Thai ethnic boy from Nghe An province entered the final round of Sao Mai 2019

Joy in a distant village

When hearing the news that the son of Thai village, La Hoang Quy, had excellently entered the final round of the Television Singing Festival - Sao Mai Award 2019 and Quy was the only contestant from Nghe An province to enter this final round, the joy was multiplied.

These days, the small house of La Hoang Quy's family in Xieng Huong village is always filled with joy and laughter from relatives, siblings, and people inside and outside the village coming to share joy and congratulate the family.

These days, the small house of La Hoang Quy's family in Xieng Huong village, Xa Luong commune (Tuong Duong) is always crowded, because people inside and outside the village come to congratulate the family. Photo: Dinh Tuan

Ms. Kha Thi Phuong, who lives next door to Quy, said: Quy is gentle and well-behaved, so everyone loves him. When they heard the news, not only people in the village but also people from outside the village came to congratulate Quy and his family. Although born into a poor family, Quy's achievements were beyond the imagination of many people.

Mrs. Luong Thi Phao, Quy's 80-year-old grandmother, recalled: "If I'm not mistaken, that day was February 23, Quy called me and said that he had entered the national final round. It's true that God did not disappoint my grandson's efforts."

Mr. La Van May and Mrs. Kha Thi Xuan (Quy's father and mother) could not hide the joy on their faces. Mrs. Kha Thi Xuan shared: "Since hearing the news that Quy was selected to the national finals, every day people in the village come to celebrate and congratulate.

Although my family's economic situation is still difficult, the final round will open on March 24, if my health is guaranteed, I will participate to encourage my son. There are only 15 contestants nationwide, including my son. Whether he wins or not, my family is still very proud of him."

Mrs. Kha Thi Xuan - La Hoang Quy's mother, cooks a pot of water to invite guests to join the family. Photo: Dinh Tuan

Talking about himself, La Hoang Quy said: "I am Thai ethnic, my family is poor, compared to other contestants I have to try much harder in training, show my full ability in the national final round, repay the love that my family and neighbors have given me."

La Hoang Quy's entry into the Final Round of the Television Singing Festival - Sao Mai Award in 2019 is not only the pride of his family and the honor of his hometown, but Quy's efforts to overcome difficulties are an example for young people in the poor Xieng Huong village to learn from.

Continue writing the dream

La Hoang Quy performs the song "Every step we take, we love our country more" by artist Hoang Van at the Northern regional final round. Photo: NVCC

At that time, the family's conditions were very difficult, Quy thought about dropping out of school to ease the burden on his parents, but then his parents encouraged him: His parents themselves were disadvantaged because they did not have a proper education in the past, so he continued to go to school to continue his dream.

In 2010, Quy passed the entrance exam to Nghe An Province's Ethnic Boarding High School, but thinking that his sister was studying far from home and his younger brother was still young, in order to help with housework and ease the burden on his parents, Quy registered to study at Tuong Duong 1 Ethnic Boarding High School.

After graduating from high school, Quy applied to only one school, Hanoi College of Art. With his natural talent, Quy was admitted to the school's Vocal Music Department with a fairly high score.

Because his family was poor, Quy had to study and work part-time at cafes and restaurants to make ends meet while studying in the capital. In his second year, a friend introduced him to a bar for an audition and he was accepted to sing right away.

La Hoang Quy is the pride of Tuong Duong people. Photo: NVCC

In 2013, Quy won the third prize in the student singing contest in Hanoi. In 2015, Quy won the third prize in the Nghe An Television Singing Festival - Sao Mai Award.

Not stopping there, Quy continued to take the exam and was admitted to the Military University of Culture and Arts.

The journey was very arduous but also full of sweet fruits, a worthy result for the determination of a talented ethnic minority boy. Wishing Quy good luck, promoting his talent on the upcoming Sao Mai final stage and on his future artistic journey.

La Hoang Quy at the Northern region final. Photo: NVCC

In 2013, Quy won the third prize of the Student Singing Contest in Hanoi. In 2015, Quy won the third prize of the Nghe An Television Singing Festival - Sao Mai Award.

In 2017, won third prize in Nghe An Voice contest organized by Nghe An Radio and Television Station.

At the Sao Mai 2019 final night, Quy excelled over 300 contestants to win second prize in the chamber music category and entered the Sao Mai final round in the Northern region.