Sy Ben returned to the stage after a long absence as a guest performer at singer Truong Sang's show on 4/7. He performed several Vietnamese versions of popular Chinese songs, his biggest hits from the 1990s. While singing a duet of "Ben Thuong Hai" (Vietnamese lyrics by Nhat Ngan) with Truong Sang, his voice wavered at times due to age. The audience continuously applauded and gave him flowers to encourage him.

Truong Sang said he invited Sy Ben to perform because the singer was one of his childhood idols. Having heard about Sy Ben's recent struggles with illness, Manh Quynh's student wanted to use the concert to offer financial support to his fellow artist. After the performance, he and a representative from his team presented Sy Ben with 73 million VND, including Truong Sang's contribution and donations collected from the audience.

In 2023, Sy Ben was hospitalized with pleural effusion but gradually recovered thanks to medical assistance. The singer said his health is not yet stable and he has to continue taking medication and attending regular check-ups to prevent recurrence.

He was once active in the music industry but gradually faded into obscurity in the 2000s. After getting married, he shifted to business and stopped focusing on singing. He and his wife were involved in real estate, incurred debts, and later divorced.

In 2010, Sy Ben withdrew from the entertainment industry, losing contact with colleagues and friends. Single and childless, with both parents deceased, he rented a small room in District 12. Occasionally, he sang at weddings and anniversaries. According to the singer, his income from singing was enough to live on, but sometimes he struggled financially, so he supplemented his earnings by selling goods online.

"Mua bui" singer Sy Ben at age 58. Photo: Chau Chau

Sy Ben, whose real name is Loi Tho Sanh, was born into a Vietnamese family of Chinese descent. From a young age, he loved singing and performed at various restaurants. He met musician Minh Tam while performing on a cruise ship and later collaborated with Kim Loi Studio. Sy Ben recorded two songs, "Ben Thuong Hai" and "Doi phu du," with Tai Linh and Dinh Van in "Mua bui 1," gradually gaining popularity. In "Mua bui 2," he continued to make his mark with "Loi cuoi cho tinh yeu." From then on, he pursued pop music, singing in both Chinese and Vietnamese.

Later, Sy Ben signed an exclusive contract with Viet Tan Studio, releasing several successful albums: "Nu hon biet ly," "999 doa hong," and "Hinh bong ao cuoi."

In 1995, he joined Rang Dong Music Center, singing new music with Ngoc Huyen and Vu Linh. In 1999, he self-produced and released the album "Gia tu em," featuring hits like "Nhung loi doi gian" and "Nguoi den tu Trieu Chau." At that time, Sy Ben was in high demand at venues like 126, Hoa Binh, Dam Sen, and Trong Dong, and toured throughout Europe and Australia.

Mai Nhat