The 'soul keeper' of Sli melody

With his talent and love for traditional art, Meritorious Artist Nong Van Ho is contributing his efforts to preserve and pass on the Sli singing of the Nung people in Xuan Duong commune.

Meritorious artist Nong Van Ho (far right) sings at "Love Market" Xuan Duong in 2025.

Those who love Sli singing and come to Xuan Duong "Love Market" all know Meritorious Artist Nong Van Ho in Thom Chan village, Xuan Duong commune.

From his passion for the folk songs of his people, for many years, Mr. Nong Van Ho has always been enthusiastic about local cultural and artistic activities, especially during the "Love Market", held on the 25th day of the third lunar month every year.

With his sweet voice, charming responses and deep knowledge, every Sli singing session with Mr. Nong Van Ho's participation creates attraction and appeal. In addition, he also collects and records a number of Sli songs to teach the younger generation.

Meritorious artist Nong Van Ho shared: From the moment people of Xuan Duong commune see the sun until they leave the "temporary world", they are accompanied by the sound of Sli. Sli lyrics are stories of daily life, love songs, unique cultural features, and also the voice of the people of the highlands. Coming to the "Love Market" without immersing yourself in the love songs of Sli is considered as not having been to Xuan Duong.

On March 9, 2021, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued Decision No. 830 to include Sli singing of the Nung people in Xuan Duong commune in the list of national intangible cultural heritage. Contributing to preserving national intangible heritage, at the end of 2022, the Xuan Duong commune Sli singing club was established with more than 30 members. As the club's chairman, Meritorious Artist Nong Van Ho actively participates in training and teaching Sli singing to the local young generation. He considers it a way to help Sli songs resonate forever.

Meritorious artist Nong Van Ho also opened a class to teach Sli singing to children completely free of charge. Depending on the voice and ability of each child, he taught them how to hum loudly or softly, high or low; or memorized existing Sli songs about praising the Party, Uncle Ho, and the homeland, then taught them to improvise and respond to each verse.

Meritorious artist Nong Van Ho teaches Sli singing to children.

Since childhood, Hoang Anh Vu (12 years old) has been able to follow his grandfather and parents to play and participate in local cultural activities. With the guidance of Meritorious Artist Nong Van Ho, after a few months of studying, Vu was able to confidently perform Sli responses with his friends. "Every time I sing Sli, I feel the love for my family, my homeland, and my country. I want to be like Meritorious Artist Nong Van Ho, confidently singing the folk songs of the Nung people wherever I go," Hoang Anh Vu shared.

Meritorious artist Nong Van Ho added: In the future, I will continue to open Sli singing classes for young children with passion, thereby maintaining the sources of preserving the traditional art of our ancestors.

Standing Deputy Secretary of the Xuan Duong Commune Party Committee, Vu Viet Bac, said: The local Party Committee and government always pay attention to preserving and promoting national cultural values, including the Sli tune of the Nung people. In order for the Sli tune to be preserved and promoted, the role and contribution of the people, especially those who are passionate about traditional arts such as Meritorious Artist Nong Van Ho, are very important.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/van-hoa/202509/nguoi-giu-hon-lan-dieu-sli-3fb1de1/