing style may vary from performance to performance, and they often incorporate different elements and aesthetics into their outfits to create a visually engaging and culturally significant stage presence.


The HU: Throat singing

One of the distinctive features of the Hu Band's music is their use of throat singing, also known as "khoomei" or "overtone singing." Throat singing is an ancient vocal technique that originated in Mongolia and other Central Asian regions. It involves producing multiple pitches simultaneously by manipulating the vocal apparatus.


In throat singing, the singer creates a fundamental pitch and then manipulates their vocal cords, throat muscles, and mouth shape to create harmonics or overtones that resonate above the fundamental pitch. This results in a mesmerizing and otherworldly sound characterized by a deep, low drone accompanied by high-pitched, whistling melodies.


The Hu Band's incorporation of throat singing in their music adds a distinct and haunting quality to their songs. It showcases their deep connection to Mongolian musical traditions and creates a unique sonic texture that sets them apart from other rock bands. The band members skillfully execute various throat singing techniques, such as "kargyraa" (deep, guttural tones), "khöömei" (whistling melodies), and "sygyt" (harmonic overtone melodies).


Throat singing not only serves as a traditional musical element but also carries cultural significance. It is deeply rooted in Mongolian nomadic culture and often associated with the vast landscapes and spiritual beliefs of the region. By incorporating throat singing into their music, the Hu Band pays homage to their cultural heritage and brings this ancient art form to a global audience, captivating listeners with its mesmerizing and powerful sound.


Global the HU bands Tour 2023

Here is a list of the Hu Band's tour dates and locations for 2023:

The HU: Global Tour
The HU: Global Tour

1. July 20 (Thu) - Electric Castle Festival @ 12:00pm in Bontida, Romania

2. July 22 (Sat) - Malakoff Festival 2023 @ 7:00pm in Nordfjordeid, Norway

3. August 30 (Wed) - Tech Port Center + Arena @ 7:00pm in San Antonio, TX, United States

4. September 1 (Fri) - The Factory In Deep Ellum @ 7:00pm in Dallas, TX, United States

5. September 2 (Sat) - Rocklahoma 2023 @ 7:00pm in Pryor, OK, United States

6. September 3 (Sun) - 713 Music Hall @ 7:00pm in Houston, TX, United States

7. September 5 (Tue) - The Eastern @ 7:00pm in Atlanta, GA, United States

8. September 7 (Thu) - Rams Head Live! @ 7:00pm in Baltimore, MD, United States

9. September 8 (Fri) - Franklin Music Hall @ 7:00pm in Philadelphia, PA, United States

10. September 11 (Mon) - Terminal 5 @ 7:00pm in New York, NY, United States

11. September 12 (Tue) - House Of Blues Boston @ 7:00pm in Boston, MA, United States

12. September 13 (Wed) - Wind Creek Event Center @ 7:00pm in Bethlehem, PA, United States

13. September 15 (Fri) - Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center @ 7:00pm in Harrisburg, PA, United States

14. September 16 (Sat) - 1st Summit Arena @ 7:00pm in Johnstown, PA, United States

15. September 17 (Sun) - Starland Ballroom @ 7:00pm in Sayreville, NJ, United States

16. September 19 (Tue) - Masonic Auditorium @ TempleLive @ 7:00pm in Cleveland, OH, United States

17. September 20 (Wed) - The Fillmore Detroit @ 7:00pm in Detroit, MI, United States

18. September 22 (Fri) - Piere's @ 7:00pm in Fort Wayne, IN, United States

19. September 23 (Sat) - Louder Than Life 2023 @ 7:00pm in Louisville, KY, United States

20. September 25 (Mon) - The Factory @ 7:00pm in Chesterfield, MO, United States

21. September 26 (Tue) - Riviera Theatre @ 7:00pm in Chicago, IL, United States

22. September 27 (Wed) - EPIC Event Center @ 7:00pm in Green Bay, WI, United States

23. September 29 (Fri) - The Rave / Eagles Club @ 7:00pm in Milwaukee, WI, United States

24. October 1 (Sun) - Stir Concert Cove-Harrah's Council Bluffs Casino & Hotel @ 7:00pm in Council Bluffs, IA, United States

25. October 3 (Tue) - Fillmore Auditorium @ 7:00pm in Denver, CO, United States

26. October 4 (Wed) - The Union Event Center @ 7:00pm in Salt Lake City, UT, United States

27. October 6 (Fri) - Aftershock 2023 @ 2:00pm in Sacramento, CA, United States

28. October 7 (Sat) - The Industrial Sound @ 7:00pm in Las Vegas, NV, United States

29. October 8 (Sun) - The Wiltern @ 7:00pm in Los Angeles, CA, United States


Please note that tour dates and venues are subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check the official Hu Band website or their social media channels for the most accurate and up-to-date information on their tour schedule.


