By Zhazira Dyussembekova

Aitys (Aitysh in some sources) is an ancient art of improvisation. Itwas added in December to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation(UNESCO) World List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

“Two performers (‘akyns’ or ‘aityskers’) compete with each other to improvise verses on topical themes in a battle of wits that alternates between humorous ripostes and penetrating philosophical reflections. The winner is the performer considered to have demonstrated the best musical skills, rhythm, originality, resourcefulness, wisdom and wit,” according to the UNESCO website.

The best akyns in Kazakhstan are presented with the Golden Dombra, a special award given in early December before Independence Day. Last year’s main prize went to Aspanbek Shugatayev, representing Pavlodar. The year was a very successful one for him, as he also claimedthe title and a large cash prize at the contest dedicated to the 550th anniversary of Kazakh Khanate.