At the press conference for the release of her "Tu Hoi" MV on the afternoon of 9/7 in Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Nhung was asked about the changes she's experienced after six months of breast cancer treatment. The singer shared that this time, she's not singing in a slow style, but with faster notes, less vibrato, and fewer technical displays. "Technique is secondary; the important thing is conveying the message in the vocals and the piece. My voice now carries gratitude. I realize I'm smaller than a speck of dust," she said.
According to Hong Nhung, "Tu Hoi" is her largest music production in over 40 years of singing, with an investment cost of billions of Vietnamese dong (VND). Looking back over the past year, Hong Nhung cherishes the support from friends, fans, and even strangers. "Many people say I'm optimistic and bring positivity. But it's the love and hundreds of encouraging messages from everyone that have truly supported me," the singer said.
Hong Nhung filmed the MV about a month after undergoing surgery. Despite this, she still performed a scene where she was hoisted 9 meters above the ground, as requested by the director. The singer had to take painkillers to complete the scene as planned. "After that scene, the entire 200-person crew applauded continuously. This was a risky and challenging project for me," the artist shared.
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Director Cao Trung Hieu (left) and photographer Thien Minh (right) congratulate Hong Nhung on her new release. Photo: Hoang Dung |
For the first time, Hong Nhung collaborated with a team of young professionals. The MV was conceived and directed by Gen Z director Phuong Vu. The main setting was the Hanoi Opera House, a space steeped in artistic significance and a place that holds many of Hong Nhung's singing memories. The story in the video is inspired by the surrealist paintings of Belgian artist Rene Magritte. A dry tree hanging in the opera house alludes to a cooled relationship. The image of a dove symbolizes freedom and the desire to escape constraints. The choreography and contemporary dance troupe also express the inner world where the main character listens to and converses with herself.
"Tu Hoi" was composed by Lope Pham and arranged by Le Thanh Tam in the R&B genre. The song expresses a sad but not hopeless love, always looking towards the future and happiness.
Singer Quang Dung, who came to support his senior colleague, expressed his admiration for Hong Nhung's work ethic. "I'm impressed with the creative imagery in the MV. The product reflects the courageous spirit and innovation of a pop diva," he said.
The Hanoi-born singer has completed her radiation therapy and is currently in recovery. She takes medication daily as directed by her doctor.
Hong Nhung, 55, whose full name is Le Hong Nhung, has been singing since the 1980s. She is known for her performances of songs by Trinh Cong Son, Duong Thu, Tran Tien, Phu Quang, Quoc Trung, and Thanh Tung. Her notable albums include "Doan Khuc Thu Ha Noi" (1997), "Bai Hat Ru Cho Anh" (1998), "Ngay Khong Mua" (2002), "Thuo Bong La Nguoi" (2003), and "Khu Vuon Yen Tinh" (2004).
At the end of 2017, she returned to the audience with the Hanoi-themed album "Pho A Pho Oi." In 2020, she released "Tuoi Tho Toi," an album of popular children's songs. Last year, she held a concert and released the vinyl record "Bong La Ai," featuring Trinh Cong Son's music in a jazz style.
Hoang Dung
