The mesmerizing voice of the tea house singer captivates listeners.

(Baonghean) - Minh Hoang, a tea house singer with a refined and romantic voice, is no stranger to music lovers in Vinh City. He appears in most of Vinh City's live music cafes, his semi-classical ballad melodies resonating with poignant and captivating charm.

The poignant and captivating feeling that Minh Hoang brings to listeners is not simply the feeling of being carried away by the beautiful melodies of his lyrical songs, but also the feeling of being in tune with and captivated by the emotions he conveys.

Tea house singer Minh Hoang (right). Photo: TN

Whenever he sings, Hoang always aims to tell a musical love story to the listener in his own unique style, through his own distinctive musical identity. Therefore, anyone who has fallen in love with ballads or classic songs cannot help but be captivated by Hoang's voice. When listening to Hoang sing, one might doubt whether he is a singer who was once famous elsewhere. When I asked Hoang about this doubt, he humbly replied: "I only studied at the Hanoi Conservatory of Music, you know. But what I have is passion and sincerity for music."

Hoang was born into a family with no one pursuing a career in music, but from a young age, his musical talent was evident. While still in high school, Hoang was dubbed a teenage singer, and in every art competition, this small-statured student always won top prizes.

However, Hoang never thought he would pursue a career in music, because besides his love for singing, football was also a great passion of his. For him, music was for playing, for sharing and expressing his feelings, while football was a place where he could be liberated and live authentically. Because of these thoughts, Hoang didn't choose music to pursue; instead, he chose a contrasting field: training physical education teachers.

He enrolled in the Physical Education department at the Teacher Training College and studied there for two years. By chance, Hoang learned that the Vinh City Youth Union was organizing a music talent competition, so he immediately registered. “I registered for the competition just for fun, to ease my longing for my ‘profession,’ and also as an interesting experience to fulfill my passion in a professional music arena.”

In this competition, the organizers invited renowned artists to be judges, so most contestants were very excited to showcase their best. Hoang participated with the song "Thu Can" by composer Giang Son, a hit song at the time. Contrary to what people imagined, the song "Thu Can," which was closely associated with the famous singer Tung Duong, would be difficult to escape the shadow of this talented Sao Mai singer. But when Hoang's voice rang out, both the judges and the audience at the final night of the "Vinh City Idol" competition were amazed. The song "Thu Can" seemed to be given a new, purer form.

Immediately after the competition ended, even though he only won third prize, singer Siublak and artist Mai Huong, a teacher at the Hanoi College of Arts, sought out Hoang just to tell him: "It would be a shame if you didn't pursue a professional career. You should go study vocal music."

Hoang said, “Before, my friends advised me to pursue a singing career, but I didn't really pay attention because I thought I didn't have the advantages a semi-classical singer needs – a good physique, a strong backing. But when two famous artists approached me backstage just to suggest I pursue a professional career, the flame of passion that had been smoldering for so long suddenly ignited.” From that day on, Hoang asked his parents for permission to “change course,” and he packed his bags and went to Hanoi to find a teacher to prepare him for music school. He was warmly welcomed by artist Mai Huong, and Hoang drove over 30 kilometers by motorbike taxi to meet her.

However, even now, when talking about fate and destiny in life, Hoang can't help but feel regret when mentioning his teacher, Mai Huong. After that meeting, Hoang didn't become her "favorite student" because of a small misunderstanding. To this day, Hoang still regrets not being able to explain it to her.

But it was also by chance that he met the teacher who guided him step by step, helping him confidently step onto the stage; the teacher who poured all his professional knowledge into his student, who possessed a beautiful voice and a keen sense of musical aesthetics. Throughout his three years at the school, Hoang was consistently highly regarded by the school's administration, achieving perfect scores in every exam.

One might have thought that after graduating from professional music school, Hoang would quickly find a good job. But in music, not everyone with talent and hard work will walk the path to glory. He began his journey south to find a new musical space, to find a place that needed him. Hoang said: "If you ask where in Saigon people have the most discerning and tasteful appreciation for music, you'll get the answer: tea rooms and cafes." Because, according to Hoang, these places carefully screen singers, and the singers always have to be the most polished and stylish on stage. Here, Hoang was welcomed, truly admired, and he also earned an income that allowed him to live "quite comfortably" with his profession.

But it was fate that forced Hoang to put aside his dream of becoming a highly sought-after freelance singer in Saigon. During a visit to his hometown, he was invited to sing at the Muong Thanh coffee shop and immediately signed a contract. During his performances at this small venue, he was warmly welcomed by the audience in Vinh. He fell in love with a pretty Vinh girl who worked there. “After falling in love and meeting my wife, I no longer wanted to move south or north. No stage could bring me as much happiness as singing for my loved one, being close to her to build a castle of happiness.”

When asked if he regretted not choosing a more glamorous path, Hoang said that he was fortunate to have such a busy schedule, as he was fully booked for most of the week. The fees for provincial singers performing in tea rooms aren't high, but he has a side job. Many students have sought him out for vocal training, and to date, he has trained dozens of students, with each course lasting 12-15 sessions. Hoang believes: "Teaching vocal music is also a way of practicing my profession because I can inspire and instill passion in those who love music."

Thanh Nga