Kyrgyzstan's native poets

PRI's The World recently aired a fascinating story about the "akyns" of Kyrgyzstan. These improvisational poets carry on a centuries old tradition and play an important role in a country that's seen a lot of recent political violence and turmoil. The poets often operate in pairs, and their performances blend entertainment, stand-up comedy, and watchdog-style criticism. The story describes a recent performances by two akyn in the ethnically-divided city of Osh:

Aaly Tutkuchov and Jenishbek Jumakadyr, banter about the power they wield over politicians, some of whom are in the audience.

“They’re afraid” – sings Tutkuchov. “They’re thinking “What will they say about me?”

Jumakadyr responds: “Someone’s taking cell phone video of us. They must be with the National Security Service.”

[...]

In another routine, the akyns talk smack about fellow performers. Tutkuchov jokes that a guy waiting in the wings to come on is so short, he has to wear high-heels. Jumakadyr adds that even then, he could hardly reach the microphone.

Tutkuchov goes on to say that he sees himself as something like a journalist, provoking conversation and dialogue, and keeping the country's politicians in check:

And politicians try to curry their favor. Tutkuchov said when that fails, politicians sometimes threaten akyns after a performance. He’s had to change his phone number to stop harassing calls.

“We know – when we point out wrongdoing – they will try to put pressure on us. Or make us scared of them but we’re not afraid of them. This is the important thing about akyns. We need to tell the truth,” Tutkuchov said.

Hear the rest of the story here, including a brief history of why akyns are making a comeback after the end of Soviet rule in Kyrgyzstan.