Mor lam

Mor lam (Lao: ໝໍລຳ; Isan: หมอลำ [mɔ̌ː lám]; Thai: หมอลำ, RTGS: mo lam, [mɔ̌ː lām]) is a traditional Lao form of song originating in Laos that is also pupular in Isan, where the majority of the population is ethnic Lao.

Morlam (or molam) is a traditional storytelling and entertainment form in the Southeast Asian country of Laos, and the northeastern part of Thailand (formerly part of Laos), known as Isaan.

The term molam is a combination of the term mo, meaning “master,” and lam, meaning to sing in a style called lam. Literally then, molam means “master of the lam singing style,” but the term is also used more generally to performances in the lam genre. It refers to both the music and the artist. Other romanisations used include mor lum, maw lam, maw lum, moh lam, mhor lum, and molum. In Laos, both the music and singer is called mor lam (ໝໍລຳ), and when referencing the subgenre/ region of origin, the term "lam" is used, followed by the subgenre/region name.

The characteristic feature of lam singing is the use of a flexible melody tailored to the tones of the words in the text. Traditionally, the tune was developed by the singer as an interpretation of a klon poem and accompanied primarily by the khene (a free reed mouth organ). The modern form is frequently composed and uses electrified instruments. Traditional forms (and some Lao genres) use a slower tempo than the quicker tempo and faster deliveries of more modern lam music. Strong rhythmic accompaniments, vocal leaps, and a conversational style of singing distinguish lam from American rap.

Typically featuring a theme of unrequited love, mor lam often reflects the difficulties of life in rural Isan and Laos, leavened with wry humor. In its heartland, performances are an essential part of festivals and ceremonies. Lam has gained a profile outside its native regions from the spread of migrant workers, for whom it remains an important cultural link with home.