Appraisal: Vibrant and Lively Circassian Folk Tunes Showcase Creativity on Shapshe's Latest Release
In the heart of the Caucasus region, an ensemble named Chapsh from Nalchik, Kabarda-Balkaria, has released a thought-provoking debut album titled Shapshe. The group's music, a blend of sonically powerful and ambient dark folk beats, is inspired by ancient Circassian healing rituals known as 'chapsh'.
The album, much like the rituals, is deeply rooted in the region's history and culture. The name of the group and the album itself are derived from the chapsh rituals. The longest track on the album, 'Shorech Uered' ('Smallpox Song'), lasts over seven minutes and has been described by the band as a ritual healing song.
'Shorech Uered' is not the only track on the album that addresses smallpox. The album contains at least two tracks about the disease, reflecting the significance of this historical affliction in the region.
'Siy Maze' ('My Moon') is another catchy track on the album with infectious beats, while 'Khurtsa Qafe' ('Khurtsa Dance') serves as the lively closing track. 'Istaupsh', a track on the album, stands in stark contrast and picks up in tempo and flair.
The ensemble consists of six musicians and singers, plus one azheghafe - a traditional mute Circassian jester. During traditional chapsh rituals, azheghafes would pretend to drop dead and come back to life, mirroring the life cycle of crops. During Chapsh's live shows, the azheghafe performs, miming to the music and inviting audience members to dance.
The debut album by Chapsh is thoughtful, energetic, and well-produced, but is a bit too short, running for a total of 26 minutes. As the Caucasus region experiences a change, independent journalism in the area is under threat. A newsroom is being built by a community of readers to respond to this threat, providing a platform for stories like Chapsh's to be heard.
During chapsh rituals, guests would chant to Sozeresh, the god of illness and health. The rituals were held when a person fell ill or was injured. The tradition continues today, not only in the music of Chapsh but also in the resilience and spirit of the people of the Caucasus region.
