Skilled child 'drummer' causes a 'fever' at Gam Temple Festival

Huy Thu • March 16, 2025 16:35

Although still young, the 5-year-old boy's drum performance made many people present at the drum beating competition of the Gam Temple Festival in 2025 admire and praise him.

That is Nguyen Canh Dat from the drumming team of Thuong Xuan hamlet, Xuan Thanh commune. As soon as he stepped onto the stage in his traditional red costume, holding a pair of drumsticks horizontally in his hand, his mature demeanor made the whole hall stir. Photo: Huy Thu

In the competition, the big drum is usually placed high on the right side of the stage. However, when it was Thuong Xuan hamlet's turn, because Dat was young and left-handed, the drum stand had to be lowered as much as possible and moved to the left side of the stage to accommodate him. Photo: Huy Thu

bna_3..jpg — Right after the judges' signal, Dat confidently swung the drumsticks, beat each beat of the big drum, leading the drum team - including the men and uncles - in a steady rhythm, making the audience admire and marvel. Photo: Huy Thu

According to the judges, the art of drumming requires the harmonious coordination between the big drum, small drum, gong, nao... The person holding the big drum plays the role of a conductor, creating rhythm to lead the entire drum team. Despite his young age, Dat has performed this role excellently, proving the mettle of a true drummer. Photo: Huy Thu

The performance of Thuong Xuan hamlet ended with resounding applause. As soon as he stepped off the stage, Dat was surrounded by many people who congratulated, encouraged and praised his drumming skills. Photo: Huy Thu

The older members of the drum troupe of Thuong Xuan hamlet all have special affection for Dat. This is the first time the troupe has had a “young drummer” who plays the big drum with great courage. Photo: Huy Thu

Every time he competes or participates in drumming competitions, Dat is always accompanied by his mother to help with his costumes. Thai Thi Ha, Dat's mother, shared: "He has been playing drums since he was 2 years old. In recent years, every time he worships his ancestors or attends the Gam Temple Festival, he has participated in the competition. This year, he officially holds the big drum, representing the village's competition team." Photo: Huy Thu

Before the competition, Dat often practiced with the men in the drum team. The night before the competition, he went to Gam temple to play drums and get ready for the important performance. Photo: Huy Thu

Mr. Le Xuan Thuyet - Chairman of the Fatherland Front Committee of Xuan Thanh Commune and Deputy of the Organizing Committee of the Gam Temple - Pagoda Festival in charge of the drum competition said: "Nguyen Canh Dat is the youngest artist among more than 90 artists participating in the drum competition at this year's festival. However, he is talented and plays the drum very well, breathing life into the drum beats, making the judges and viewers admire him. Photo: Huy Thu

Nguyen Canh Dat plays the big drum in the drum competition of the drum team of Thuong Xuan hamlet. Video: Huy Thu

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