In 2019, the Mongolian rock band The Hu was awarded the prestigious “Order of Chinggis Khaan”, the highest state honor of Mongolia, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to promoting Mongolian culture and heritage on the global stage. The award, presented by President Battulga Khaltmaa, acknowledges The Hu’s role in introducing Mongolian music, traditions, and the spirit of the Mongol people to audiences around the world, thus elevating Mongolia’s presence in international music and culture.
Formed in 2016, The Hu combines traditional Mongolian throat singing (khoomei) and traditional instruments like the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle), tovshuur (lute), and tumur khuur (jaw harp) with modern rock and heavy metal elements. Their unique sound, which they describe as “Hunnu Rock”, has captivated audiences globally, blending ancient Mongolian cultural elements with a modern, powerful musical style. Their songs, often infused with themes of Mongolian history, pride, and warrior spirit, have resonated deeply with listeners across the globe.
The Hu gained international fame with their singles “Yuve Yuve Yu” and “Wolf Totem”, both of which went viral on social media platforms and garnered millions of views on YouTube. Their debut album, “The Gereg”, released in 2019, was named after the historical diplomatic passport used during the Mongol Empire. The album’s success propelled them to the forefront of the international music scene, earning them a loyal fan base worldwide and recognition for their distinctive contribution to rock music.
President Battulga commended The Hu for their efforts in preserving and promoting Mongolian heritage through their music. The “Order of Chinggis Khaan” is typically awarded to individuals or groups who have made a significant impact on Mongolia’s culture, national unity, or global standing, and The Hu’s achievements in popularizing Mongolian music and culture internationally made them worthy recipients of this prestigious honor.
Upon receiving the award, members of The Hu expressed their deep gratitude and pride in being able to represent Mongolia on the world stage. They dedicated the award to their fans and the people of Mongolia, emphasizing their commitment to continuing their mission of sharing the richness of Mongolian culture through their music. Their success has inspired a new generation of Mongolian musicians and artists to embrace their cultural heritage and share it with the world.
The “Order of Chinggis Khaan” awarded to The Hu highlights their vital role in the cultural diplomacy of Mongolia. Through their innovative fusion of traditional and modern musical elements, The Hu has not only created a new genre but also built a cultural bridge that connects Mongolia to the rest of the world, fostering greater appreciation for Mongolian history, art, and values.
