Mongolian folk metal act The HU have been officially named ‘Artists For Peace’ by UNESCO
The band are the first-ever group within the genre of rock to receive the distinction and were presented the designation earlier today (November 25, 2022) at UNESCO‘s headquarters located in Paris, France.
What exactly is UNESCO you ask? The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a division of the United Nations that aims to raise awareness of peace and security mandates and initiatives through representatives from the fields of arts, science, education and more.
The HU frontman Galbadrakh “Gala” Tsendbaatar comments: “Mongolians have upmost respect for our history, culture and the language that was left to us from thousands of years ago from our elders and ancestors. The HU’s goal and purpose is first and foremost to perform a unique genre of music that gives strength and power upon every listen.
“Secondly, it is to show the world Mongolia’s nomadic and environmentally aware livelihood that has been passed down from previous generations and to inspire others to live minimalistic lives and enjoy life to its fullest. UNESCO electing the HU with ‘Artists for Peace’ designation shows their appreciation towards cultural diversity and heritage pieces that are of great value to Mongolians.
“The partnership between the HU and UNESCO will bring awareness towards every culture that is distinguished by their unique heritage and core values, so we are excited to be part of a movement that can improve and change so many lives.”
Fellow The HU member Nyamjantsan “Jaya” Galsanjamts adds:
“We sincerely appreciate being selected by UNESCO as part of their ‘Artists for Peace’ and understand the importance of the designation. From a very young age we have been practicing traditional music techniques and instrumentation such as long song, throat singing, horse head fiddle, tsuur and tovshuur, as we know the significance and impact of sharing one’s culture around the world has to rest of the society.
Our music delivers profound ideas that are understood in the subconscious mind while delivering hard rock and ethereal tunes. On the surface level, our lyrics and music seem to talk about basic yet important principles of human beings; on a deeper level, they share the preservation of cultures that are in danger of going extinct and allow us to be representatives for groups who have slightly different world perspectives than the modern world. This is a huge inspiration for us and part of our purposes as artists.
Therefore, we will do everything in our power to be the inspiration for the cultures that are underrepresented and work with UNESCO to bring them the attention that they deserve.”
The HU are currently on the road throughout Europe and the UK. You can find their remaining tour dates below.
THE HU 2022 European/UK tour dates:
11/25 Paris, FRA – Casino de Paris
11/27 Amsterdam, NET – Melkweg
11/28 Manchester, UK – Manchester Academy
11/30 Leeds, UK – Stylus
12/01 Nottingham, UK – Rock City
12/02 Cardiff, UK – Cardiff University Students Union
12/03 Birmingham, UK – O2 Institute
12/05 Dublin, IRE – Olympia Theatre
12/06 Belfast, IRE – Ulster Hall
12/07 Glasgow, UK – SWG3 Poetry Club
12/09 London, UK – Roundhouse