Melodies spread Dong Nai’s identity

Music about Dong Nai has long served as an endless source of inspiration for musicians and artists. The songs not only depict the beauty of nature and its people but also capture the vibrant, dynamic, and creative rhythm of life in this industrial region.

The song “Tieng chay tren soc Bom Bo” (the Sound of rice-pounding pestle in Bom Bo hamlet) by late musician Xuan Hong is performed by Dong Nai artists to serve the people. Photo: My Ny

Many works have successfully brought the image of Dong Nai's integration and development closer to the public. Through each melody, love for the homeland is nurtured, the Dong Nai identity is shared, contributing to enriching the spiritual life of all social classes.

Musical heritage - breath from the roots

Dong Nai is a land rich in cultural traditions, a place where many unique art forms converge. Among them, Don ca tai tu (southern amateur music) is an art form recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. In various localities across the province, the sounds of the dan kim (a two-stringed guitar), and the dan nhi (a two-stringed fiddle), along with the smooth melodies of traditional tai tu songs, continue to resonate during community gatherings. Additionally, the folk songs of the S’tieng, Ma, and Choro peoples play a significant role in shaping the unique cultural identity of Dong Nai.

Musician Dieu Duoc, a native of the Choro community in Thong Nhat commune, is one of the typical figures who has helped bring the music of Dong Nai’s ethnic minorities closer to the public. Most of his songs are a smooth combination of modern music and folk melodies, particularly Choro folk songs. Notable works include Nguoi Choro nho on Bac Ho (Choro people remember Uncle Ho's contributions), Dien sang ve lang Choro (Electricity comes to Choro village), Tinh yeu tren luong (Love in the fields), and Sac lua mua xuan (The colors of spring fire).

“Folk music is truly the soul of the villages, the ‘breath’ of our roots, continually nurturing the spirit of the Dong Nai people across generations. I always aspire to preserve and convey this essence into my compositions so that today’s youth can feel proud and more connected to their homeland,” musician Dieu Duoc shared.

The vibrant vitality of Dong Nai’s music lies not only in its rich traditional folk heritage but also in the continuity and creativity of numerous generations of musicians. With a strong contingent of creators, generations of musicians and artists from Dong Nai such as Tran Viet Binh, Cao Hong Son, Khanh Hoa, Tran Tam, Le Hang, Doan Quang Trung, Quang Thuyet, Nguyen Van Luan, Ha Cong Chinh... have diligently crafted new melodies over the years, following in the footsteps of predecessors like Hoang Viet and Xuan Hong, producing musical pieces that meet the expectations of the public.

“Dong Nai music today is a continuation of tradition and creativity, preserving its roots while blending with modern life. This interplay fosters a lasting influence, nurturing a sense of pride in one’s homeland for all.”

Musician Le Hang, Deputy Head of the Music Department, Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association

On its creative journey, Dong Nai’s music has integrated with contemporary flow. Many songs have captured the spirit of the times, reflecting the industrialization, modernization, and aspirations of this vibrant region. Melodies that celebrate industrial park workers, portray laborers working tirelessly day and night, or songs that express faith in a bright future have become distinctive highlights in the local musical life.

Musician Cao Hong Son, author of numerous songs about Dong Nai, once stated: “Composing about the homeland is an urge from the heart. Each song reflecting the land and people of Dong Nai is not merely music; it conveys a message of love and responsibility from the artist to the land that nurtured him.” It is precisely this heartfelt drive that has created a musical current both rich in local identity and vibrant with modern vitality.

New rhythm of life in the integration era

In order for music to genuinely flourish, public stages are essential. Over the years, Dong Nai has maintained and developed a diverse range of cultural and artistic activities, including festivals of Don ca tai tu, community art performances, music programs for students, civil servants, soldiers, and ethnic minority communities. These initiatives not only promote new works but also offer a platform for young artists to experiment and establish their unique style.

Many young artists and singers from Dong Nai have made their mark on major stages, carrying with them the pride of their homeland. Many individuals know how to incorporate folk elements into new works, producing musical products that are both familiar and creative. Notably, in the digital age, social media platforms have become a “springboard” to help young people in Dong Nai bring their hometown music closer to the domestic community and even extend their reach internationally.

Musician and pianist Vu Dang Quoc Viet, a native of Long Khanh, who lives and works in Ho Chi Minh City, is among the pioneering young artists bringing music into the digital space. Many of his albums, such as Sound of Silence and Three Minutes, have been released online and quickly garnered widespread attention from the public. With a modern style that harmoniously combines classical music and contemporary breath, Vu Dang Quoc Viet has affirmed his own distinctive mark, introducing the image of young Dong Nai artists to audiences worldwide.

In celebration of the 16th Vietnam Music Day in 2025, the Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association organized the program “Dong Nai welcomes the new era”. Numerous songs about Dong Nai, such as Tro lai soc Bom Bo (Returning to Bom Bo hamlet), Binh Phuoc ngay ve tham (Visiting Binh Phuoc again), San bay sen no (Lotus blooming airport), and Dinh Quan manh dat yeu thuong (Dinh Quan - the land of love), were presented to the audience through the voices of local artists and singers.

According to People's Artist Giang Manh Ha, Vice President of the Vietnam Stage Artists Association and President of the Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association, over the past time, the association has consistently focused on fostering a creative environment, encouraging successive generations of artists to stay connected and contribute to spreading Dong Nai’s music. In particular, the association has collaborated with various units and localities to organize creative camps, competitions, and more. Many newly-released works have not only served political tasks and the spiritual life of the people, but also contributed to promoting the image and spreading the identity of Dong Nai.

By: My Ny
Translated by: Huyen Trang - Thu Ha