Experiencing many events and losses, Nhu Quynh now devotes all her love to music and loved ones. The female singer happily shared regarding her special Tet.
Nearly 30 years of artistic activity, Nhu Quynh has recorded more than 800 songs with countless hits such as: Winter lover, Myrtle story, Fate, Tamarind leaves, Mother’s heart …
She is also considered a “monument” of both “sound” and “color” in the hearts of many generations of audiences. Few people know that Nhu Quynh experienced a poor childhood, life encountered many hardships and difficulties when relatives died one following another…
Having experienced a difficult childhood, what is special regarding Tet in your memory?
– There was a time when my father was absent from my house. My mother had to take care of my 3 sisters alone. As the oldest sister, I also have to help my mother take care of my two younger brothers. Fortunately, the three sisters are of the same age, so they understand each other quite well and help their mother take care of family life.
There are very poor Tet holidays, my sisters and I cannot have a new shirt to wear. Banh chung and banh tet are even more luxurious things. Everything is a memory now (laughs).
Over the years, life is stable, the economy is also more complete, how do you celebrate Tet?
– For many years, I have celebrated Tet away from home. In the US, where I live, there are quite a few Vietnamese people, so there is no shortage of ao dai, firecrackers, etc. Almost everything is full. Thanks to that, I also feel warm. The most fun is seeing banh chung, banh tet, wearing the Ao Dai that I like to go to the temple…
Last year, I returned to Vietnam to celebrate Tet, but because of Covid-19, everything was not perfect. However, being able to celebrate Tet in my hometown is also a happy thing for me. This year, I will celebrate Tet in Vietnam once more and if possible, I will bring my daughter back with me. I have never been to Vietnam so this will be my first time celebrating Tet in my hometown.
How do you feel when you decide to bring your daughter back to Vietnam on this occasion?
– My daughter is 15 years old, so I want her to have access to the culture of my homeland, the Vietnamese people. I am also very nervous and anxious to go home. My heart is equally excited, to see how my daughter feels when she comes home for the first time.
Different generations, her daughter was born and raised in a foreign country, how do mother and daughter connect with each other?
– Honestly, I was born and raised in a foreign country, so of course there are many differences. But I still regularly exchange and talk with her in Vietnamese so that mother and daughter can be close and share with each other. My daughter is quite private and independent, so I feel secure regarding letting her live and study on her own. Whatever can help, I will try.
How does your daughter feel when she has a famous mother, even considered a “monument” in her heart? generations of audiences?
– I also rarely talk regarding my life and career with my children. I only know that my mother is a singer, but no matter how famous I am, I don’t pay attention. I just want him to focus on his studies and become a useful person.
From time to time, I also brag to my children that my mother is going to perform this show, sometimes I take my children to see me sing. I was also surprised, saying “I’m so well known, I’m so happy!”. I just babble like that, although it is very naive and innocent, but I love moments like that.
Many artists once confided that Tet with them is dedicated to the stage and audience, rarely having fun with family and children. How regarding you?
– I consider myself a rather selfish person. For the past few decades, because I love my job, except for New Year’s Eve at home, on the 1st and 2nd mornings, I go on tour.
Originally, I chose the career path. Therefore, I feel sorry for my family and children. Maybe from here and on, I will spend the 30th and 1st to celebrate Tet with my family.
Currently, how does Nhu Quynh’s day go?
– I work more at night, and during the day I take time to rest. I start my day around 1pm, usually listen to some songs or meet friends, and then record once more in the evening.
Recently, the audience is very worried regarding Nhu Quynh’s health. Do you take time to exercise and take care of yourself?
– My health is now normal. I still rest, eat well, have time to go for a walk in the park, by the sea or by the river, where there are not too many people. I also love going to the mountains. Listening to the murmuring stream, people become more pure.
Nearly 30 years of dedication to music, do you have any unfulfilled wishes?
– I still want to do some albums and projects, such as making vinyl records or collaborating with some of today’s young artists. I am also trying to find new directions to give new color to my professional life.
But do you worry that the audience who loves you will want you to be such a “monument” in their hearts forever. New combinations sometimes create conflicting opinions?
– I want to be challenged and willing to accept mixed opinions. Music, everyone has the right to comment, have the right to demand. And I want to do what I love. Everyone thinks I’m gentle and meek, but in fact, I also have “underground personalities” that are rarely shown. I think if I like it, I will do it, if not, I will give up.
Thank you singer Nhu Quynh for this conversation!
