“Ho khoan” Le Thuy is recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2017. (Photo: VOV)

"Ho khoan” Le Thuy has been part of the cultural and artistic activities of the people of Le Thuy district for a long time. Locals often sing this melody when they work, and especially after the harvest.

“Ho khoan” (chant) is unique and quite special. It’s normally accompanied by pestles and sticks tapped against bronze food trays and teacups.

“Ho khoan” Le Thuy originated in the everyday working life of the local people, so they used everyday items as musical instruments to accompany their singing,” said Ms. Dang Thi Hoi of Loc Thuy commune.

“Ho khoan” singing varies its rhythms to entertain, relieve the exhaustion of work, or speed up productivity. In recent years, many “ho khoan” videos featuring Le Thuy have been produced and circulated on social media.

A number of “ho khoan” clubs have been established, and the music genre is now taught in local schools by trained artists.

“After 'ho khoan' Le Thuy singing was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, we implemented some activities to preserve it. We have promoted teaching and performing “ho khoan” at local schools so youngsters can be exposed to the tradition. Our district also has a club to preserve and promote this art form,” said Mr. Duong Van Binh, head of Le Thuy district’s Department of Culture, Information and Sports.

Artisan Hai Ly performs a melody of “Ho khoan” Le Thuy. (Photo: VOV)

The “ho khoan” Le Thuy singing club was set up in 2019 by local artists including Hai Ly. In the 1990s, Ly and other artists performed “Ho khoan” Le Thuy for Vietnam’s legendary General Vo Nguyen Giap, who was paying a visit to the district.

"Ho khoan is an indispensable part of the spiritual life of the people of Le Thuy. General Vo Nguyen Giap really enjoyed our performance. He said we had a precious art form, which encouraged us to work harder to preserve and promote it," said Ly.