This is an extract of the traditional music show reviving Can Tho chanty and Vietnamese lullabies lately hosted by the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Can Tho. It proves the good spread of cultural heritage promotion and conservation.

Based on the theme of "Melody of country love", the show has taken its audience back to the origin of the intangible cultural heritages which Can Tho people are proud of. Can Tho chanty performers can sing in turns, sing on the river and on the field. The most intriguing part is probably an extract taken from “Hau River Chanty” composed by Dieu Huyen as mentioned earlier. No matter how repeatedly the rustic and smooth chanty is played, it always sounds amazing and touching.

Regarding the lullaby heritage, scriptwriter and songwriter Nham Hung has subtly applied a storyline throughout the traditional songs and combined with the lullabies of grandmothers, mothers, and daughters’ singing the baby to sleep. What a soothing lullaby!

““Ơ ầu ơ... Ví dầu ví dẫu ví dâu

Ví qua ví lại, ví trâu vô chuồng”

(chasing the buffalo around and finally to the barn)

Or:

“Ầu ơ... Má ơi con vịt chết chìm (I saw a duckling drowning, mom.)

Con thò tay bắt nó... Ầu ơ... (I reached out to catch him)

Con cá lìm kìm nó cắn tay con... Ầu ơ...” (but a halfbeak bit me.)

Having taken place amid the amusement of Ninh Kieu Tourism Festival - Night of Flower Garlands and Colored Lanterns and the hustle and bustle of city life, the "Melody of country love" show was thought to be out of tune. On the contrary, the long-lasting chanty and lullabies appear so appealing. Like many people, songwriter Nham Hung expresses his concern of “no more audience”. However, as it can be seen, hundreds of viewers including millennials and seniors watch the entire show, which has motivated the crew and the performers. Nguyen Hoang Thien Bao, a Tay Do University student has commented, “the lullaby reminds me of my grandma. Her singing was my childhood memory. I have been extremely moved when watching the show.”

Words and phrases such as “back then”, “memory” and “reminisce” are frequently used by the audience after the show. It is such an effective way to spread the value of cultural heritage.

*

*     *

The "Melody of country love" show is one of the effective approaches developed by Can Tho Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism in terms of promoting and conserving heritage values. In particular, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has added Can Tho chanty and lullabies to the list of National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Southern Vietnam chanty in general and Can Tho chanty, in particular, were created in close connection with the Southern reclaiming phase. The way of breathing, singing vibratos, and high notes presents a strong bond between Can Tho people and their homeland. Can Tho chanty culturally and spiritually reflects human-nature, social and interpersonal relationships. According to researcher Lu Nhat Vu, the chanty consists of three main styles, namely, hò cấy (amateurs’ antiphonal singing) hò huê tình (slow solo or romantic duet singing), and hò mái dài (singing long ending line in one breath).  Like folks in many localities, Can Tho people have been singing lullabies to children to sleep from generation to generation. These lullabies have been passed down from grandmothers to mothers and daughters and penetrated deep into the souls of the locals. They lullabies create their own nuances in terms of melodies, rhythms, and lyrics.

Chanty and lullabies, these cultural heritages have enriched the traditions of the locality for generations. The spirit of Ancestors build and descendants cultivate, which has fostered Can Tho culture over time. Some people concern that lullabies and chanty are faded away in the midst of modern life as a result of fewer and fewer stages available. There must be a reason for that, but as for Can Tho people, they have a deep respect for cultural traditions and humanity. It is believed that chanty and lullabies will be continually sung across the land.