When technology has become an indispensable part of today's life, many people in Dong Nai choose their own ways to preserve and spread the cultural values of their homeland.
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| People's Artist Dong Thi Que Anh has made dozens of music videos, serving audiences both inside and outside the province on social networking platforms. Photo: My Ny |
When digital platforms become "stages" to promote culture
At 70, folk artist Pham Lo (residing in Tran Bien ward) is still diligently recording and introducing pieces of đờn ca tài tử (Southern amateur traditional music) and cải lương (reformed opera, the southern region's most popular theatrical form) on his personal YouTube channel. Although his hair has turned gray and his hands have slowed, his eyes still shine brightly every time he holds the instrument and sings ancient songs.
Not only does he perform, artist Pham Lo also compiles CD and DVD teaching materials and gives online lessons via Zoom, Facebook, and YouTube. His classes have no blackboards or chalk, but are filled with the sounds of instruments and singing voices of many students from provinces and cities, and even overseas Vietnamese people who love folk art and want to learn to preserve the soul of the nation.
Folk artist Pham Lo shared: “I not only preserve the original music, but also want to pass on the love of đờn ca tài tử (Southern amateur music) to the next generation. Teaching amateur music, reformed opera or introducing amateur music on the internet is virtual, but the emotions and passion are real. Thanks to that, the spirit of amateur music art is spread widely.”
People's Artist Dong Thi Que Anh is also one of the leading figures who spread the flame of Dong Nai culture on the digital platform. As the Director of Dong Nai Art Theater, People's Artist Que Anh constantly innovates to bring reformed opera and other traditional performing arts closer to the public, especially the youth.
Her personal YouTube channel namely Dong Que Anh regularly introduces new MVs every week and every month, attracting tens of thousands of views, comments and over 114 thousand subscribers. At the end of June 2025, she won the silver button for her YouTube channel. In addition, her Facebook channel is regularly updated with images, videos of cải lương excerpts, full plays and many music and dance programs, from traditional songs to modern music, contributing to promoting Dong Nai arts to audiences inside and outside the province.
In addition to famous artists and artisans, many young people in Dong Nai living and working in many provinces and cities across the country are also pioneering the use of digital platforms as a tool to promote local culture in a close, modern and creative way. Among them, Ka Ngoc Huong and Ka Tuyen (from Ta Lai commune) have introduced the culture, tourism and cuisine of the Ma people to people and tourists through specific actions, videos and real images on Facebook and TikTok.
In the field of contemporary performing arts, young faces such as: Artist Tran Trung (working at the Center for Music Talent Development of Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music) with videos of performing Dan Bau instrument (monochord) with modern arrangements, combined with artists playing guitar, piano or electronic beats, widely released on Spotify and Apple Music platforms; or the story of Dan Tranh artist Dinh Thi Thuong Huyen, lecturer of Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music, founder and leader of Dan Tranh class at Thanh Am Viet Music Center... also actively inspire the community to want to learn and stick with traditional musical instruments.
According to cultural researchers, in order for the cultural flame to spread widely on digital platforms, in addition to the efforts of individual artists, artisans, and young content creators, the supporting role of the government, the cultural sector, and social organizations is also extremely important. Investing in digital infrastructure, providing technical support, organizing training courses, orienting content, connecting with experts, etc., are factors that help spread Dong Nai's cultural values sustainably and in the right direction.
“Linking Bridge” traditional culture with modern audiences
No longer confined to traditional stages or ceremonial performance frameworks, artists, individuals and units in the province are increasingly proactive in "transforming" themselves in the digital space to become lively "bridges" between traditional culture and modern audiences. The common point that is easily seen in those who spread the flame of culture on the digital platforms is the spirit of dedication and creativity to serve the public. They not only preserve the old, but also know how to innovate and breathe new life into traditional values, helping Dong Nai's identity become more accessible and receptive.
M.A. Phan Dinh Dung, from Folk Arts Department (Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association), who has spent years researching and surveying the cultural life of the South in general and of Dong Nai in particular, said: Digital transformation is not only a tool, but also a great opportunity for traditional culture to be revived, properly understood and loved again. Those who are actively working on cyberspace with the role of spreading the flame of culture and art are the important "bridges" between the past and the present, between Dong Nai and the world.
By: My Ny
Translated by: Quoc Dung - Thu Ha
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