Bui Thi Nam, a retired teacher in Ninh Binh, has devoted herself to preserving and nurturing the cultural soul of the Muong community, particularly the traditional art of Dum singing, which is facing the risk of fading away.
Born in 1961 and living in Yen Son Ward, Ninh Binh, Nam is an ethnic Muong and a retired preschool teacher. She is widely known for her deep love of traditional culture and her tireless efforts to preserve and promote Muong heritage, especially Dum singing.
From an early age, Nam was captivated by the melodies of Dum songs. She learned the art from her parents and through community gatherings and cultural exchanges. Many of her fondest youth memories are tied to Dum festivals. It was also through one of these festivals that she met and eventually married a local young man at the age of 22.
Bui Thi Nam has dedicated herself to preserving the cultural heritage of the Muong people.
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Nam remains deeply concerned about the future of traditional Muong Dum singing, which faces the risk of disappearing. Photo: N.T.
According to Nam, Dum singing, also known as "hat noi" or spoken singing, is a traditional form of folk courtship singing. Similar to Quan Ho singing in Bac Ninh, Vi and Giam folk songs in Nghe Tinh, and Si and Luon singing among the Tay and Nung people, Dum singing is a communal call-and-response tradition that has long been an integral part of Muong cultural life. The word "Dum" can be understood as people gathering together to sing.
"Dum singing is based on verbal exchanges. Singers either compose lyrics themselves or draw from their ethnic community's folk song treasury. The themes are diverse, ranging from greetings, love and courtship, farming and customs, to praise for hometowns and the country's natural beauty," Nam explained.
She said Dum singing mainly consists of two melodies: Dem Khuya and Hoa Binh. Each style requires a distinct vocal technique and follows rhythmic patterns similar to six-eight verse structures while allowing flexibility in performance. Not everyone can sing Dum well, as it requires repeated vocal ornamentation and improvisation.
Traditional musical accompaniment includes the nhi fiddle and bamboo flute. As a folk art passed down through generations, Dum singing follows its own melodic and lyrical conventions. It is also known as a form of courtship singing, where young men and women exchange verses, tease one another, test each other's talents, express affection and make promises. For many generations, it served as the thread connecting hearts and creating relationships.
For a long time, lovers of Muong culture have hoped to see the vibrant days of Dum festivals return. In the past, the festival season was when young men and women from Muong villages met, formed friendships and found life partners. Dum singing was considered both the soul and cultural lifeblood of Muong communities.
Witnessing the gradual disappearance of the tradition, Nam resolved to restore Dum singing to its place in local cultural life. She established the Muong Cultural Club in Quang Lac Commune, former Nho Quan District, now Yen Son Ward in Ninh Binh. The initiative quickly gained support and participation from local residents.
A traditional Muong wedding ceremony featuring cultural practices passed down through generations.Nam is devoted to preserving and promoting traditional cultural values.She has been a pioneer in safeguarding Muong cultural heritage in Ninh Binh.Nam hopes younger generations will continue and sustainably develop traditional cultural values.
Since its establishment, Nam has regularly organized cultural exchanges and singing competitions with Dum singing groups from Muong communities in Thanh Hoa and Hoa Binh, helping maintain the continuity of Muong cultural traditions.
According to Nam, the club's primary goal is to preserve the identity of Muong culture while fostering awareness and responsibility among members. The club also seeks to connect cultural preservation with economic development, contributing to both the material and spiritual well-being of Muong people.
Today, club members continue to actively practice traditional dances, folk songs, gong performances, traditional sports and customary cultural activities. They also teach younger generations about Muong cultural identity to ensure these traditions are preserved and developed sustainably.
The club is frequently invited to perform at festivals and major cultural and artistic events across the province.
In recognition of her contributions to preserving and promoting cultural values, particularly Muong heritage, Nam has received certificates of merit from the Ninh Binh Provincial People's Committee and the provincial Party Committee.
Vietnamnet.vn
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