As a guest at a creative advertising awards ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoa Minzy opened the event with an elaborate performance. Dozens of dancers, portraying traditional "lien anh" and "lien chi" characters (traditional folk singers), joined her on stage. Hoa Minzy showcased her signature melismatic singing style, blended with the pre-recorded rap vocals of artist Xuan Hinh.

The performance gained further momentum with a vibrant lion and dragon dance, culminating in a fireworks display. Thousands of spectators lined both sides of the walking street, applauding and cheering as the singer encouraged them to immerse themselves in the rhythm.

The inspiration for "Bac Bling", a music video (MV) boasting over 280 million views, stemmed from Hoa Minzy's profound affection for her hometown. The singer had long envisioned creating a work that honored her roots, celebrated community spirit, and expressed her love for her homeland. The MV featured nearly 300 actors from her village, ranging from a woman in her 90s to elementary and middle school children, who dedicated three days to the filming.

Hoa Minzy enlivens the event atmosphere. Photo: Organizer provided

Released in early March, "Bac Bling" uniquely blends Bac Ninh folk music elements such as Quan Ho singing, Hat Van, and traditional instruments like the flute, dan nguyet, and dan nhi, with contemporary hip-hop and electronic styles. The arrangement successfully maintains its folk essence while exuding a modern feel. Directed by Nhu Dang, the MV vividly recreates the Kinh Bac cultural landscape through scenes of rural villages, festivals, communal houses, temples, and the traditional "ao tu than" (four-panel dress), thereby honoring the rich heritage of the Quan Ho region.

Following its release, the MV quickly became a cultural phenomenon, garnering over 93 million views in less than one month. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh notably praised the production as "a typical example of revitalizing traditional art". The MV reached the 100 million view milestone in 27 days and 200 million views in 81 days, marking the fastest ascent in Vpop history.

"Bac Bling" has significantly contributed to promoting Bac Ninh's cultural image. The MV beautifully depicts "ao tu than" and "non quai thao" (traditional conical hats), Quan Ho singing by the lake, village festivals, and historical sites such as Do Temple, Dau Pagoda, and Phu Lang pottery village.

In Bac Ninh, the hit song has spurred a notable increase in tourist numbers on weekends. Local authorities have introduced free experiential tours, and many young people actively participate in video and photo trends inspired by the MV. On social media, hashtags and numerous cover and parody versions have spread widely, effectively connecting local culture with a younger audience.

Hoa Minzy, 30, whose birth name is Nguyen Thi Hoa, hails from Bac Ninh. She gained prominence as the winner of the Star Academy program in 2014. Her popular songs include "Roi Bo" by Vu Huy Hoang, "Khong The Cung Nhau Suot Kiep" by Mr Siro, and "Bat Tinh Yeu Len" by Tang Duy Tan. In early 2024, Hoa Minzy received her first "Most Favorite Female Singer" award at the Mai Vang Awards. In the same year, she was recognized as "Female Singer of the Year" at the Cong Hien Awards.

Earlier this year, the singer's release of the "Bac Bling" MV marked a significant career achievement. The song was honored at the Vietnam iContent 2025 event in late November, receiving recognition in the Digital Product - Inspirational Music category, sharing the award with "Con Gi Dep Hon" by Nguyen Hung.

Mai Nhat