The story of Mr. Du Bai Choi

VHO - Having dedicated his entire life to the sounds of drums, chants, and folk songs, he not only preserves the cultural essence of his ancestors but also contributes to passing on the passion to many generations to come. This is artisan Nguyen Du (born in 1948), also known by the familiar name "Mr. Du Bai Choi," a representative figure of the folk Bai Choi art of Binh Dinh province.

Born into a family of fishermen in the Phuong Mai peninsula fishing village of Hai Dong hamlet, Nhon Hai commune, Quy Nhon city, Mr. Du began learning Bai Choi singing from the elders at the age of 12. Later, his love for tradition led him into the world of classical theater with classic plays such as Van Hoa Lau, Tiet Nhon Quy, Thoai Khanh – Chau Tuan…

In the cozy atmosphere of his private home, Mr. Du spontaneously sang aloud, clapping his hands to the rhythm of each line of the song.

Sitting in the cozy atmosphere of his private home, located by the coast of Hon Kho Island, Mr. Du recalled to us: "In 1983, I joined the Traditional Arts Team of Nhon Hai commune, where I was mentored by distinguished artists in the province, specializing in classical opera, folk singing, and stage performances."

And then, iconic roles such as Cao Hoai Duc (Dao Tam Xuan in the chaotic era), Ta On Dinh (San Hau Thanh), the old fisherman (Phung Hoang Anh)... left a deep impression on audiences in his coastal hometown.

In 1985, besides performing, Mr. Du began composing and writing new lyrics for Bài Chòi folk songs, skillfully incorporating messages praising the Party, President Ho Chi Minh, and protecting the environment and islands. He also quietly collected and refined folk songs, proverbs, and chants about Binh Dinh, enriching the local folk song treasury.

Continuing his journey of passion for Bài Chòi, Mr. Dư shared: "In 2012, when Bài Chòi was first included in the Quy Nhơn City Coastal Culture and Sports Festival, I was entrusted with the responsibility of training the Nhơn Hải commune team and playing the role of the 'spirit' of the game. In our first participation, my team won first prize and consistently achieved high results in subsequent years."

He also mentioned that he recently won third prize in a competition for composing Thai folk songs organized by the Binh Dinh Provincial Association of Literature and Arts.

Recalling his first experience learning Bài Chòi (a traditional Vietnamese folk game), his emotion at the young generation's reception, and his concern about the gradual disappearance of these ancient melodies, Mr. Dư's voice was warm and his eyes shone as he recounted his journey through the village temples of Bình Định to teach Bài Chòi.

Then he raised his voice and spontaneously chanted, clapping his hands to the rhythm of each phrase, the deep, resonant sound echoing as if from ancient festivals.

Mr. Nguyen Du participated in a performance of Bài Chòi singing at a fishing village in Nhon Hai commune.

Amidst the tranquil morning air of Nhon Hai beach, his simple, heartfelt songs resonated, allowing us to better appreciate the vibrant energy of this seemingly unassuming heritage.

“Every time I gently tap the drum, I hear echoes of the past, the voices of my ancestors, of generations past. Each chant, each verse of the Thai language, is a piece of the homeland's soul that still remains. I hope my grandchildren understand that value, so that they can preserve and spread it,” Mr. Du shared emotionally.

Seventy-seven springs have passed, and although he continues to compose and teach Bài Chòi (a traditional Vietnamese folk game), Mr. Dư cannot help but feel worried and troubled.

In the village, only a few elderly people still know how to sing Bài Chòi. When we're gone, who will keep the tradition alive? I hope the government will consider opening classes to teach Bài Chòi and then Bả Chạo so that the younger generation can continue the tradition. They need to be taught so the children can sing at festivals for the villagers; it would be a great waste to abandon it.

Artisan Nguyen Du

In his twilight years, with his hair turning gray from countless village festivals, Mr. Du's greatest wish was to witness firsthand the Nhon Hai Fishing Festival – a sacred ritual closely intertwined with the religious beliefs and livelihoods of fishermen, recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage.

Looking towards the fishing village, he confided: "Not only I, but the entire community of Nhon Hai fishing village longs for this. Because it's not just a festival, but also the soul of the fishing village, where Bài Chòi, Bảo Chạo, sword dances... are performed with pride. To be recognized means to preserve and pass them on to future generations."

According to folk culture researcher Nguyen Van Ngoc, Vice Chairman of the Folk Arts Branch of the Binh Dinh Provincial Association of Literature and Arts: Artisan Nguyen Du deserves to be considered a "living heritage" of Nhon Hai's Bai Choi folk game. He is skilled at organizing Bai Choi games, acting as the "Hieu" (leader), and independently performing both Bai Choi on mats and in the temple courtyard.

Sharing his passion for Bài Chòi with us, Mr. Nguyen Du said that at the age of 12, he began learning to sing Bài Chòi with elders.

The ability to compose new lyrics for socio- political propaganda, along with the spirit of passing on knowledge, keeps this folk art form vibrant.

For over six decades, despite not traveling far to perform, Mr. Du has remained steadfastly dedicated to traditional art, quietly connected to every village temple and beach in his homeland.

The image of "Ông Dư Bài Chòi" (Mr. Du of Bài Chòi) quietly chanting and patiently teaching the younger generation, subtly interwoven with the resounding drums and the poignant 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