(VOVworld) – Wherever they live, the Ede people are aware of preserving their traditional culture. VOV’s Lan Anh talks to two of them.

Ama H’Loan, a resident of K’Thon hamlet in Buon Ma Thuot city, has made many musical instruments although he has not attended any music classes. At 70 he is still brisk and precise. After finishing an instrument, he himself plays a favorite piece of music.                                         

Ama H’Loan says he learned how to make musical instruments from his father: “I was curious to learn these instruments while listening and understanding them. I grew passionate about music. If you have passion and sincerity you will be successful. As Uncle Ho said, “When there is a will, there’s a way”.

Ama H’Loan meticulously whittles bamboo pieces to create instruments that will produce the best sound quality. He told VOV: “Classes of music have been opened for the young people, who will continue their predecessors’ legacy. I also teach how to play bamboo gongs, horns and flutes”.

Despite his old age, Ama H’Loan accepts any invitation to teach Ede music. If not, he says, who will pursue traditional musical instruments after senior citizens like him die in several years? “I am happy now. I try to encourage the youngsters to learn to make some musical instruments and then to use them skillfully”.

Oi Blu plays Dinh-nam flute (Photo: Lan Anh)

Oi Blu is known among the Ede ethnic community in Song Hinh district, Phu Yen province, as a versatile artist who can play several instruments such as Dinh-pah wind instrument, gongs and Dinh-nam flute.

Musical instruments in Oi Blu's house (Photo: Lan Anh)

His long house, where he, his wife, and two daughters are living exhibits many musical instruments that he made. Oi Blu wants to pass down his love of music to the younger generation: “I began playing music at the age of 18 and I learnt it from my father and other elder villagers. I am worried about the young people’s indifference to their traditional culture. Who will inherit our legacy after we die?”

After talking to us, Oi Blu played the Dinh-nam flute for his guests.

Returning to our conversation, Oi Blu said he loves joining cultural festivals organized by the province and district: “At traditional festivals, I introduce other Ede people to our national character. I also want to show the young people how to make and play the Ede musical instruments”.

Veteran artists like Ama H’Loan and Oi Blu are a living museum, preserving the traditional cultural values of the Ede. They inspire the fire of passion inside every Ede citizen.