The 'keeper of the soul' of the Sli folk melody

With his talent and love for traditional art, Meritorious Artisan Nong Van Ho is contributing to preserving and passing on the Sli folk songs of the Nung people in Xuan Duong commune.

Distinguished artisan Nong Van Ho (far right) sings love songs at the Xuan Duong "Love Market" in 2025.

Those who love the Sli folk songs and visit the Xuan Duong "Love Market" all know about the distinguished artisan Nong Van Ho in Thom Chan village, Xuan Duong commune.

Driven by his passion for the traditional love songs of his ethnic group, Mr. Nong Van Ho has been enthusiastic about local cultural and artistic activities for many years, especially during the "Love Market," held annually on the 25th day of the third lunar month.

With his sweet voice, charming wit, and profound knowledge, every Sli singing session featuring Mr. Nong Van Ho is captivating and engaging. In addition, he has collected and transcribed several Sli songs to teach to the younger generation.

Distinguished artisan Nong Van Ho shared: "From the moment the sun rises until the day we leave this world, the people of Xuan Duong commune are accompanied by the sound of Sli. The lyrics of Sli tell stories of daily life, are love songs, a unique cultural feature, and also the voice of the people in the highlands. Visiting the 'Love Market' without immersing yourself in the love songs of Sli is like not having been to Xuan Duong at all."

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On March 9, 2021, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued Decision No. 830, adding the Sli singing of the Nung people in Xuan Duong commune to the list of national intangible cultural heritage. Contributing to the preservation of this national intangible heritage, the Xuan Duong Commune Sli Singing Club was established at the end of 2022 with over 30 members. As the club's chairman, Meritorious Artisan Nong Van Ho actively participates in training and teaching Sli singing to the younger generation of the locality. He considers this a way to ensure that the Sli melodies will continue to resonate.

Distinguished artisan Nong Van Ho also runs free classes to teach Sli singing to children. Depending on each child's voice and ability, he teaches them how to sing loudly or softly, in high or low tones; or they learn pre-existing Sli songs praising the Party, President Ho Chi Minh, and their homeland, before learning to improvise and respond to each line of the song.

Distinguished artisan Nong Van Ho teaches Sli singing to young children.

Having spent his childhood accompanying his grandfather and parents to local cultural activities, 12-year-old Hoang Anh Vu gradually developed a love for the Sli folk songs. With guidance from Meritorious Artist Nong Van Ho, after a few months of learning, Vu can confidently perform Sli verses in call-and-response style with his friends. “Every time I sing Sli, I feel the love for my family, my homeland, and my country. I want to be like Meritorious Artist Nong Van Ho, confidently singing the Nung folk songs wherever I go,” shared Hoang Anh Vu.

Distinguished artisan Nong Van Ho added: "In the future, I will continue to open classes to teach Sli singing to young children who have a passion for it, thereby maintaining the sources of preserving the traditional art of our ancestors."

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According to Vu Viet Bac, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Xuan Duong commune, the local Party committee and government always pay attention to preserving and promoting the cultural values ​​of the ethnic groups, including the Sli folk songs of the Nung people. The role and contributions of the people, especially those passionate about traditional art like Meritorious Artist Nong Van Ho, are crucial for the preservation and promotion of the Sli folk songs.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/van-hoa/202509/nguoi-giu-hon-lan-dieu-sli-3fb1de1/