Visitors to the ongoing traditional rural market at the Vietnamese Ethnic Groups Culture-Tourism Village in Son Tay district, Hanoi have a chance to enjoy 'Xam' singing, a genre of traditional music and performance once popular in rural northern Vietnam.



‘Xam’ singing - ballads sung by wandering blind musicians - dates back to over 700 years ago.

A ‘Xam’ singing performance also features a drummer and castanet player, as well as musicians playing ‘dan nhi’ (two-stringed fiddle) and ‘dan bau’ (monochord).

The musical instruments play an important role in ‘Xam’ singing performances.

The percussion section is also an indispensable part of 'Xam’ singing

A ‘Xam’ singer can also play folk instruments

Lyrics in ‘Xam’ singing are plain and simple but they convey profound meditations and life teachings.

The performances draw much interest from many visitors to the event


Nhan Dan