The keeper of the traditional music fire in Long Thanh

Artist Thai Hung (2nd from right) receives a souvenir flag representing the Long Thanh Amateur Music Club participating in the amateur and reformed opera exchange. Photo: Contributor

Most recently, artist Thai Hung was honored to be nominated for the title of Meritorious Artisan - a worthy recognition for his persistent journey amidst the fire of the nation's traditional art.

Having a relationship with amateur music

Artist Thai Hung was born and raised in Long Thanh, no one in his family pursued art. Early on, he showed his talent and passion for the amateur art form, Cai Luong, and chose to stick with the musical instruments and singing voices of his fathers. In 2007, he joined the ĐCTT Club of Long Thanh town, Long Thanh district as a talented singer, both following the amateurs in the town to practice and participating in competitions, performances and ĐCTT exchanges to serve the local people.

“In 2014, I officially joined the Long Thanh ĐCTT Club - under the Long Thanh District Culture, Information and Sports Center. I was fortunate to be trusted by artists and actors and assigned to hold the position of Vice President of the Club. From here, I had the opportunity to come to big stages in and outside the province, contributing to spreading ĐCTT art in Long Thanh to friends near and far” - artist Thai Hung shared.

With a powerful voice, artist Thai Hung has gradually affirmed his name with a simple yet emotional performance style. In addition to practicing traditional folk songs to perform well, he also actively learns many types of traditional musical instruments to supplement his practice and performance activities, serving all classes of people. The competitions and performances he and members of the Long Thanh ĐCTT Club have participated in have won many certificates of merit and medals.

These include: A prize - An Giang Traditional Music Festival 2013; gold medal for the 16-beat vọng cổ performance "Hay hát đi em" - National Traditional Music Festival 2014; gold medal for the Southern Traditional Music Festival 2016 with the work "Anh o dau" (Where are you), genre "Phung hoang lai nghi" (Phoenix hybrid music); gold medal for the five-tone island genre "Dong Nai ngay moi" (New day) at the National Traditional Music Festival 2017; first and second prizes for the Dong Nai Provincial Traditional Music Festival 2021, 2022...

To achieve these achievements, artist Thai Hung is a process of constant effort and striving. In addition to self-studying and studying on books and the internet, he was also taught and guided in singing and performing skills by many experienced artists such as Meritorious Artist Huynh Khai, former lecturer of the Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music and artist Linh Phung, Head of the Long Thanh ĐCTT Club. It was this dedicated guidance that became a solid foundation for him to develop and create his own performing style, simple but profound and emotional.

Artist THAI HUNG shared: “One of the goals of my activities and the Long Thanh ĐCTT Club is to continue practicing, performing and expanding ĐCTT teaching classes to the community.”

The "silent" teacher of amateur and reformed opera lovers

Not only does he coordinate the artistic activities of the Long Thanh ĐCTT Club, artist Thai Hung is also the one who directly guides and imparts techniques to the young members of the Club. He is considered the main vocalist, always appearing in heritage teaching classes, practice sessions, and performance exchanges.

With the belief that “to preserve ĐCTT, there must be a successor generation”, over the years, artist Thai Hung has quietly trained dozens of students. Many of them have won high prizes at ĐCTT festivals at the provincial and regional levels, demonstrating solid singing and acting techniques - a clear mark of a dedicated teacher. Some have become the core of local amateur and reformed opera teams and groups, continuing the journey of spreading ĐCTT Southern Vietnam to the community.

Artist Thai Hung performs traditional music at Duong Tu Giang park, serving people in Bien Hoa city.

Most recently, artist Thai Hung was nominated by the cultural sector for the title of Meritorious Artisan in 2024. He could not hide his emotions as he shared: “I am very happy and pleased that my efforts with Southern Vietnamese traditional music have been recognized and considered for the title. For me, traditional music is not only a passion but also a responsibility. The responsibility to keep the fire burning and fan it in the hearts of today's and future generations.”

Talking about artist Thai Hung, Mr. Pham Van Duc, an officer of the Center for Culture, Information and Sports of Long Thanh district, said that Thai Hung is one of the typical artists in the field of ĐCTT in Long Thanh district. He is always dedicated to preserving and promoting the art of ĐCTT in the South. With nearly 20 years of dedication, he not only participates in performances but also actively teaches the younger generation, contributing to maintaining and developing this traditional art form in the locality.

In an era where many modern forms of entertainment attract young people, the perseverance and dedication of artist Thai Hung is an affirmation that Southern folk music is developing, has a place to perform, a place to live. And Long Thanh folk music, thanks to artists like Thai Hung, is still preserving the echoes of vọng cổ verses and the melodious sounds of the zither in the heart of the homeland.

Ly Na

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/dong-nai-cuoi-tuan/202504/nguoi-giu-lua-don-ca-tai-tu-o-long-thanh-db9063c/