Musical storyteller

(Baonghean) - Often appearing in major music programs and events, Minh Hieu is known as a famous pop singer in Vinh City. People know him not only for his elegance and sophistication in his voice but also for the way he dedicates himself when holding the mic and telling stories through music.

Not being a singer from a traditional family, nor being discovered since childhood because of his innate musical talent, Minh Hieu quietly came to music on his own path. It was not through many collisions on popular stages nor from famous music competitions, but simply from the idea that "I have a voice, I think I sing well, so I'll try to compete and see".

The first time he competed, also the first time Hieu stood on stage, was when he auditioned for the Provincial Traditional Music and Dance Troupe. That time Minh Hieu only sang according to his preferences and chose the song “Tieng Dan Bau” that he loved to perform, conquering the judges with his clear, expressive voice and the performer’s charisma.

Minh Hieu is a pop singer who often appears at major events in the province. Photo courtesy of NVCC.

As a singer wearing a military uniform, serving the soldiers of Truong Sa is something Minh Hieu always wanted. Photo: NVCC.

After being selected to the final round, Minh Hieu was eliminated when the judges only chose 1 out of 3 contestants. After that competition, Minh Hieu attracted the attention of many singers and musicians, who advised him to compete in other arenas to receive proper training and education because "Hieu's voice will really have a place to show its talent if he knows how to invest".

With the guidance of senior singers, Minh Hieu decided to take the entrance exam to the Military College of Culture and Arts. After many nights of practicing his voice, days of jogging to keep his breath and "tie" his voice, the heavens did not disappoint him when Minh Hieu received a notice from the prestigious music school. Choosing to study continuously from intermediate to college, Hieu was determined to become a famous singer, a star in Thanh Vinh.

Singer Minh Hieu in the music program "Immortal Song" at the Vietnam - Laos Cemetery. Photo: Internet

Having been trained in vocal music, Minh Hieu has always been loyal to his first choice, which is light music. During his 4 years studying at the College of Culture and Arts, with the determination to have an image while still in school, Hieu, together with a group of friends from the same school who had the same interests, founded the Trong Com band (with him as the leader) with the hit song Trong Com arranged in the acabella style.

After a series of songs such as Tre Viet Nam, Cong Me Di Choi, Trong Com, the Trong Com band became known to audiences in the South and the North. "Because Trong Com at that time was evaluated by famous musicians and audiences as having the same level of professionalism and popularity as bands of the same period: ACNM, 5 lines or MTV". Until now, whenever mentioning Trong Com, singer Minh Hieu always thinks that it was the most brilliant period in his singing career.

After graduating from the Military College of Culture and Arts, Hieu was assigned to the Military Region 4 Art Troupe, and began his journey as a soldier singer, living and dedicating himself to the army. However, in 2006, the Military Region 4 Art Troupe only had Hieu as a pop singer. “I was worried, but I also felt that this was an opportunity for me to express myself, and at the same time spread the spirit of youth music in the unit.”

And Hieu's appearance brought a new look to the Group, which was the introduction of youth songs into the program, or revolutionary songs with new, more youthful arrangements. Since his return, the Group's light band was established and Minh Hieu was the band's main singer.

From the role of spreading the spirit of youth music, Minh Hieu has always been a pioneer in experimenting with new songs, so it is no longer strange for the audience to see Hieu appearing frequently in the new song program of Nghe An Television every time they turn on the TV.

Singer Minh Hieu with a lyrical pop song at an event in Vinh city. Photo: Internet

Since joining the Union, he has always been the main singer appearing in major music programs and events in the province. And in each of Hieu's shows, the audience always receives newness and the careful investment from his voice to his costumes. That is why he is also a leading role model for his junior singers in striving, practicing and improving, so that each time he appears, he is worthy of being a well-trained singer. "That is how I respect the audience and myself," Minh Hieu said.

And for more than 5 years now, in addition to his role as a singer, he is also known as a teacher training young singers. The transmission, sharing of experiences, and pioneering the building of the street music movement has always been considered necessary by Minh Hieu when "it is time to do something for Nghe An light music, because compared to Da Nang and Hue, we cannot have a vibrant music market, and do not have music venues that attract young people."

From the first days of his career as a soldier singer until now, more than 10 years have passed. When asked, "Do you have any regrets when returning, because at the time of graduation, you could have become a famous freelance singer?", he answered: "I have never regretted returning to contribute to my homeland." Because bringing pop music to a worthy place in the hearts of the Vinh public is something he has always been concerned about. He believes that: "Youth music also needs to be built to have the same spreading power as folk or chamber music, because as beautiful music, any style deserves to be cherished."

Thanh Nga