Although there are few performers of French songs in Saigon, they perform with passion, making the genre popular with many music lovers.

Like French literature, French songs describe the strengths and frailties of the human spirit. The French culture wielded a large influence on Vietnam, so it is interesting to consider the position that French music has in people’s lives today. Many songs and singers from France have had an important position in the musical life of Saigon.

According to the old generation of music lovers, French music before 1954 fueled the music world in Vietnam. After 1954, with the beginning of American influences, French music no longer dominated. It took a back seat to American music but still quietly developed. At the time, French music enthusiasts could still hear famous pieces such as La plus belle pour aller danse, Apres toi, Oh mon amour, J’aime Bien I’hive, Elle Etail si Jolie, and Le Prix performed by Nguyen Chanh Tin, Bich Tram, Paolo, and The Dung. It was also then that songwriter Vu Xuan Hung pioneered the translation of French songs into the Vietnamese language and gained acclaim from music lovers.

French music seems to be undergoing a revival in some cabarets in Saigon with the voices of Thanh Hoa, Yen Xuan, Hoang Kim, Anh Chi,Quang Dai, Cong Khanh, and Vu Trong Hieu.

French music lovers can come to C’est Moi Café at 126F Phan Dang Luu Street, Binh Thanh District. Every night, Thanh Hoa’s performances on the guitar are full of romance and heartbreak.

Enthusiasts can also come to Serenata 6D Ngo Thoi Nhiem Street, District 3.

Source: Saigon Times Daily