'The folk song boy' in Lang Sen Village

Dat is the youngest of three siblings in a family living in Sen 4 hamlet, Kim Lien commune, Nam Dan district. Dat's family runs a wedding service business, and his father and older sister are well-known folk singers in the area. Growing up in a family steeped in arts, Dat showed early talent, singing folk songs from the first grade and performing on stage by the third grade.

Currently, Dat can sing many folk songs fluently. He has a resonant, unique voice, with captivating and graceful embellishments that enthrall listeners. Having been familiar with the stage since childhood, Dat is quite confident and natural. Wherever he is, if asked to sing folk songs, Dat will readily join in and sing on the spot.

Over the years, Dat has become a rising star in the folk music scene. Despite his young age, he has performed in many places: weddings, festivals at temples and in the commune, schools, and art festivals. Not only does he sing, but Dat also teaches folk songs to younger children in his neighborhood and at school. His house, located in the middle of the village, is always filled with the joyful sounds of folk songs on his school days.

Besides being a talented singer, Dat is also an outstanding student: "I prioritize my studies because only with knowledge can I sing well." Photo: Huy Thu

According to Mr. Nguyen Truong Thi, Dat's father, seeing his son's talent in performing arts, the family created every opportunity for Dat to participate in group activities, from club activities to studying, performing, and singing competitions. Three years ago, Dat's father brought him to Vinh City to further hone his folk singing techniques under the guidance of renowned artists. Dat's father also daily guided and refined his singing voice.

Currently, Dat is in class 6B at Kim Lien Secondary School. Although passionate about singing, Dat doesn't neglect his studies; from grade 1 to grade 6, he has consistently been an outstanding student. The boy who loves singing believes: "You have to create a reasonable schedule so that everything doesn't interfere with each other, as long as there's still time for playing football, badminton, studying, and singing. I prioritize studying because with cultural knowledge, I can sing better."

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

Over the years, Dat has been an active member of the folk music club at Kim Lien Secondary School and has made significant contributions to the school's arts and culture movement. Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan, Dat's music teacher, said: "Dat is a talented student, especially in folk songs like 'vi giam'. Compared to other students, he has a beautiful, unique, and outstanding voice. With proper training, Dat's singing talent has great potential."

Dat was very enthusiastic about sharing his thoughts on singing folk songs: "I love singing, it's fun to sing, but I want to sing seriously. I've never messed up a single performance at a school or class cultural event. When a performance is too difficult and I can't handle it, I'll ask to change songs so I can sing it completely."

Thanks to 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 increasingly "perfect and beautiful." Dat has participated in many arts and culture competitions at his school and various levels of government, and has received numerous awards. At the recent provincial-level folk singing competition in schools (April 2018), Dat was one of two young contestants to win the "Promising Talent" award.