The story of Mr. Du Bai Choi

VHO - Having devoted his whole life to the sound of drums, shouts, and then to the singing of Ba Chao and folk songs, he not only preserved the quintessence of his ancestors' culture but also contributed to passing on the passion to many future generations. That is artist Nguyen Du (born in 1948), also known by the familiar name "Mr. Du Bai Choi", a typical face of the folk art of Bai Choi in Binh Dinh province.

Born into a family of fishermen in the fishing village of Phuong Mai peninsula in Hai Dong hamlet, Nhon Hai commune, Quy Nhon city, at the age of 12, Mr. Du followed the elders to learn to sing Bai Choi Chieu. In the following years, his love for tradition led him into the world of classical opera with classic plays such as Van Hoa Lau, Tiet Nhon Quy, Thoai Khanh - Chau Tuan...

In the cozy space of his private home, Mr. Du raised his voice and shouted impromptu chants, clapping his hands to the rhythm of each phrase.

Sitting in the cozy space of his private house, living next to Hon Kho beach, talking to us, Mr. Du recalled: "In 1983, I joined the Traditional Art Team of Nhon Hai commune, was guided by excellent artists in the province, specializing in both traditional opera, folk singing and famous theater".

And then the memorable roles such as Cao Hoai Duc (Dao Tam Xuan Loan Trao), Ta On Dinh (San Hau Thanh), Lao Thuyen Cai (Phung Hoang Anh)... deeply imprinted his mark in the hearts of audiences in his homeland's sea.

In 1985, besides performing, Mr. Du began composing and writing new lyrics for folk songs of Bai Choi, cleverly incorporating messages praising the Party, Uncle Ho, protecting the environment and islands. He also quietly collected and distilled folk songs, proverbs, and songs about Binh Dinh, enriching the local folk song treasure.

Continuing his journey of passion for Bai Choi, Mr. Du shared: In 2012, when the Bai Choi playing club was first included in the Quy Nhon City Coastal Culture and Sports Festival, I was assigned the responsibility of coaching the Nhon Hai commune team and playing the role of Mr. Hieu, the “soul” of the club. Right from the first time participating, my team won first prize and continuously achieved high results in the following years.

He also said that he recently won third prize in the Thai Bai Choi song composition contest organized by the Binh Dinh Province Literature and Arts Association.

Recalling the memories of the first time he learned Bài chòi Chiếu, the emotion at the reception from the young generation, and the anxiety when the old melodies gradually disappeared, Mr. Du's voice was warm, his eyes shining as he told about the journey through the communal houses of Binh Dinh to teach Bài chòi.

Then he raised his voice and shouted impromptu, clapping his hands to the rhythm of each phrase, the deep beat echoing as if it were echoing from ancient festivals.

Mr. Nguyen Du participated in the performance of Bai Choi singing at the coastal village in Nhon Hai commune.

Amidst the quiet space of Nhon Hai beach morning, each of his lyrics resounded simply and passionately, making us feel more clearly the strong vitality of this seemingly simple heritage.

“Every time I gently tap the drum, I seem to hear the echoes of the past, the voices of my ancestors, of many past generations. Each call, each Thai phrase is a piece of the homeland’s soul that remains. I hope the children understand that value, to preserve it, to spread it,” Mr. Du emotionally shared.

77 springs have passed, still diligently composing and teaching Bài Chòi, but Mr. Du cannot help but worry and ponder.

In the village now, there are only a few old people who know how to sing Bài Chòi. When we are no longer here, who will keep the fire burning? I hope the government will pay attention to opening classes to teach the art of Bài Chòi, then Bả Cháo so that the younger generation can continue. We must teach the children to sing in festivals for the people to hear, otherwise it would be a waste to abandon them.

Artist Nguyen Du

At his old age, when his hair has turned grey following the village festival seasons, Mr. Du's greatest wish is to witness the Nhon Hai Fishing Festival - a sacred ritual closely associated with the religious life and livelihood of fishermen, recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage.

Looking towards the fishing village, he confided: “Not only me but the whole Nhon Hai fishing village community looks forward to that. Because it is not only a festival, but also the soul of the fishing village, where Bài chòi, Bảo cháo, Kiếm dance… are performed with pride. To be recognized means to be preserved, to be passed on to future generations.”

Folklore researcher Nguyen Van Ngoc, Vice President of Folklore Arts and Literature Association of Binh Dinh Province, said: Artist Nguyen Du deserves to be the “living heritage” of Bai Choi Nhon Hai. He is proficient in organizing the Bai Choi Festival, acting as the Headmaster, performing independently both Bai Choi mats and in the communal house yard.

Sharing his passion for Bài chòi with us, Mr. Nguyen Du said that at the age of 12, he followed the elders to learn to sing Bài chòi Chiếu.

The ability to compose new lyrics to serve political and social propaganda and the spirit of teaching help keep this folk art alive.

Over six decades of perseverance with traditional art, although he does not travel far to perform, Mr. Du is still quietly attached to every communal house and beach in his hometown.

The image of "Mr. Du Bài Chòi" quietly singing and patiently teaching the young, faintly appearing in the resounding drum sounds and soulful Bài Chòi chants, has become a vivid symbol of the enduring vitality of the folk Bài Chòi cultural heritage.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/van-hoa/chuyen-ve-ong-du-bai-choi-135595.html