The Baloch are an ethnic group in Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Their language, Balochi, is extremely rich in oral literature, and encompasses a wide range of genres, from poems to prose, proverbs, riddles, legends, and folktales.
Sipate—Prayer and praise songs sung by a group of women without instruments, typically on occasions of childbirth.
Naizenk—Praise songs sung by women for their sons, brothers, and fathers, also without instruments.
Halo and Laro—Songs sung by men from the bride’s side on her wedding day or on the occasion of a male child’s circumcision, accompanied by drums and the chaap.
Loli—Lullabies.
Sot—Short love songs sung on festive occasions by men and women, referred to as sōtī, often accompanied by a variety of instruments.
Zahirok—Songs of separation and travel, also sung while working, preferably accompanied by a suroz.
Leeko—Very similar to Zahirok in content but distinct in its singing style.
Rei and Lelari—Similar to Leeko and Zahirok in content but different in melody.
Motk—Customary elegies sung without music, typically up to the 14th or 40th day after someone's passing. This practice is now largely discontinued as it is deemed un-Islamic.
Chogan—Religious songs accompanied by ritual dances, performed without musical accompaniment by the Zikri minority.
Dastanag—Short love songs sung in duet by a drone singer called Surri, accompanied by a Narri (flute) player.
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