Cam released her debut EP, "Yeu hay khong yeu" ("Love or Not Love"), after three years in the music industry. "This project marks a step forward in my musical style and emotional maturity," she said.

Looking back on her journey into showbiz, Cam expressed gratitude to her family, especially her father, for motivating and helping her overcome the pressures and challenges. According to the Gen Z singer, Duy Manh was once very strict. She began her musical journey at the age of three, participating in activities at the children's cultural center in Hai Phong. While learning to play instruments and sing with her father, Cam often cried because of his strictness. Her family initially wanted her to pursue a teaching career, but Cam's passion for singing, initially met with her father's disapproval, led her to find ways to convince him otherwise.

Duy Manh congratulates his daughter on her debut EP release on 29/7 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Cam admitted to occasional disagreements with her father, but they always found common ground through mutual understanding and listening. According to the singer, conflicts stemmed from generational differences and varying perspectives on life. For example, Duy Manh initially wanted her to sing in a lyrical style like veteran artists, while Cam preferred electronic music. During discussions, she expressed her views calmly so her father could understand, instead of arguing or showing a negative attitude.

"To me, my dad is always my first teacher in the profession. With over 20 years of singing experience, he understands the rights and wrongs in the industry, so I have to respect him," Cam said.

Cam (second from left) with her parents and younger brother.

Recently, Cam has noticed a stronger bond and more empathy between them. In 2024, she wrote "Sorry My Honey" for her mother after a conversation with Duy Manh. He shared excerpts from his wife's diary with Cam, confiding, "I will try to make your mother happy." When filming the music video for "Yeu hay khong yeu", she invited Duy Manh to play the role of a physical education teacher, singing and dancing energetically alongside her. "My dad may seem a bit rough on the outside, but he's warm inside. He has never refused any of my requests," Cam added.

Duy Manh was moved to witness his daughter's growth. He had many worries when she decided to enter showbiz but is now reassured seeing her on the right path. He has become less rigid, allowing her more freedom and creative space.

He chooses to support Cam as a friend, without interfering professionally. He wants her to learn from her own experiences. "By connecting with Gen Z and my daughter's music, I feel younger," Duy Manh said.

Duy Manh's daughter embraces a sweet style at age 25.

Over the past three years, Cam has chosen a slow but steady approach. Initially, she admitted to feeling uncertain and faced comments about riding on her father's fame. However, Cam learned to ignore negativity. She dedicated time to learning, honing her skills, and building relationships. She manages her finances carefully, saving her earnings to produce her own work, no longer relying on her parents as before.

She cultivates a "Rapunzel princess" image with pink hair. Creative director Ben Pham explained that Cam's sweet style is intended to resonate with Gen Z audiences.

In her EP, Cam introduces six songs in various genres, including pop, R&B, electronic, and New Jack Swing. She collaborates with Dieu Nhi, Pixel Neko, and Kim Long on the tracks "L(one)ly)", "Tuc tac xuc xac", and "Muon noi sao khong noi", respectively. "I'm not trying to chase trends. The songs I choose have a youthful vibe that reflects my personality," the singer said.

Cam, whose real name is Nguyen Thu Cam, studied piano at the Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music and studied abroad in Italy. She embarked on her singing career with her debut single "Co dau ai ngo" in September 2022, which garnered millions of views. In 2024, she was featured in Times Square (USA) as part of a Spotify campaign.

Singer Duy Manh, 40, was born into a family with three older brothers who are saxophone artists in Hai Phong. He graduated from the piano department of the Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music and studied further with musician Nguyen Anh 9.

From 1998, he began performing in tea rooms and small venues in Ho Chi Minh City, playing piano and singing backup vocals. In 2004, he rose to fame with songs like "Tinh em la dai duong", "Kiep do den", and "Hay ve day ben anh". For many years, he has lived with his family in Ho Chi Minh City and regularly performs shows domestically and internationally.

Tan Cao

Photos, videos: Provided by the subject