On the Kazakhstan prairie, whenever there is a festival or something good worth celebrating, locals will host singing competitions or sing songs to each other. Especially in mid-summer, a special gala when people sing while playing a stringed instrument is held.

During the gala, poets will gather and compete with each other through their poems as well as lyrics. “Akon” is the way to address folk singers. Akons are known to be rich in knowledge, passionate, quick minded and eloquent. Apart from singing and playing music, Akons can also recite folk stories, poems and stories, and create poems and songs by themselves.

Akons are known to be the heirs of traditional folk literature and performing artists. Akons will always carry a dombra with them no matter where they go. A dombra is the most popular musical instrument for Kazak people. It has two strings. The left hand presses the strings, and the right hand plucks the strings. The musical instrument of the dombra is known to be delicate in shape and beautiful in tone quality. Created to honor an ancient prince of the ethnic group, the dombra enjoys great popularity among locals, and many herdsmen can even make a dombra by themselves.

The instrument can be used for storytelling and expressing emotions. If you come to Altay, you are strongly advised to listen to locals playing dombra and have a taste of the Akons’ talent.