People perform traditional call-and-response singing (Photo: VOV)

The call-and-response singing of the Mong ethnic people in Ha Giang is performed by a couple through two bamboo tubes, connected to each other with a thread. The songs show the thoughts and sense of humor of the singers.

Everyone, regardless of any age or gender can join this singing. While singing, two people respond to each other through the two bamboo tubes against a background of panpipes played by all of the Mong ethnic people. This creates a symphony of love melodies.

The Mong people perform call-and-response singing at festivals and mountain fairs. Many of them have even found their lifetime partners from those call-and-response songs.

70-year-old Hau Thi Chau in Thanh Van commune, Quan Ba district, participates in the call-and-response singing every Lunar New Year and during every local festival.

“The call-and-response singing of the Mong ethnic people depicts life, human love and especially love between couples. Despite my age, I still love singing. I feel juvenile and elated whenever I sing. Nowadays, not many young people know about this art form. I want to sing, hoping that the young people can become aware of the beauty of the folk songs and help preserve them,” said Chau. 

Everyone, regardless of any age or gender can join this singing (Photo: VOV)

The Mong people in Ha Giang province have preserved their call-and-response melodies for many generations. Humble daily objects such as a bamboo tube and a thread can be used as instruments for people to express their feelings.

Mr. Vang Chan Giao from Thanh Van commune, Quan Ba district, talked about how to make the bamboo tube.

“It’s simple. Cut a bamboo trunk into two 20 centimeter pieces with a diameter of 10 centimeters each, leaving both ends open. The two open ends are covered with a dried chicken’s breast skin which serves as a membrane. The two ends are then connected to each other with a thin thread to transmit the sounds of singing,” he said. 

During the glorious spring days, visitors to Ha Giang will have an opportunity to enjoy the love melodies of these call-and-response songs which are a mainstay of the lifestyle of the Mong ethnic people.