Melody spreads Dong Nai identity

The song "The Sound of the Pestle in Bom Bo Village" by composer Xuan Hong was performed by artists from Dong Nai province to entertain the people. Photo: My Ny

Many works have successfully brought the image of Dong Nai's integration and development closer to the public. Through each melody, love for the homeland is nurtured, the identity of Dong Nai is spread, contributing to enriching the spiritual life of all segments of the population.

Musical heritage - a breath from the roots

Dong Nai is a land rich in cultural traditions, a melting pot of unique art forms. Among them, Southern Vietnamese folk music (Don Ca Tai Tu) has been recognized by UNESCO as a representative intangible cultural heritage of humanity. In various localities within the province, the melodious sounds of the zither and fiddle, and the smooth lyrics of these folk songs, still resonate in community gatherings. In addition, the folk melodies of the S'tieng, Ma, and Choro ethnic groups contribute to the distinct identity of Dong Nai.

Composer Điểu Được, a son of the Chơro ethnic group (Thống Nhất commune), is one of the prominent figures who has contributed to bringing the music of ethnic minorities in Đồng Nai closer to the public. Most of his songs seamlessly combine modern music with traditional folk songs, especially those of the Chơro ethnic group. Notable works include: "The Chơro People Remember Uncle Ho," "Electricity Comes to Chơro Village," "Love on the Hillside," and "The Fiery Colors of Spring"...

“Traditional folk music is the soul of the villages, the ‘breath’ from our roots, persistently nurturing the spirit of the people of Dong Nai through many generations. I always want to preserve and convey that spirit into my compositions so that today's young people can be proud and more attached to their homeland,” shared musician Dieu Duoc.

The vibrant energy of Dong Nai's music lies not only in its rich traditional folklore but also in the continuity and creativity of many generations of musicians. With a strong creative force, generations of musicians and artists from Dong Nai, such as Tran Viet Binh, Cao Hong Son, Khanh Hoa , Tran Tam, Le Hang, Doan Quang Trung, Quang Thuyet, Nguyen Van Luan, Ha Cong Chinh, etc., have diligently composed new melodies over the years, following in the footsteps of predecessors like Hoang Viet and Xuan Hong, creating musical works that meet the expectations of the public.

"Today's music in Dong Nai is a continuation of tradition and innovation, preserving its roots while harmonizing with modern life. This interplay has created a lasting impact, nurturing a sense of pride in one's homeland."
Composer Le Hang, Deputy Head of the Music Department, Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association

Throughout its creative journey, Dong Nai's music has integrated with contemporary trends. Many songs have captured the spirit of the times, reflecting the industrialization and modernization process and the aspirations of this dynamic region. Melodies praising industrial zone workers, images of laborers working tirelessly day and night to build, or songs brimming with faith in a bright future have become special highlights in the local musical life.

Composer Cao Hong Son, author of many songs about Dong Nai, once affirmed: "Composing about my homeland is an urge from the heart. Each song about the land and people of Dong Nai is not just music, but also a message of love and responsibility from the artist to the land that nurtured them." This very urge has created a musical flow that is both rich in cultural identity and full of modern vitality.

A new pace of life in the era of integration.

For music to truly spread, public venues are essential. For many years, Dong Nai has maintained and developed a rich array of cultural and artistic activities: traditional folk music festivals, mass art performances, music programs for students, officials, soldiers, and ethnic minority communities… These programs not only contribute to promoting new works but also create an environment for young artists to test their skills and affirm their style.

Many young artists and singers from Dong Nai have made a name for themselves on the big stage, carrying with them the pride of their homeland. Many know how to incorporate folk elements into new works, creating music that is both relatable and innovative. Especially in the digital age, social media channels have become a "launching pad" helping young people from Dong Nai bring their hometown music closer to the domestic community, and even reach international audiences.

Musician and pianist Vu Dang Quoc Viet, a native of Long Khanh, now lives and works in Ho Chi Minh City. He is one of the pioneering young artists bringing music to the digital environment. Many of his albums, such as "Sound of Silence" and "Three Minutes," have been released online and quickly gained widespread public attention. With a modern style that harmoniously blends classical music with contemporary influences, Vu Dang Quoc Viet has established his own unique mark, introducing the image of young artists from Dong Nai to the global audience.

To celebrate the 16th Vietnamese Music Day in 2025, the Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association organized the "Dong Nai Welcomes a New Era" program. Many songs about Dong Nai, such as "Returning to Soc Bom Bo," "Binh Phuoc on a Visit," "Lotus Blossoms at the Airport," and "Dinh Quan, a Beloved Land," were presented to the audience through the voices of artists and singers from the province.

According to People's Artist Giang Manh Ha, Vice President of the Vietnam Stage Artists Association and President of the Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association, the association has always focused on creating a creative environment and encouraging generations of artists to dedicate themselves to spreading Dong Nai music more widely. In particular, the association has collaborated with various units and localities to organize creative camps and competitions. Many new works have been created, not only serving political objectives and enriching the spiritual lives of the people, but also contributing to promoting the image and spreading the identity of Dong Nai.

My Ny

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/dong-nai-cuoi-tuan/202509/giai-dieu-lan-toa-ban-sac-dong-nai-5e82eba/