Deviant behavior in musical activities:

In recent days, many Vietnamese music artists have been "named and shamed" for their compositions, performances, and words that are offensive, contrary to traditional customs and morals, deviate from cultural norms, and promote a dissolute lifestyle.

Authorities from the central to local levels have simultaneously taken action, demonstrating their determination to rectify and restore order in performing arts activities, guiding artists towards higher standards and creating a healthy artistic environment.

Singer Jack (right) performed a song with lyrics deemed vulgar at the Moonlit Childhood concert on October 16th in Hanoi , sparking widespread public reaction. Photo: Quynh Tam

Firm action and corrective measures will be taken.

A recent case that sparked controversy regarding deviations from norms in music activities involved singer Jack (Trinh Tran Phuong Tuan) performing a song with lyrics deemed vulgar during the Moonlit Childhood concert on October 16th in Hanoi. Following public outcry, the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports reviewed the entire event and confirmed that the controversial performance was not included in the list of approved performances. They also worked with the organizers and the singer to clarify the permit application process and the content of the performance, in order to determine appropriate action.

Also last week, the Department of Performing Arts (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) coordinated with the Department of Radio, Television and Electronic Information (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) to hold a meeting to unify management perspectives on "tough measures" to prevent artists from spreading substandard products.

According to Le Quang Tu Do, Director of the Department of Broadcasting, Television and Electronic Information, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism emphasizes the need for strict rectification and restoration of order in cyberspace, preventing the spread of offensive and deviant products that negatively impact the community, especially young people. Artists and key opinion leaders (KOLs) need to be aware of their role as role models and must demonstrate exemplary behavior, speech, and creative products. In recent times, the Department of Broadcasting, Television and Electronic Information has implemented many decisive measures, coordinating with relevant agencies, and in some cases even resorting to criminal prosecution to ensure deterrence.

Previously, the Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee repeatedly issued official documents guiding and rectifying musical activities that showed signs of cultural deviation, and simultaneously requested consideration not to invite artists whose products, behaviors, or statements were offensive and contrary to traditional customs and morals to participate in city events. Besides singer Jack with his performance at the Moonlit Childhood event, other artists were also named, including singer Pháo with the song "Sự nghiệp chướng"; rapper Gducky with the song "Miền mộng mị"; CLME (Hoàng Tôn X Andree X Tinle), Jack with the song "Chưa bao giờ"; Andree with the song "Kẹo"; Bray x Đạt G with the song "Cao ốc 207"; HIEUTHUHAI with the song "Trình"; Andree x Bình Gold with the song "Em iu"... spreading songs on social media with language and musical expressions that were incompatible with traditional customs and morals, artistic aesthetics, and cultural norms of behavior. This affects the thoughts and actions of young people and the public's perception of artists.

With the strong and coordinated involvement of authorities from the central to local levels, many singers and artists have voluntarily adjusted their behavior. After a meeting with the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, singer Jack apologized to his audience and announced a temporary suspension of his artistic activities, committing to reviewing and adjusting all his creative content. Singers Pháo, rapper Binz, Gducky, Rocky CDE, 24k.Right, Robber, Dangrangto… have removed music videos and musical products with sensitive and controversial lyrics.

Cleaning up the artistic environment

Having followed music activities for many years, musician Nguyen Tien Manh, Vice President of the Hanoi Music Association, shared that current musical life is achieving significant successes with many art programs and works that have a widespread and positive influence on life. However, there are still cases of using gimmicks that cause much notoriety, producing offensive music with shocking lyrics. These are "musical disasters," negatively impacting the artistic environment and the aesthetics of young people.

According to musician Nguyen Tien Manh, building a healthy music environment requires synchronized education and guidance from the very beginning, from family and school to society. In addition, producers, promoters, directors, singers, and musicians play a crucial role in creating a "cultural filter" for musical life through the selection, evaluation, guidance, and promotion of true, good, and beautiful values. The regulatory authorities must be stricter with offensive music products that go against traditional customs and morals, while simultaneously promoting activities that enhance public aesthetics, especially among young people.

From the perspective of the management agency, People's Artist Nguyen Xuan Bac, Director of the Department of Performing Arts (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism), stated that a work of art must fulfill aesthetic and educational functions, conveying positive humanistic values. Offensive expressions in lyrics, costumes, language, and those that go against traditional customs and morals must be dealt with severely. In the coming time, the Department of Performing Arts will continue to closely coordinate with relevant agencies to both create a legal framework that encourages creativity and the development of the cultural industry, while ensuring management so that art develops in accordance with the correct direction and complies with regulations.

People's Artist Tran Quoc Chiem, Chairman of the Hanoi Union of Literature and Arts Associations, believes that "many beautiful actions are needed to eliminate the bad." Central and local agencies and organizations should proactively organize and encourage healthy art programs and activities rich in humanistic values, thereby spreading beauty and goodness to the public. In addition, honoring and encouraging artists who have made substantial contributions and whose works have artistic depth is also a way to awaken faith and creative inspiration in society. When there is a collective effort to nurture and protect a healthy creative environment, Vietnamese art will develop richly, humanely, and sustainably.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/bieu-hien-lech-chuan-trong-hoat-dong-am-nhac-chan-chinh-nghiem-huong-toi-tu-giac-721853.html