Xam singing – a form of Vietnamese folk music – originated during the feudal era and is closely associated with the livelihoods of the visually impaired. Despite many ups and downs, these Xam melodies have become a treasured part of Vietnam’s intangible cultural heritage. Once thought too archaic to find a place in the modern world, Xam singing is now making a strong comeback, capturing the imagination of young people through innovative, creative approaches.
On a sweltering weekend evening, at a café steeped in old Hanoi charm, nestled deep in a small alley in Hoan Kiem district, a large crowd of young people gathered to experience the exceptional folk art of Xam singing.
As part of efforts to develop and promote Xam singing, Ninh Binh province has focused over the years on preserving the cultural values the folk art possesses.
A festival of Xam singing, or singing by blind buskers, has been held in the northern province of Ninh Binh, to promote and preserve the intangible heritage and local cultural values and contribute to the recovery of domestic tourism post-pandemic.
Late artist Ha Thi Cau is remembered as an advocate for the Vietnamese folk singing genre ‘Xam’. Now that she has passed away, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren continue to uphold the art form to fulfil her wish of nurturing and promoting ‘Xam’.
Xam singing is a traditional art form of the Vietnamese people in the northern region. It is mostly practiced in public venues where people gather, such as wharves, markets and communal houses. Join us to find out more about how the art form is practiced in Ha Nam province.
The very first album featuring xam (music of blind buskers) has been released in an effort of Mai Tuyet Hoa and her team to revive the traditional music.
