The success of "Bac Bling" is clear evidence that a work of art can conquer the world with Vietnamese cultural identity.
Select, inherit and create
"When bringing Vietnamese art to the world, we cannot, and should not, follow global trends to gain acceptance. On the contrary, it is the uniqueness, difference and authenticity that makes the world curious, appreciate and love Vietnamese art" - singer Noo Phuoc Thinh commented.
Many insiders believe that preserving identity does not mean closing oneself off, but knowing how to select, inherit and create; knowing how to tell the story of the Vietnamese people in modern language but with the Vietnamese soul.
"A folk song can be remixed with electronic music. A reformed opera can be combined with advanced lighting and stage techniques. The important thing is that the Vietnamese spirit must be preserved intact. To do that, we need to have faith in ourselves" - singer ST Son Thach expressed.
The song “Bac Bling” by Hoa Minzy has taken the world music market by storm. (Photo: NHAT NGUYEN)
Experts believe that it is necessary to invest in young artists, nurture creative spaces, and when connecting with the world, we must not "dissolve" but assert ourselves. The world is always open, if we walk with the solid feet of national culture, the journey to bring Vietnamese art to the outside world will not only spread but also preserve the identity, soul, and origin of Vietnam.
For a Vietnamese music product to both preserve its national cultural identity and integrate with global trends, form alone is not enough. A Vietnamese song does not need to be entirely folk or traditional in tone to be considered "Vietnamese soulful".
The core is the way the artist tells the story, the way they incorporate Vietnamese elements into their work. It could be a pentatonic scale, a Hue- style hum, a Tuong or Cheo rhythm, or even more simply, a humane, profound and subtle spirit, very unique to the Vietnamese people.
Besides the success of "Bac Bling", the song "Thuận nước phát hành cầu" by ST Son Thach is also a testament to the harmonious combination of Vietnamese cultural identity with modern music trends. "Thuận nước phát hành cầu" also received the 30th Mai Vàng Award in the category of Most Favorite Song.
"Thuận nước trôi cầu" uses traditional instruments such as the zither and flute, creating a mix that is imbued with Vietnamese colors. The song's lyrics use familiar images in folk culture such as "thuận nước trôi cầu", "thác ranh song sau", expressing the attachment to nature and the working life of the Vietnamese people. ST Son Thach has skillfully blended traditional elements with a modern performance style, creating a musical product that both preserves Vietnamese cultural identity and suits the tastes of young audiences.
"Vietnamizing" trends
Actress and producer Kim Thanh Thao believes that in recent decades, the Korean cultural wave - also known as Hallyu - along with the strong rise of Chinese and Japanese films... has spread throughout Asia and the world. Works that are well-invested with modern technology, attractive content, and the ability to subtly spread local culture have helped them conquer millions of audiences, including many Vietnamese people.
In that context, Vietnamese art products are forced to transform strongly to compete and integrate. Modernity and the ability to update global trends are inevitable. However, the question is, if we keep following trends, will Vietnamese cultural identity still exist?
"Preserving identity does not mean denying the new. On the contrary, identity is only truly alive and sustainable when placed in the flow of development and innovation. But that identity must be the root, the core, the thing that makes the audience realize that this is a Vietnamese work - carrying the Vietnamese soul" - producer Kim Thanh Thao emphasized.
From a cinematic perspective, producer Kim Thanh Thao believes that Vietnamese films do not lack themes about history, folklore, customs, urban life... but the problem is how to convey the story. A strong cinema knows how to tell stories about its people and country that make people in the country proud and foreigners curious and attracted. Identity lies not only in the rural setting or regional accent, but in the way Vietnamese people behave, love, sacrifice, and face adversity...
Returning to the question of how to preserve and honor Vietnamese identity in the journey of global cultural exchange, especially in the development of the world cultural industry? To do that, Vietnamese artists need a broad vision and a deep foundation. Broad to understand what the world is listening to and what it needs; deep to know who they are and where they stand in the cultural flow of thousands of years.
"With music, we can mix modern instruments, incorporate rap, R&B or EDM into our work, but we should not copy foreign formulas. Instead, let's "Vietnamize" those trends with Vietnamese language, melody, color and emotion" - singer Noo Phuoc Thinh said.
Experts say that the key to success for Vietnamese art in general, and music in particular, when integrating is not to forget one's roots. A young musician can compose a song that is immediately "catchy" thanks to a modern melody, but the content of the song will remain with the listener for a long time if it contains a folk song, a breath of the nation...
"Let the world recognize Vietnam not only through its name but also through music that carries the Vietnamese soul. That is the sustainable way for Vietnamese music to step out into the world, not through imitation but through its own unique Vietnamese features" - singer Hoa Minzy expressed.
(To be continued)
(*) See Lao Dong Newspaper from issue dated June 7
Source: https://nld.com.vn/nguon-nhan-luc-de-phat-trien-cong-nghiep-van-hoa-chinh-phuc-the-gioi-bang-ban-sac-van-hoa-196250608215107618.htm
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