Young singer Đức Phúc’s new MV 'Ngày Đầu Tiên' (First Day) trended at No 1 on YouTube in Việt Nam 15 hours after its release, with 2 million views. Photo courtesy of the producer

Several young Vietnamese singers have shrugged off a tough year of pandemic impacts with new music videos that have delighted legions of young fans

By Phương Mai

Đức Phúc, who had already made a name for himself with sweet pop ballads, has introduced a new production titled Ngày Đầu Tiên (First Day) on YouTube.

The ballad, written by famous songwriter Khắc Hưng, has lyrics and a gentle melody that remind couples of the day they met for the first time.

“What happened in our life may become memories and we can forget some details; however, stories about the first time are hard to forget,” Phúc, winner of The Voice Việt Nam 2015, said.

His MV trended at No 1 on YouTube in Việt Nam 15 hours after its release, attracting two million views. Since then, it has got more than 11 million views and maintained its top spot a week after its February 11 release, scheduled to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

The 25-year-old singer invited director Kawaii Tuấn Anh, who has produced million-views music videos for pop stars like Mỹ Tâm, Đàm Vĩnh Hưng and Hương Tràm, to produce his latest creation.

For the official video, Phúc and his staff arranged a surprise event wherein a director of photography proposes to an actress. They also invited famous singers Hòa Minzy and Erik to act as bridesmaid and groomsman for the couple.

On Valentine’s Day, Phúc released a “bonus” video of another moving proposal featuring a military doctor and his pharmacist girlfriend as a way to honour frontline forces in the fight against COVID-19.

“We rehearsed the event many times. We wanted them to be perfect and a complete surprise for the ladies," Phúc said.

“With its romantic atmosphere and climax of love, Ngày Đầu Tiên is a wish for happiness and a marker of the day they become families.”

The videos have received lavish praise from viewers who sent their congratulations and best wishes to both couples.

Phúc was a student when he entered the Voice Việt Nam contest in 2015. Later, he won listeners over with ballads like Ta Còn Yêu Nhau (We’re Still in Love), Hết Thương Cạn Nhớ (When Love Ends) and Hơn Cả Yêu (More than Love).

These MVs have attracted hundreds of millions of views on YouTube.

First love

Young idol Amee’s new production 'Thay Mọi Cô Gái Yêu Anh' (I Can Love You Like No One Else Could). Still photo taken from the MV

Another young singer known as Amee, popular among young audiences for her ballads and sweet voice, has released a new music video called Thay Mọi Cô Gái Yêu Anh (I Can Love You Like No One Else).

Written by young musician Kai Đinh, the ballad focuses on unforgettable memories of the moment a lover meets her first love.

“Thay Mọi Cô Gái Yêu Anh is not a colourful video. It’s simple and warm. I hope the song gives strength to people for expressing their love and becomes a part of their love journey,” the 22-year-old singer said.  

The song has been warmly received by audiences, with the MV garnering more than 4.4 million YouTube views after its February 6 release.

Nguyễn Lan Phương of Đồng Nai Province said she had become addicted to Amee’s song and listened to it any number of times.

“I really love the song. Both Amee’s voice and song are so sweet to make me feel comfortable and warm.”

Amee, whose real name is Trần Huyền My, debuted in 2019 with the album “dreAMEE” that had 10 songs on love written by young composers Hứa Kim Tuyền, Ly Ly and Grey D.

She has quickly become famous with hits like Anh Nhà Ở Đâu Thế (Where’s Your Home), Đen Đá Không Đường (Iced Black Coffee without Sugar) and Ex's Hate Me.

She released an MV titled Sao Anh Chưa Về Nhà (Happy at Home) in March 2020, as part of the Ministry of Health’s #HappyAtHome campaign, calling on people to stay put in their homes.

Amee became the youngest Vietnamese artiste to be honoured at South Korea's MNET Asian Music Awards (MAMA) as the Best New Asian Artist Vietnam last year.

She also won the New Artist of the Year title at the 15th Devotion Music Awards organised by the Thể Thao & Văn Hóa (Sports and Culture) newspaper in 2020.

Hoàng Duyên, a new face in the industry, has kept things very simple with an MV titled Mê (Love), thanking her fans for their love and support.

Duyên rose to fame in 2021 with Chàng Trai Sơ Mi Hồng (Man in Pink Shirt), Sài Gòn Đau Lòng Quá (Dear Sài Gòn! It’s Hurt), and Sài Gòn Hôm Nay Mưa (It Rains Today in Sài Gòn) proving to be popular hits.

The 23-year-old was named as Best New Asian Artist at MAMA 2021. — VNS