Discover the uniqueness of Ninh Binh Xam singing: Melodic tunes of an ancient land

Xam singing, also known as busking or street singing, has existed since ancient times in the Northern Delta. Among these places, Ninh Binh – especially Yen Mo District – is considered one of the crucial cradles that helped shape and preserve this art form. Many local cultural records suggest that Xam has ties to music traditions dating back to the Dinh Dynasty (10th century), when Hoa Lu was still the capital of Dai Co Viet.

Historical documents record the story of Mrs. Pham Thi Tran – a talented artist summoned to the royal palace by King Dinh Tien Hoang to teach singing and dancing to court ladies and soldiers, later granted the title U Ba. From that initial foundation of royal court art, musical forms gradually spread into folk life, contributing to the formation of characteristic genres such as Cheo, Chau Van, and Xam singing. Within the space of the Truong Yen Festival (ancient capital Hoa Lu), Xam once appeared on the path leading to the Dinh and Le temples, blending with various other traditional performing arts.

Entering the 19th and 20th centuries, Xam singing became a livelihood for many visually impaired artists or individuals facing hardships. Xam troupes, often family-based, wandered through rural markets, river docks, train stations, or local fairs. Ninh Binh is prominent for its "Xam cho" (market Xam) tradition – rich in narrative, intimate, and flexible in melodies. After 1945, amidst societal changes, this art form went through a quiet period, especially after artisan Ha Thi Cau – considered the last icon of 20th-century Xam – passed away in 2013. However, since 2014, Ninh Binh province has implemented numerous conservation and restoration programs, bringing Xam singing back into community life and gradually turning it into a highlight of local cultural and tourism development.

What sets Ninh Binh Xam singing apart is the seamless combination of melodic richness and natural storytelling. Accessible to all listeners, Xam singing offers a cozy, intimate feeling like having a chat with an old friend.

Key Highlights:

• Melody: Slow, leisure, and flexible with main tunes such as Xam Hue Tinh, Xam Xoan, and Xam Ba Bac. The structure of a song typically includes an introduction (via), body stanza (storytelling), repetition stanza, and concluding stanza. The lyrics are simple, easy to understand, and rich in folk imagery.
• Musical Instruments: Dan bau (monochord with a distinctive vibrating tone), dan nhi (two-stringed fiddle), senh sua (wooden clappers), drumlets, and wooden beats. The main artist usually plays an instrument while singing.
• Content: Deeply humanitarian and moralistic. Classic songs like "Cong cha nghia me sinh thanh" (Ten Graces) praise parental sacrifices, "Hue tinh xam cho" counsels on love, or songs reflecting feudal society. During wartime, there was also "Xam dich van" used for revolutionary propaganda.

Unique Features of Ninh Binh Xam Singing:

• It served as a true profession for earning a living, a rarity among other Vietnamese folk genres.
• The creative market Xam (xẩm chợ) style, with many lyrics composed by artisan Ha Thi Cau herself.
• Closely tied to market spaces and rural village festivals in Yen Mo – unlike the theatrical style found in some other provinces.
• High degree of improvisation: Performers can add or reduce instruments depending on the context, creating an intimate, unconstrained atmosphere.

It is the interplay of deep narrative content and rich melody that makes Ninh Binh Xam singing not only emotionally touching, but also thought-provoking regarding human fate, ethics, and love for one's homeland.

To fully appreciate the beauty of Ninh Binh Xam singing, visitors should choose experiences connected to the original setting of this art form. Here are some specific suggestions:

• Attend performances in Yen Mo: Visit Xam singing clubs (over 20 active clubs). Notably, Kim Ngan Xam Club or performances at local markets and village communal houses.
• Attend festivals and events: Truong Yen Festival (3rd lunar month), biennial provincial Xam singing festivals.
• Combine with tours: Many cultural tours in Ninh Binh incorporate Xam singing into their itineraries (in Trang An, Hoa Lu, or homestays).
• Experience singing classes: Free or short-term workshops for tourists (contact Ninh Binh Department of Culture and Sports or Yen Mo District).

Early morning or late afternoon at Yen Mo Market offers the most authentic atmosphere of market Xam. Attentive listening and respect for traditional values will make your journey to discover this heritage deeper and more memorable.

Since 2014, Ninh Binh province has officially implemented a project to preserve and promote the value of Xam singing through comprehensive measures. Key activities include organizing classes to teach traditional tunes and instruments, establishing and maintaining community clubs, introducing folk art content into schools, and enhancing promotion through media channels and cultural events.

Currently, there are about 800 traditional art clubs operating across the province, with Xam singing playing a pivotal role as a core element preserving local unique heritage. Notably, a younger generation of artists is actively creating "new Xam" works, blending contemporary breath while respecting the original structure and spirit. Parallel to restoration efforts and community outreach, Ninh Binh Xam singing is also advancing documentation to seek recognition as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, aiming for broader international promotion.

Ninh Binh Xam singing is not merely a genre of folk art, but also the crystallization of history, life, and the soul of the ancient capital's people. Through each expressive melody, listeners can feel the cultural depth, humanistic spirit, and enduring vitality of a heritage that once quieted down but is now experiencing a strong revival. Preserving and promoting the value of Xam singing not only contributes to maintaining local identity but also enriches the cultural experience for travelers visiting Ninh Binh. To discover more useful information about attractions, traditional festivals, unique cuisine, and practical travel tips in Ninh Binh, visit sovaba.travel.