Find your own 'source'

QTO - From a student majoring in Mathematics Education, Doan Nhat Long (stage name Doan Long, born in 1995) decided to change course and follow his passion. During his time immersed in the world of music, the third prize from the songwriting competition "With the Party, complete faith and love" organized by the Voice of Vietnam Radio was an invaluable spiritual gift for him.

The season of sweet fruits

In the early days of 2026, good news kept coming for Doan Long. Recently, he was one of 20 outstanding individuals selected by the Provincial Youth Union to receive the first Quang Tri Province Outstanding Young Face Award. Prior to that, Doan Long's name had already made a mark in the hearts of audiences with his song "Voi Mep - The Dream of the Great Forest".

This song was composed by him during his expedition to conquer the 1,700m high Voi Mẹp peak, known as the "roof" of Quang Tri province. Listening to the song, many people remember Doan Long, who won the Most Popular Contestant award at the first Quang Binh (formerly) Province Singing Contest.

Doan Long confided that he has never placed too much emphasis on personal achievements. Nevertheless, each award is an invaluable source of encouragement, helping him to be more confident on the path he has chosen. Among his "treasures," Long will never forget the third prize he won in the songwriting contest "With the Party, complete faith and love" organized by the Voice of Vietnam Radio .

Doan Long (second from left) interacts and performs with young people in a program organized by Quang Tri Newspaper and Television Station - Photo: QH

Sharing his joy at receiving the award, Doan Long said that the work that brought him the prize is called "The Source." This is a song he had been nurturing for a long time, drawing inspiration from the Gianh River and the Khe Nuoc Rung area of ​​his hometown. Instead of slogans, Long chose a poetic approach to the Party, telling the story of water's journey. That journey begins with a shy dewdrop on the mountain, gathering into a stream, flowing into a river, and then swirling into the vast ocean. This image also conveys a message about the power of unity.

Doan Long confided: "I wrote about the Party with all the heart of a young person. I am very happy that the message I conveyed has reached far and wide."

Taking a different path from passion.

Few people know that, to fully pursue his passion, Doan Long went through a long journey of self-discovery. Born and raised in the mountainous region of Minh Hoa, although he loved music from a young age, Long never thought he would pursue a professional artistic career. It wasn't until he was in 11th grade, when his fingers touched the guitar strings, that the seeds of a career truly blossomed within him.

Nevertheless, facing the future, Long chose to become a teacher and pursue a major in mathematics education, following the advice of his relatives. In the lecture hall, although he didn't encounter difficulties with solutions and numbers, he still felt a void in his heart. Between the smooth, predetermined path and the uncertain fork in the road stemming from his passion, he didn't know which to choose. After much internal struggle, Doan Long finally decided to change direction.

“It was a very uncertain time. To nurture my passion, I did all kinds of jobs, from carrying trays and serving... to bartending. In the evenings, I would take my guitar to tea rooms to sing and be myself,” Long recalled nostalgically.

During those difficult times, Doan Long was fortunate to meet senior figures and younger colleagues. Recognizing that Long not only possessed a beautiful singing voice but also had songwriting abilities, they guided and encouraged him to write music. Thus, his first songs, including the song "The Source," were born, brimming with inspiration and love.

Silently "sowing seeds"

Currently, Doan Long lives and works in Dong Hoi. Besides performing, he also runs a guitar teaching center and teaches at various other establishments, hoping to inspire passion. Furthermore, he actively organizes and participates in music exchange programs to raise funds for those in need. The young artist's philanthropic efforts have left their mark on many villages and hamlets.

Understanding the dilemma young people face when choosing their passion, for the past six years, Doan Long has voluntarily mentored many young bands. The "Open Space" show, organized by him and his colleagues, has become an ideal meeting place for music lovers. Inspired by the "source" that Long has provided, many young people have gained the confidence to fully embrace and live their art. This is a great joy and a significant reward that this passionate young artist cherishes and preserves.

Quang Hiep

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/xa-hoi/202603/tim-mach-nguon-cua-chinh-minh-09b3e1c/