Custodians of cultural heritage—this term beautifully encapsulates the essence of Pankisi Ensemble. These all-female group from the scenic Pankisi Gorge are deeply committed to preserving and breathing new life into the lesser-known vocal and instrumental forms of Chechen music. Their performances, ranging from the profound spiritual depths of Sufi chants to the lively stories of “Illi” and the heartfelt strains of traditional love songs, offer a window into a rich musical heritage rarely shared outside their community. Their sound also embraces the diverse musical traditions of Georgia, creating a harmonious blend that celebrates the cultural legacies of both regions.
In this episode of our Musical Road to WOMEX, as we approach the Worldwide Music Expo set to begin on Wednesday, the 23rd of October in Manchester, the ensemble members discuss their musical patch, highlight the challenges of safeguarding their traditions, and reveal their approach to blending authenticity with modern musical influences. They’ll also handpick songs for a special playlist that reflects their musical influences and tastes, providing a personal glimpse into the sounds that shape their artistic identity.
Could you briefly introduce your music to someone new at WOMEX and share the key influences and origins of your unique sound?
Ensemble Pankisi will be presented for the first time in the city of Manchester at the WOMEX festival. We, the members of the ensemble, maintain the North Caucasian tradition of Chechen folklore, and our second homeland is Georgia. Therefore, our goal is to introduce our culture to a wider audience.
We are the first Chechen ensemble from the Caucasus, specifically from Georgia, to have the opportunity to come to England and introduce Chechen folklore to the general public.
Could you share a personal anecdote or experience that impacted your musical journey and the evolution of your sound?
Kist folklore has been passed down to us through oral tradition and is deeply connected to our identity. Our vocal traditions carry the indigenous Kist heritage, reflecting our history and the stories of past lives.
In a world full of diverse musical genres, styles, and traditions, how do you believe your music stands out and brings something fresh and exciting to the audience’s ears?
It is difficult to find the folklore of the North Caucasus today. We believe that this is our main strength—protecting and preserving our folklore, an archive that has been destroyed several times but remains alive within our people. We, the Pankisi ensemble, are an example of this resilience.
As WOMEX is not only the Worldwide Music Expo but also a lively global music fair, are there any showcases you’re looking forward to attending or artists you’d like to meet during those five days?
Yes, we look forward to meeting folklorists and performing groups from different countries. We think that this experience will be a new challenge for us, and we anticipate a pleasant and enriching exchange.
WOMEX is a unique opportunity to share and showcase your music with new people and inform them about your upcoming projects. Could you reveal some of your plans for the future?
We believe that participating in WOMEX will be a new challenge for us, and certainly an interesting one.
If you had to draft an invitation card for our readers to join you at WOMEX and enjoy your showcase, what would you write on it?
Ensemble Pankisi invites you on a small Caucasian journey to England through our music.
Pankisi Ensemble musical journey at the Daycase Stage, Manchester Central Exchange Auditorium on Friday, 25th October from 1PM
PLAYLIST: PANKISI ENSEMBLE X RHYTHM PASSPORT
- You can find all the previous episodes of Musical Road to Womex HERE -