A collaborative fusion project between three distinct but complementary artistic forces:
Together, they bring a unique creative vision: to reimagine the public songs and popular melodies of Mongolia’s 1960s to 1980s composers and songwriters in a contemporary jazz language.
This project revives a treasured musical heritage by blending it with fresh jazz improvisation and experimental arrangements, creating a sound that is both nostalgic and forward-looking — honoring the past while engaging a new global audience.
Born Retro is a collaborative rework project launched in 2022 that brings together Mongolia’s vibrant chill-hop and jazz artists in Ulaanbaatar.
The project revives and reimagines nearly forgotten songs by Mongolian composers from the 1950s to the 1980s, blending traditional melodies with fresh, contemporary sounds.
At the heart of Born Retro, Tsendsuren performs and improvises on these classic themes using the khuuchir, breathing new life into Mongolia’s musical heritage.
Meanwhile, fellow musicians and singers reinterpret the compositions through modern jazz, chill-hop, and pop arrangements, led by producer prismobeats and a talented collective of instrumentalists.
Born Retro has released three EP albums, produced a TV show, and performed over ten live shows in Ulaanbaatar, building a vibrant bridge between Mongolia’s past and present music scenes.
Artist introduction
Tsendsuren
Born in Khovd province, Tsendsuren is a virtuoso khuuchir (two-string spike fiddle) artist who grew up in a musical family and has been playing since the age of 12. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the State Conservatory of Mongolia and a Master’s degree from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music.
Her artistry has flourished both through rigorous training at professional institutions and extensive performances on national and international stages. She is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including First Prize at the Third International Sharav Competition for professional singers and traditional instrumentalists.
Since 2021, Tsendsuren has released four full-length albums, two extended plays, and several singles. Her work showcases her versatility and professionalism, effortlessly spanning classical, contemporary, jazz, and soul genres.
What sets Tsendsuren apart is her unique ability to convey the spirit of Mongolian musical tradition through expressive performances that range from lyrical melodies to technically demanding compositions. Her music resonates deeply with her inner world, reflecting her personal journey and cultural roots.
As a dedicated professional, Tsendsuren remains humble, always embracing growth and pushing the boundaries of her art.
Khongor Ganbat
Khongor is the founder and CEO of the Fat Cat Jazz Club in Ulaanbaatar, a composer, trumpeter, and a leading figure in Mongolia’s contemporary jazz scene. He is dedicated to elevating Mongolia’s presence on the international jazz stage.
A graduate of the Mongolian State Conservatory and Goethe Musiklabor, Khongor leads the band Jazz Train, which released its self-titled album in 2017. Since opening his iconic jazz club, he has transformed Mongolia’s jazz landscape by hosting legendary artists such as Kenny Washington and Jesse Davis.
Khongor’s creative ventures extend to producing albums including Fat Cat Family Volumes 1, 2, and 3, as well as short films like “A Meowy Little Christmas.” He founded the Jazz City Revival Festival and has led international collaborations, including performances with the International Mingus Band in South Africa and the Mongolian All-Stars in Australia.
In 2023, Khongor launched Fat Cat Records and co-founded innovative projects such as Japan’s Cipy Top Festival. As a composer, performer, and cultural ambassador, Khongor continues to redefine Mongolia’s place on the global jazz map.
Prismobeats (Munkh-Ulzii)
Munkh-Ulzii is a composer and producer
Munguntovch Tsolmonbayar
A gifted jazz bassist, composer, arranger, and music educator. His journey began at the age of 10, by 2012, he won first prize at the Crescendo International Competition for young double bass players. He pursued further studies in jazz with professor Martin Zenker in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, then in Munich, Germany, earning the Deutschlandstipendium and collaborating with acclaimed musicians like Jeremy Pelt and Jim Snidero. In 2021, he secured second place in the Kurt Maas Jazz Awards.
A versatile jazz musician, Munguntovch has excelled with his band “The Jazz Train”, recording the country’s pioneering jazz album, which earned a HiFi Award for “Best Production of the Year” in 2017, and recording Mongolian leading jazz singer ENJI’s albums “Ursgal” and “Ulaan” which earned place in “Best 10 Jazz Albums of 2023” by New York Times.
Currently teaching as jazz department head at the Music Conservatory in Ulaanbaatar, Munguntovch continues to shape Mongolia’s jazz scene while inspiring future generations through his music craftsmanship and mentorship.
Arts Council of Mongolia