Keeping the "Xang Co" flame alive

Thong Nhat commune performed folk songs at the closing ceremony of the training course on teaching and performing Xang Co singing and Tac Xinh dancing in Thong Nhat commune in 2025.

Established through the merger of three communes – Thong Nhat, Minh Hiep, and Huu Lan (formerly Loc Binh district) – Thong Nhat commune currently has 2,387 San Chi people (accounting for 16.65% of the population) who play an important role in preserving traditional values. Despite their long history of settlement, they retain a strong sense of preserving their ethnic identity, most notably through the distinctive Xang Co folk songs.

Mr. Ly Van Dan, from Na Noong village, Thong Nhat commune, said: Xang Co (locally, meaning singing) is a form of call-and-response singing between men and women with a very strong communal character. The special feature of Xang Co is its absolute simplicity, without any musical instruments. All expressive power is concentrated in the voice, creating a pure harmony between humans and nature. Based on the performance space and time, the San Chi people divide Xang Co into three main categories: Xang Co (Night singing); Chuc Co (Day singing); and Cang Co. However, the San Chi people usually refer to these forms of singing collectively as Xang Co. These forms of singing are usually distinguished by their melody, performance space, and lyrical content. Regarding the melody: Xang Co singing (night singing) has a drawn-out rhythm, and at first listen, the syllables are not clearly audible; The Chục Cọ singing style (daytime singing) has a shorter tempo and clearer syllables; the Cáng Cọ singing style has a shorter tempo and clearer syllables. All three singing styles are performed without accompanying instruments.

Each Xắng Cọ song is usually in the seven-word four-line or five-word verse form. The content borrows imagery from nature and literary allusions to express love between couples, praise the Party and the State, and celebrate the renewal of the homeland. Xắng Cọ melodies are often performed during festivals, celebrations, housewarming parties, weddings, or during periods of agricultural inactivity. Notably, every year the Sán Chỉ people in Thống Nhất commune invite the Sán Chỉ people from Kiên Lao commune, Bắc Ninh province, to visit and vice versa. The singers from other places usually come in groups, each group consisting of a few to a dozen couples. Each group has a leader who organizes the singing sessions. Each trip usually lasts several days, sometimes more than 10 days. These are opportunities for them to meet, have fun, visit each other, and sing together.

To prevent the unique cultural values of the Xắng Cọ folk songs from fading over time, Thống Nhất commune has proactively implemented many practical solutions. Ms. Vi Trung Thu, Head of the Culture and Social Affairs Department of Thống Nhất commune, said: "The commune places great emphasis on promoting and encouraging the Sán Chỉ people to preserve the unique cultural values of their ethnic group, especially the Xắng Cọ folk songs. Every year, the commune regularly organizes Xắng Cọ singing performances in each village, commune, and inter-commune area; and encourages the inclusion of Xắng Cọ performances in anniversaries, festivals, and family celebrations..."

The close attention from the government has helped cultural models at the grassroots level to form and develop strongly. A prime example is the Minh Hiep Folk Song and Music Club with 55 members. Mr. Lam Van Van, the club's chairman, said: From 20 core members when it was first established, thanks to the enthusiasm of those knowledgeable in folk music, the club has grown to over 50 members. In particular, from 2017 to the present, the teaching of Xang Co singing and Tac Xinh dancing has been implemented by some knowledgeable members of the club in the locality and some schools in the commune.

In particular, in September 2025, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in coordination with the People's Committee of Thong Nhat commune, organized a class to teach, preserve, and develop traditional Xang Co folk songs. The class attracted 57 students of various ages, from local art enthusiasts to schoolchildren. Here, students not only honed their performance skills but also gained knowledge about Xang Co folk songs and Tac Xinh dance in life rituals, production work, and courtship.

Hoang Thuy Dung, a 5th-grade student from Minh Phat Ethnic Boarding Primary School, emotionally shared: “I’ve loved Xang Co for a long time but never had the chance to learn it properly. Thanks to this class, I not only know how to sing difficult melodies but also understand the meaning behind each lyric, which helps me feel more confident when performing on stage.”

With the unanimous support of the Party committee, the government, and the dedication of the local people, we believe that the Xắng Cọ folk melody of the Sán Chỉ people will continue to resonate, affirming its unique identity and vibrant vitality amidst the contemporary world.

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