LookAtVietnam – Seeing Mai Tuyet Hoa dressed in a T-shirt and jeans and riding a motorbike, nobody would think that she is a famous singer of Xam songs in the capital of Vietnam.

Mai Tuyet Hoa.

Not long ago, during a visit to a night street fair on Hang Dao Street in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, I saw a girl sitting on the pavement and singing Xam songs, who later I learnt was Mai Tuyet Hoa. This girl was amazing, not only for her lovely renditions of Xam music but also because of her exquisite beauty. Her singing impressed not only me but many passers-by.

Old Xam artisan Ha Thi Cau (left) teaches artist Mai Tuyet Hoa techniques of Xam singing.

For almost 20 years studying Dan nhi – the major musical instrument to accompany Xam singing, Hoa’s knowledge and passion for the art grew. Her time working at the Vietnam National Institute of Music provided her more opportunities to gain a reputation as an excellent Xam performer.

Hoa is fortunate enough to learn Xam singing from many singers, including famous Xam artisan Ha Thi Cau from Ninh Binh Province. She was taught how to play the musical instrument and sing with it. With assistance from the artists of the Vietnam National Institute of Music, Hoa has entered into the world of Xam singing with a passionate devotion.

Mai Tuyet Hoa (middle) sings Xam songs during a trip to a rural area.

I saw Hoa singing Xam songs many times, but at each performance I still feel deeply moved by her singing. The soft and haunting melody always reminds me of the past, of some places where there are people from different lives. Hoa always performs with all her heart and talent with which she attracts a huge audience. When performing, she wears the attire of a poor beggar: an old skirt, a brown shirt, a kerchief tired around her head and an old conical hat. Sitting in a corner of the street crowded with passers-by to play a Dan nhi and sing sorrowful songs, Hoa portrays a miserable person so well people think she really needs help.

Hoa said she is closely attached to Xam singing, which is known by few people. She hopes more artists will come along and learn this art form.

In the street, Hoa can be easily lost among a crowd of young, modern women. I know the only thing that differentiates her from the others is that she has a great passion for Xam melodies of the old days.

VietNamNet/ND