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| Artist Kieu Diem (far left) performs a new version of Southern Vietnamese folk music for the people of Dong Nai province during the Spring Festival of the Year of the Horse 2026. Photo: My Ny |
Driven by their love and passion for Southern Vietnamese traditional music, they have been contributing to preserving the cultural essence of their homeland, and conserving and promoting the value of this intangible cultural heritage of humanity in the Dong Nai region today.
Working tirelessly to create and spread the love of amateur music.
Among fans of Cai Luong (traditional Vietnamese opera) in Dong Nai, the stage name Tram Oanh (residing in Tam Hiep ward) has long been familiar. She is known not only for her sweet voice at Cai Luong gatherings and exchanges, but also for the image of a woman quietly sitting and meticulously writing down and editing each word for new Cai Luong and Cai Luong melodies.
At 66, artist Tram Oanh has never left the arts. Her love for singing began during her vocal training at the Dong Nai College of Culture and Arts, through her years working at the Dong Nai Art Theater, and then the Dong Nai Cultural and Film Center. Her youth was spent performing for the people in remote villages, ethnic minority areas, and border regions, as well as in packed outdoor performances.
However, while artist Tram Oanh previously made her mark with her singing voice, in recent years she has been mentioned more often as the author of new lyrics for Vong Co and Don Ca Tai Tu (traditional Southern Vietnamese opera). In particular, from July 1st, 2025, she, along with folk artist Pham Lo, Chairman of the Don Ca Tai Tu Club of Dong Nai province, has composed many new pieces about the Binh Phuoc - Dong Nai region.
“My new compositions not only praise my homeland but also reflect the new rhythm of life in Dong Nai. From its abundant nature and revolutionary traditions to its aspirations for development… all are conveyed through the simple yet profound style of Vong Co and Cai Luong (traditional Vietnamese opera). These works were quickly performed by talented artists, engaging with and entertaining people in the communes and wards, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere,” shared artist Tram Oanh.
In her repertoire, artist Tram Oanh currently possesses nearly 100 works of Vong Co and Doc Tai (traditional Vietnamese folk singing). Her greatest joy is seeing her compositions performed by young artists, listened to, and memorized by the people. Among them are works that have won national gold medals, such as: "Dong Nai, Land Steeped in Human Kindness" (Tay Thi melody), and "Returning to Dong Nai Today" (Giang Nam melody). Place names like Tran Bien, Nhon Trach, Phuoc Khanh… are naturally incorporated into the lyrics, like the breath of life.
Many female artists in Dong Nai today are becoming "ambassadors" contributing to the preservation and dissemination of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity, Southern Vietnamese traditional music. Their love of art is a thread connecting traditional values with the present, enriching the cultural identity of the Dong Nai region.
Continuing the legacy of Southern heritage
While the older generation persevered in their creative work, today's young artists in Dong Nai are contributing to the revitalization of the movement. Among them is artist Khanh Dan (a member of the Dong Nai Provincial Traditional Music Club). Born and raised amidst the sounds of traditional music and opera in her family in An Giang province, she did not pursue professional art training, but her love for singing led her to an early connection with the stage and arts in Dong Nai.
Artist Khánh Đan said: In the early days of participating in the club, she both learned from senior artists and honed her singing technique, focusing on pronunciation and intonation to achieve the authentic "traditional" style of Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera). Cai Luong requires not only a good voice but also a deep understanding of the lyrics, a firm grasp of rhythm, and the ability to feel the soul of each verse. Once she understood it, each time she sang, she felt fully immersed in the emotion.
Actively participating in regional and national festivals and competitions, artist Khánh Đan views each gold and silver medal won after each competition as motivation to improve herself and pursue the traditional art of the nation. This is also an opportunity for her to learn and promote the image of the land and people of Đồng Nai through the various melodies of Southern Vietnamese traditional music.
Sharing the same passion, artist Kieu Diem (a talented singer from the Dong Nai Provincial Traditional Music Club) is also a familiar young face in local traditional music activities and performances. During the day, she works as a factory worker at Pouchen Vietnam Co., Ltd. (Bien Hoa Ward), and in the evening, she is busy at the club's meeting place, diligently practicing each lyric and rhythm. Kieu Diem's simple yet profound voice enriches the spiritual lives of workers and laborers.
What is admirable about the "roses" on the Dong Nai traditional music stage is not only their talent but also their perseverance. They are willing to set aside personal matters to participate in performances serving political purposes, festivals, and cultural exchanges with neighboring provinces and cities. Some performances end and they leave when the clock has already struck midnight, but their faces still shine with joy and pride. It is this quiet dedication that is contributing to the continued resonance of this intangible cultural heritage of humanity in Dong Nai today.
My Ny
Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/dong-nai-cuoi-tuan/202603/giu-lua-di-san-nam-bo-tren-dat-dong-nai-9242ba7/
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