'Folk boy' in Sen Village

Dat is the youngest of three children in Sen 4 hamlet, Kim Lien commune, Nam Dan district. Dat's family is in the wedding service business, and his father and older sister are famous folk singers in the area. Living in a family artistic atmosphere, Dat showed his talent early, he knew how to sing folk songs since grade 1, and performed on stage in grade 3.

Currently, Dat can sing many folk songs fluently. He has a clear, unique voice, with a flexible, melodious voice that attracts listeners. Having been familiar with the stage since he was young, Dat is quite bold and natural. No matter where he is, if asked to listen to folk songs, Dat will freely sing along right there.

In recent years, Dat has been a rising “folk singer” in the region. Although he is still young, he has sung in many places: family weddings, holidays at pagodas, communes, schools, art festivals, etc. Not only singing, Dat also teaches folk songs to children in the neighborhood and at school. Dat’s house is in the middle of the village, and on his days off from school, there are always folk songs.

Not only is Dat a good singer, he is also an advanced student: "I prioritize studying, because only with knowledge can I sing well." Photo: Huy Thu

According to Mr. Nguyen Truong Thi - Dat's father, seeing that his son has a talent for the arts, the family has created all conditions for Dat to participate in collective activities from club activities to studying, performing, and singing competitions. 3 years ago, Dat was brought to Vinh City by his father to further develop his folk singing techniques from famous artists. Dat's father is also the one who shapes Dat's singing voice every day.

Currently, Dat is studying in class 6B, Kim Lien Secondary School. Although passionate about singing, Dat does not neglect his studies, from grade 1 to grade 6 he has always been an advanced student. The boy who loves singing believes: "We have to make a reasonable schedule, so as not to affect each other, as long as there is still time to play soccer, badminton, study and sing. I prioritize studying, because with cultural knowledge, I can sing well".

Dat and his father practice singing folk songs together. Photo: Huy Thu

Over the years, Dat has been an active member of the Kim Lien Secondary School Folk Song Club and has made certain contributions to the school's art movement. Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan - Dat's music teacher said: "Dat is a talented student, especially in Vi Giam folk songs. Compared to other students, he has a beautiful, unique, and outstanding singing voice. If trained, Dat's singing voice will have a lot of potential."

Dat was very excited to share about singing folk songs: “I love singing, singing is fun, but I want to sing seriously. I have never failed any art program in class or at school. When there is a difficult performance that I cannot handle, I will ask to change the song so that I can sing it completely.”

With the care of his family, the dedication and guidance of artists and artisans, and his own efforts to learn, Dat's singing voice has become "more standard and better". Dat has participated in many art performances of schools and departments at all levels and has been awarded many prizes. At the recent provincial folk song singing contest in schools (April 2018), Dat was one of two young contestants to win the "Promising" award.