VIETNAMESE FOLK MUSIC - AO MOI CA MAU (Singer: Phuong My Chi)

(link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsCK48kpaJo)

Folk music is one of the most popular music in Vietnam. Due to its beautiful and popularity, many people have chosen to pursue their career in the folk music area. One of the most spectacular singers is Phuong My Chi, who was considered one of the youngest singer in folk music. She is from the South of Vietnam and became famous through the reality television show named The Voice of Vietnam Kids in 2013. The folk music has become Vietnamese traditional music for centuries.

Phuong My Chi was born in January 13, 2003 in District 8, Ho Chi Minh City. She lives in a small house with her family which includes three generations- her grandparents, her parents and her cousins. My Chi’s dream is to become a singer to help her parents build a better house. Her career started when she was only six. One of Chi’s aunt accidentally heard My Chi’s beautiful voice when Chi sang karaoke. After that coincidence, she began to help My Chi in singing and practicing her voice.

In 2013, due to the courage of family, My Chi participated in the reality show named The Voice of Vietnam Kids with the song Que em mua nuoc lu (My country during the storm season). The judges were really impressed with her voice and surprised that she could sing folk music. One of the judges said that he was really surprised and happy that a ten year old child could sing Vietnamese folk music. He believed that My Chi would improve her career in the future. After the show, My Chi received 50 million Vietnam dong ($2,500 U.S dollars) for winning the second prize. She also received an International elementary school scholarship, which could help her receive a better education.

After the ceremony, My Chi continues on her career as a folk music singer and tried to be an outstanding student at the same time. One of her famous songs is Ao Moi Ca Mau, which was written by Thanh Son. The song portrayed the picture of the peace and the patriotic of people in Vietnam. Its melody reminds people of their family and their friends.

In essence, folk music has become a necessary part in daily life of Vietnamese. People listen to folk music to relax or reduce the daily stress. In my opinion, folk music is a beautiful traditional music that has an important impact on Vietnamese life. The theme of the music always surrounds the beauty of the country and its people. Moreover, it reminds Vietnamese about the patriotism and satisfaction of the soldiers, who had satisfied their lives for the peace and freedom of the country. Listening to folk music everyday makes me feel relax and reduce a lot of stress from school and daily life. Due to its melody, folk music has comforted my stressfulness and replaced it with a peaceful feeling.