On the afternoon of 13/3 (local time), many colleagues visited Kasim Hoang Vu's memorial service at Vinh Phuoc Funeral Home in Houston, US. Renowned singer Huong Lan (left) offered condolences to the singer's mother, Bich Phuong. She expressed sympathy for the mother facing the heartbreaking situation of a parent bidding farewell to their child.

Trizzie Phuong Trinh (third from left) flew from California to Houston to offer incense in farewell. "I empathize with Bich Phuong for losing her devoted son, who was also a close friend by her side for so many years," she said.

The singer passed away at age 46 on 1/3, after battling a serious illness.

Kasim Hoang Vu was born in 1980 in Da Nang. His father was Egyptian. His parents separated when he was around 10 years old. His mother, Bich Phuong, was a rock singer. In 2004, Kasim Hoang Vu participated in the Sao Mai Diem Hen competition, impressing audiences with his powerful voice and energetic style, winning the "Most Favorite Singer" award.

Before that, he won several awards: a gold medal at the Central and Central Highlands Singing Festival in 1996 and 1998, first prize at Hanoi Television Singing in 1998, and third prize at the National Television Singing Festival in 1999. Besides singing, Kasim also ventured into acting with films such as Van Co Tinh Yeu and Chet Luc Nua Dem.

A corner dedicated to Kasim Hoang Vu at the funeral. The singer's close friend, Tony LP, stated that he and several other friends had been supporting the singer's mother with post-funeral arrangements for several days. The funeral procession took place on 15/3 (local time).

Singer Hong Ngoc and her husband traveled from Dallas to Houston to bid farewell to the singer. Hong Ngoc was visibly emotional seeing her colleague's portrait. She stated that she became close to Kasim Hoang Vu after inviting him to her liveshow in 2007, where they performed the song Sai Gon Dem Nay together. She often called her colleague "Prince Kasim" because he always wore a vest and a bow tie on stage.

"Today, listening to this song again at the funeral brought back many memories. Kasim was always passionate about his profession and independent in life," Hong Ngoc said.

Singer Duy Truong mentioned that during Kasim Hoang Vu's illness, he often called to encourage his colleague. In his memory, the singer was humorous and charming.

Hoang Dung

Photo: Tony LP provided