Important websites:



ENZA TOURS LLC - MONGOLIAN TOUR EXPERT

Enza Tours LLC is a premier tour operator in Mongolia, specializing in crafting unforgettable travel experiences. With our extensive knowledge of Mongolia's rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture, we offer a wide range of tours that cater to various interests and preferences. Whether you seek adventure, nature exploration, or cultural immersion, Enza Tours has the perfect itinerary for you. Here are some highlights of our Mongolia tours:


1. Gobi Desert Exploration: Immerse Yourself in the Extraordinary

Witness the awe-inspiring vastness of the Gobi Desert, one of the world's most unique landscapes.
Witness the awe-inspiring vastness of the Gobi Desert, one of the world's most unique landscapes.
  • Visit iconic sites such as the Flaming Cliffs, renowned for its dinosaur fossils, and the mesmerizing sand dunes of Khongoryn Els.

  • Experience the nomadic way of life firsthand by staying with local herder families and learning about their customs and traditions.

2. Nomadic Culture Immersion: Dive into Authentic Mongolian Life

Engage in an authentic exploration of the nomadic way of life by staying in traditional Mongolian ger camps.
Engage in an authentic exploration of the nomadic way of life by staying in traditional Mongolian ger camps.
  • Learn ancient customs and traditions directly from nomadic families, participating in daily activities like milking livestock and crafting traditional dairy products.

  • Discover the picturesque Mongolian countryside, interact with local communities, and be captivated by the breathtaking beauty of the open steppe.

3. Khuvsgul Lake Adventure: Uncover the Pristine "Blue Pearl"

Discover the pristine beauty of Khuvsgul Lake, often referred to as the "Blue Pearl of Mongolia."
Discover the pristine beauty of Khuvsgul Lake, often referred to as the "Blue Pearl of Mongolia."
  • Indulge in thrilling outdoor activities like horseback riding, kayaking, and hiking in the surrounding forests and mountains.

  • Encounter the unique Tsaatan reindeer herders, a captivating ethnic group that has preserved their ancient way of life.

4. Cultural Heritage Tour: Immerse Yourself in Mongolia's Past

Embark on a journey through Mongolia's rich cultural heritage, exploring historical sites such as the ancient capital of Karakorum and the revered Erdene Zuu Monastery.
Embark on a journey through Mongolia's rich cultural heritage, exploring historical sites such as the ancient capital of Karakorum and the revered Erdene Zuu Monastery.
  • Witness vibrant displays of Mongolian music, dance, and wrestling at traditional festivals.

  • Gain insight into Mongolia's nomadic past through visits to the National Museum of Mongolia and other cultural institutions.


5. Wildlife Safari: Explore the Hidden Gems of Mongolian Wildlife

Embark on an exhilarating wildlife safari in Mongolia's national parks, including Hustai National Park and Terelj National Park.
Embark on an exhilarating wildlife safari in Mongolia's national parks, including Hustai National Park and Terelj National Park.
  • Spot rare and endangered species like the Przewalski's horse, Mongolian gazelles, and a plethora of bird species.

  • Appreciate the diverse flora and fauna of the Mongolian wilderness, gaining a deeper understanding of conservation efforts.

At Enza Tours, we meticulously curate each Mongolia tour to provide an enriching and unforgettable experience. With our knowledgeable guides, comfortable accommodations, and meticulous attention to detail, we go above and beyond to exceed your expectations and forge a deep connection between you and the beautiful land of Mongolia.


Plan your extraordinary journey today at www.mongoliantour.guide or contact us at +491739595033. Join us in unleashing laughs and adventures in Mongolia, where incredible moments, endless joy, and unforgettable memories await.




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