Xam is a traditional folk song of Vietnam, popular in the plains and midlands of the North.
In the past, Xam singing was mainly a way for people to make a living, often performed at markets, streets, and crowded places.
Nowadays, the art of Xam singing has been staged and brought to serve tourists, becoming an indispensable part of the cultural life of many localities.
In January 2022, Xam singing in Yen Mo, Kim Son districts and Hoa Lu city, Ninh Binh province, was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.
On December 8, at Quang Ninh Museum (Ha Long City), Quang Ninh Tourism Association coordinated with the Center for Promotion of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Vietnam and Quang Ninh Museum to organize a program to introduce the art of Xam singing.
The program is a pilot activity of cultural products serving community tourism. At the program, locals and tourists enjoyed simple and rustic Xam songs such as Tu Hai Giao Tinh, Ho 12 Thang, Cong cha nghia me sinh sanh.
Audiences also get to experience traditional musical instruments and participate in Xam singing with the artists.
Mr. Le Minh Thu - Vice President of Quang Ninh Community Tourism Club - said: "We bring Xam singing to Ha Long not only to serve tourism, but also to build a community of people who are passionate about this art, to preserve and develop it together.
Xam singing in Quang Ninh will bring tourists to sing in unison with artists through easy-to-remember songs or create rhythms with simple instruments.
According to the plan, Quang Ninh Community Tourism Club plans to organize more performances at many different locations, such as Vung Duc Tourist Area (Cam Pha City), Sen A Dong Cafe (Sen A Dong Tourism Corporation, Ha Long City), Ha Long International Passenger Port, Lighthouse area and the Provincial Literature and Arts Association.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Huyen, one of the pioneers in bringing Xam singing to Quang Ninh, said: "To make Xam singing closer to the people of Quang Ninh, we are collecting good poems about Quang Ninh and reproducing them to music, such as the song Xam Quang Ninh. In the future, there will be many songs about Quang Ninh topics such as Ha Long Bay, miners...
The club is planning to organize Xam singing classes, with the hope of creating a community of Xam singing enthusiasts in Quang Ninh."
