The later life of the composer of 'Wildflower'

Once renowned for his songs deeply rooted in the Mekong Delta region, such as "Bong Dien Dien" and "Mua Dem Tinh Nho," composer Ha Phuong now lives a quiet life at the age of 88. According to his family, his health has been declining for many years, and he is almost no longer able to compose.

Speaking to Thanh Nien newspaper , Vu Phuong, the son of musician Ha Phuong, said that his father currently suffers from several underlying health conditions. Among them, cardiovascular problems and high blood pressure are the most serious health issues affecting him. "Dad is very weak now. The doctor has advised him to undergo treatment and have monthly check-ups," the musician's son said.

In recent years, the composer of "Bong Dien Dien" (Wildflower) has had irregular eating and sleeping habits due to old age. His family says he eats very little and sleeps only about one or two hours a day. His hands tremble, his eyesight is failing, and his memory is declining, making it impossible for him to write as he used to. "Now Dad can't write anymore. His hands tremble, his eyesight is poor, so he can't compose," his son shared.

Composer Ha Phuong, whose real name is Duong Van Lam, is one of the leading composers of bolero and lyrical music with a Southern Vietnamese folk influence. Born in 1938 in Tien Giang (formerly), he began composing at a very young age. His first song, " Duong Khuya" (Late Night Road) , was written at the age of 19, marking the beginning of a musical journey that spanned decades.

Musician Ha Phuong in a candid photo shared by her family.

Photo: Provided by the character's son.

In the memories of many listeners, Ha Phuong is a musician of the Mekong Delta, of the provincial rains and the lives of those who have left their homeland. His music often features the image of a sad woman, longing for her home and enduring many sacrifices.

According to Vu Phuong, those images are not entirely fictional but stem from the musician's own life experiences, emotions, and memories from his many years living in the waterways of Southern Vietnam. "The musician is from the Mekong Delta, born and raised there, so the Mekong Delta essence in his music is very natural," he said.

The boat trip during the flood season creates the 'Wildflower's Bloom'.

When mentioning Ha Phuong, many viewers immediately remember "Bong Dien Dien" (Wildflower) - a song closely associated with the voice of the late artist Phi Nhung and considered one of the representative songs about the Southwestern region of Vietnam.

The author of *Bong Dien Dien* currently requires regular treatment due to multiple underlying health conditions.

Photo: Provided by the character's son.

According to the musician's son, the song was born during a field trip the musician took to the Chau Doc - Long Xuyen region ( An Giang province) during the flood season. "At that time, one of his students rowed a boat carrying my father along the canals. Both banks were covered with many yellow water hyacinths, which moved my father and inspired him to write this song," he said.

Not only is the image of the woman in "Bông điên điển" (Wildflower) inspired by the scenery of the Mekong Delta, but it also has real-life prototypes. These are the girls from the Mekong Delta living in the riverine region, hardworking and longing for their homeland after marrying and moving far away.

The song opens with the familiar folk verse, "Mother, don't marry me off far away..." evoking the feelings of many generations of Southern Vietnamese women. With its simple folk elements and melancholic melody, "Bông điên điển" (Wildflower) became a major milestone in Ha Phuong's career and lives on in the memories of many fans of folk music.

In his later years, composer Ha Phuong no longer writes. But the melodies about the Mekong Delta and the hardworking, resilient women in his music remain with many generations of listeners.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cuoc-life-tuoi-xe-chieu-cua-nhac-si-bong-dien-dien-185260521150935324.htm