The untold story of the 'father' behind Phi Nhung and Nhu Quynh's hit songs.

Composer Ngo Minh Tai is the author of a series of beloved homeland-themed lyrical songs performed by singers such as Phi Nhung, Nhu Quynh, and Bang Kieu.

He said he first met and worked with singer Phi Nhung in 2017. She has performed his compositions such as:Tra Vinh, the land of blessings.(duet with Ho Van Cuong)My youth awaits you.,Oh no, flowers falling in the sky.andHey Hai, don't cross the river!- the final work in the singer's career.

Every time the song is mentionedHey Hai, don't cross the river!Ngo Minh Tai was still moved. For him, it was a lifelong memory he could never forget. On his birthday, Phi Nhung brought her adopted child to give him a cake and wish him a happy birthday.

While everyone was chatting, Phi Nhung's adopted daughter advised her not to get married. Hearing this, Ngo Minh Tai said to her, "Hai, don't cross the river." From then on, the idea for the song took shape; the phrase "don't cross the river" refers to getting married.

During the peak of the pandemic in Ho Chi Minh City, Phi Nhung went to the recording studio with Ngo Minh Tai and a technical staff member. She was very emotional while recording the song.Hey Hai, don't cross the river!.

That was the last time Ngo Minh Tai met Phi Nhung. After that, the singer participated in charitable activities to help people, contracted Covid-19, and passed away.

"In my compositions performed by Nhung,Hey Hai, don't cross the river!"It's the most popular song. I really appreciate that," he shared.

The musician added that during their four years working together, the two siblings were always cheerful and got along well. Phi Nhung often said to Ngo Minh Tai, "You're too picky, Uncle Nam." They shared the same opinion that each song is associated with the singer's name, so everything needs to be done meticulously and respectfully to the audience.

The second singer Ngo Minh Tai cherishes is Nhu Quynh - who performed the song.The sea and youAccording to the musician, Nhu Quynh is particularly meticulous and thoughtful with the works she agrees to perform.

Phi Nhung's unfinished recording of "Hai ơi, đừng qua sông" (Hai, don't cross the river).

The singer cherished every little detail in the song.The sea and you- something Ngo Minh Tai found admirable. When writing this song, the musician chose the lyrical genre with a Southern Vietnamese style.

He uses many metaphors throughout the song, portraying a person who appears cold and decisive on the outside but is weak and fragile on the inside, as the lyrics say: "The sea and you, a realm of silence, yet my heart still stirs."

Following this song, Ngo Minh Tai and Nhu Quynh will continue their collaboration on an upcoming track, which has already had its arrangement and production completed.

The musician also expressed his appreciation for singer Bang Kieu and the song.My sister's storyFew people know that this song was written based on the story of the close friendship and stage partnership between the singing duo Mạnh Quỳnh and Phi Nhung.

Following his well-received live performance, Ngo Minh Tai announced that an official recording of the song would be released soon. Bang Kieu cried a lot during the recording process.

In addition, Bang Kieu was also one of the 60 singers who performed the choral piece.More than just a thank youHe composed these songs alongside Tuan Ngoc, Y Lan, Khanh Ha, Quang Dung, Ngoc Anh, Minh Tuyet, Dinh Bao, Lam Anh, and others.

Composer Ngo Minh Tai.

Besides folk and sentimental songs, Ngo Minh Tai is also very skilled in film music. He is the author of many songs.A stranger I once remembered, a stranger I once knew.(movieFlower, Wind, Moon, and Rain(Behind(movieFlying Star Flower),...

Looking back on his musical journey, Ngo Minh Tai feels honored and fortunate to have earned the trust of many artists and partners. Currently, he focuses on songwriting and music research.

What the musician hopes for is that his works will have both artistic value and lasting appeal in the market. "I am willing to sacrifice my time, my life, and my finances to create works that are well-received," the 8X generation musician confided.