Ayai (Khmer:អាយ៉ៃខ្មែរ) is one of the four main musical styles ofKhmer traditional culture,[1] along withpinpeat,mahori, andphleng khmer.[2] It can be more specifically defined as "repartee singing, usually the theatrical alternation of a man and a woman, accompanied by an ensemble of the same name."[3] Along withsmot, while in a very different style,ayai singing has been described as "one of the most fascinating folk music traditions in Cambodia."[4]
TheAyai art form originated from popular routines, like many other Khmer traditions. In the past, Cambodian people would perform traditional games - which often included singing and dancing - in their villages, most often during the Khmer New Year festival and other celebrations.[5]
Because of theribaldry of the language used,ayai singing was consideredlewd and this type popular leisure was not recommended for well-bred women in the traditional code of theChbab Srey.[3]
Before theCambodian Civil War, one of the most famousayai singers wasKrom Ngoy's grandson,Nay Sleuk.[6]
During the terror regime operated by theKhmer Rouge, most traditional forms of culture, includingayai, were controlled,[7] if not banned.[8] Occasionally, however, it survived as witnessed byCambodian genocide survivorDaran Kravanh, who was asked to "sing a question and answer back and forth" by his guards feeling nostalgia for theseayai love songs. Khmer singer San Yoeun also confesses singingayai for the regime's propaganda.[9]
After the 1980s, culture was more free, small groups promoting traditional culture were set up in various provinces such as those byChheng Phon,[10] andayai became a popular tool of political contestation,[11] during the Vietnamese occupation of Cambodia.[12] During those years,Ayai iconPrum Manh rose to fame and some of his best pieces have become classics of Cambodian folklore music. Since 2010,ayai traditional chant has fallen in popularity, and "ayai is only heard at weddings or in small villages nowadays".[13]
In 2009, another controversy erupted as the government broke down on the "pornographic" character of theayai songs and the matter obtained attention of world media.[14]
However, others, such as Cambodian American rapperPrach Ly, seeayai as the inspiration for the new generation of Cambodian rappers in the 21st century[15] as rap is also, a form of "wisdom competition in continuous rhymes."[16] Through rap,ayai is coming back to more popular topics and contemporary social concerns such as welfare and drug abuse.[17]
The standard poetic meter ofayai singing consists of four phrases of seven syllables each.[3] Responses from the two parties are usually expected to rhyme with each other according to the rules of Khmer poetry.
Traditional legends ofKhmer literature, Cambodian politics and casual jokes are common topics ofayai singing. While improvisation is the highest for ofayai, predetermined topics are more common for singing inayai performances on stage. Two singers stand at the front of the stage while musicians sit playing instruments behind them. The vocalists describe a story and tell jokes directly to the audience.
Ayai involves two singers, usually male and female, verbally jousting with each others questions through rhyming verses in Khmer language. Sarcasm as well as irony is often relied upon. These singers need to sing humorously. One singer begins the story then the other starts a new sentence that rhymes with the other singer's line. The singers need to be quick and intelligent in forming sentences that rhyme. YoungAyai singers have to learn rhyming words by heart at home before a performance.[18]
Its style is similar tolam klawn repartee singing as performed in Thailand.
Ayai is a form an alternate singing.[19] This singing style which is often used whilecourting is also found in Montagnard groups of Indochina. It is calledrang by theMuong,luon by theTay,sly by theNung,avong by theBahnar.[20]Ayai has also been compared tomor lam in neighbouringLaos.[21]
Up to six different instruments can be used to accompanyayai singing. Thetro sor, a violin-like instrument with light tones, thetro ou, similar but with heavier tones, thetakhe, thekhloy bamboo flute, theskor daey hand-drum, and theching cymbals. Some musicians also include one more instrument such as thekhim, a harp with 16 strings sounded with bamboo hammers. The accompanying instruments usually introduce and echo the lines of the two singers according to standard patterns.[3] About 15 songs make up an averageayai performance.
Whileayai singing was traditionally passed on orally from one generation to another, it has since the 1990s been taught at Phnom Penh'sRoyal University of Fine Arts. Chin Cheang and his wife Ouk Sopha, both very popularayai performers, are teaching the course.
As a form of repartee singing,ayai requires particular wit, in particular when performed as on-stage improvisation.
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