Anda Union from Inner Mongolia in China took to the stage in London on 12th February for the penultimate stop of their UK tour.
Formed in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, Anda Union is a dynamic collective of musicians trained in traditional Mongolian music from a young age. Their name Anda means “blood brother,” reflecting both their deep personal bond and their shared mission to preserve and revitalise the cultural heritage of the steppe. Drawing on diverse regional traditions, the group weaves together haunting long-song vocals, resonant throat singing, and instrumental mastery on horsehead fiddles, two-stringed lutes, flutes, and percussion, creating a sound both ancient and contemporary.
For over two decades, Anda Union has carried the spirit of the Mongolian grasslands to audiences worldwide. Their atmospheric harmonies, powerful voices, and vibrant strings evoke the vast landscapes of the steppe while translating ancestral musical traditions into a modern performance context.
During the UK tour, most performances took place in venues with capacities ranging from 200 to 600, with some shows performed with minimal amplification.
“That’s the most authentic state for us,” said band leader Nars in an interview with China Minutes. “Our music isn’t dependent on heavy amplification. Performing in smaller spaces feels more natural and also serves as a form of training.”
Reflecting on the tour across 13 cities, he noted that audiences in each location responded differently, describing British concertgoers as highly attentive and engaged. Many returned listeners waited after shows to share feedback, telling the band their music had grown richer over time.
The 14-date tour saw most performances sell out, a notable achievement amid rising costs and uncertainties in the global touring market. Nars described touring as a creative driver, saying it pushes the band to continue producing new work rather than relying solely on past repertoire.
Many younger fans from China discovered Anda Union through the Chinese music variety show The Big Band. While acknowledging the increased visibility, Nars described it as a “double-edged sword,” noting that broader recognition can also bring commercial pressures.
“We are contemporary people using traditional instruments, but our mindset is contemporary,” he said, explaining that the band continues to explore ways to give traditional sounds a modern sensibility.
The group, now marking more than two decades together, says its core motivation remains unchanged: a shared passion for making music. According to vocalist Tsetsegmaa, the band has evolved into a highly cohesive collective built on mutual respect and equality among members.
After the performance, many audience members lingered in the venue, gathering near the signing area to share impressions. Local attendees formed the majority of the crowd, with relatively fewer Chinese spectators.
Zhuola, an Inner Mongolian currently living in the UK, attended the concert wearing traditional Mongolian attire alongside her visiting mother. Having followed the band for years, she said hearing them live in London made her feel nostalgic, particularly during the encore piece Jangar, which she described as embodying the pride and epic storytelling tradition of Mongolian culture.
Other Mongolian listeners said understanding the lyrics deepened their emotional connection, noting that the music’s themes of nature, heroism, and everyday life remain central to its appeal.
Among British audiences, Simon, a longtime fan who first encountered the band at the WOMAD festival, described the performance as “evocative,” saying the music transcended language barriers and sparked his interest in Mongolian nomadic culture and instrument craftsmanship.
Kai, who has followed the band on YouTube for ten years, attended other tour stops in the UK. He also mentioned the documentary Anda Union: From the Steppes to the City, saying it gave him a deeper understanding of their strong connection to their homeland. Archie, a bassist attending his first Anda Union concert, praised the expressive power of throat singing and the ensemble’s distinctive instrumental techniques.
First-time listeners also expressed strong impressions. Ina said she was struck by the ensemble’s cohesion and the power of the throat singing. Sam, who has long been interested in Mongolian music and Chinese culture, particularly appreciated the interplay between instruments and vocals, noting that such cross-cultural performances are part of what makes London unique. Matt and Angie, who attended on a friend’s recommendation, said the band’s music retains a strong traditional core while expanding with a freedom reminiscent of rock and electronic music. They added that lead vocalist Tsetsegmaa’s voice was strikingly expressive and deeply moving.
Anda Union has performed at major international festivals and venues worldwide, building a reputation as a leading voice in contemporary world music rooted in Mongolian tradition. As the European tour continues, the ensemble remains committed to bringing the musical language of the grasslands to new cultural contexts around the world.
Written by Haoxuezi Tian and Tianai Lu. If you like this article, why not read: Midu Echoing: From Folk Song to Worldwide Phonk Hit
