uící

Uicí is a traditional form of communal storytelling and song practiced in the coastal archipelago of Aalyra. It combines spoken narration, chant-like singing, and call-and-response participation to preserve histories, myths, and genealogies. Performances can last several hours and are typically held during seasonal gatherings and life-cycle events.

Origin and name: The term Uicí derives from the local language of the Uíci people. Linguists link the root ui- with meanings related to “speak” or “recite,” with suffixes marking process or practice. The earliest written references date to colonial chronicles of the 16th century, though oral tradition likely predates them.

Performance: A typical Uicí ensemble includes a lead storyteller, or lir, who guides the narrative, a chorus of singers, and percussionists using drums, clappers, and rattles. The emphasis is on memory, with melodies often modal and microtonal, allowing singers to ornament the story during recitation. Improvisation is common within a prescribed melodic framework.

Repertoire and social role: Content covers creation myths, genealogies, and treaty agreements. Uicí acts as a social forum for negotiation, conflict resolution, and the reaffirmation of collective identity. Ceremonial contexts include harvest festivals, weddings, and rites of passage.

Contemporary status: While rooted in tradition, Uicí has influenced contemporary music in the archipelago, appearing in fusion ensembles and stage theater. Efforts to preserve the practice emphasize training of youth and documentation of regional variants.