Young people passionate about traditional Then singing

Amid concerns that traditional Then melodies may gradually disappear with the passing of older artisans, many young people from the Tay ethnic group are taking the initiative to preserve and promote this cultural heritage through creative approaches. From offering free classes in their villages and conducting online lessons to promoting Then on social media and performing on major stages, the younger generation is helping keep this traditional art form alive in contemporary life.

In Chau Quan Hamlet, Binh An Commune, artisan Ma Van Quan is affectionately known by local residents as the “young Then master”. Having devoted himself to hundreds of traditional Then melodies, he regularly offers free classes at his home, teaching children in the village how to play the Tinh lute, sing Then and pronounce ancient Tay words correctly. He also travels to local schools and remote villages to pass on this heritage, helping younger generations understand and carry forward their ethnic traditions.

Artisan Ma Van Quan performs Then singing at the seminar “Vietnam's Cultural Industries: Integration and Development” in Hanoi.

Beyond face-to-face teaching, young people are also making use of digital technology to expand the reach of this cultural heritage. Phung Van Tien, from Phu Luu Commune, has chosen social media as a bridge to bring the Tinh lute and Then singing closer to the public. After work, he records instructional videos on playing the instrument and shares them on TikTok and Facebook. His personal TikTok account has attracted nearly 7,000 followers and more than 156,000 likes. Notably, Tien has organised five online courses in Tinh lute playing and Then singing, attracting learners from various provinces and cities.

In Trung Ha Commune, young artisan Chu Van Thach is also actively promoting Then through digital platforms. His two YouTube channels have attracted more than 20,000 subscribers, with many videos receiving hundreds of thousands of views. He has also produced more than 500 karaoke backing tracks for Then songs, enabling enthusiasts across the country to practise singing at home. In addition, he has participated in cultural performances and exchanges in the Republic of Korea and China, as well as musical exchanges with international artists in Hanoi.

Artisan Chu Thach promotes Then singing on social media platforms.

Sharing the same passion, young Tay woman Nguyen Thi Canh not only teaches Then to children in her village but also uses social media to promote traditional music, instruments and costumes of her ethnic group. These activities are helping bring the heritage closer to the public, particularly younger audiences.

From village-based classes to digital platforms and international cultural exchange stages, young people are creating new ways to preserve and promote traditional Then singing. Through these efforts, the heritage is not merely being kept alive in people's memories but continues to thrive and spread in contemporary life.

Giang Lam