Thu Minh: 'Currently I sing for fun, not to make money'

Thu Minh said at the age of 47, she sings to enjoy the joy of her career, not focusing on preserving her reputation or making a living.

- How did you spend Tet holiday with your family?

- On the second day of Tet, my husband and son returned to Vietnam from Singapore to celebrate the New Year with my parents. My father is getting older, so the time he has with his children and grandchildren is getting shorter and shorter. In previous years, I often decorated the house in Singapore before returning home. This year, because I was busy with shows during the last days of the lunar year in the US, I didn't have time to prepare much. In return, my husband and I celebrated Tet in our hometown, warmly and together in a bustling atmosphere. In addition to spending time with my family, I also sang at a festival in Binh Thuan, taking the opportunity to take my son and husband on a spring outing.

Thu Minh, her husband (right cover) and son celebrate Tet with relatives. Photo: Provided by the character — Thu Minh, her husband (right) and son (second from left) celebrate Tet with relatives. Photo: *Provided by the character*

- What are your singing plans for the new year?

- I currently perform for fun, without the pressure of money or having to maintain my reputation. I will accept any program that I find reasonable in terms of time and convenience, without worrying too much about having to have many shows. I have passed the stage of having to make an effort or prove myself. Singing is my instinct, so after nearly 30 years of living in this profession, I just want to enjoy the joy.

I no longer live for myself, but for my family. If I keep chasing the peak of fame, I will put pressure on my husband and children.

- At the age of 47, how do you feel about your style and voice?

- With age, I can no longer be as "booming" as when I was young. However, I still maintain my form and enthusiasm. At the end of last year, at the Hozo International Music Festival, I could perform continuously for 45 minutes without feeling tired, and the more I sang, the more enthusiastic I became. Tens of thousands of audiences still sang along to my hits from over a decade ago, such as Duong Cong and Taxi.

Regarding my singing, I have restrained myself and am no longer as showy as before. Because I know how to listen and update the music trends of the times. Audiences nowadays prefer singing as if talking. I sing to serve the audience, so it is necessary to please their ears.

Singer Thu Minh, 47 years old, born in Hanoi. Photo: Character provided — Singer Thu Minh, 47 years old, born in Hanoi. Photo: *Character provided*

- I haven't seen you release any music products in recent years. Why is that?

- I am waiting for the right time to find a partner to create a milestone, a breakthrough like the time I worked with Nguyen Hai Phong or Vo Thien Thanh. In 2023, I will have a test step to connect with the younger generation by doing the show Muse it. After 15 issues, I have explored the market, seen if my thinking is still sharp or not and found that I have no gap with my juniors, catching up with the trend. I am very confident and energetic to get started if the time is ripe.

Many audiences and colleagues wonder why I don't do live shows. I don't like having to change costumes for each performance, practice with the dance troupe, remember each standing position, and follow the script, which affects my emotions. Now, I just want to wear one outfit and sing continuously, feeling the cheers of the audience.

- What worries you most about your job?

- I often have dreams of getting shows, but I keep getting into trouble and not being able to stand on stage and feel scared. My current life is fulfilled both mentally and physically thanks to singing. Without my voice, I am nothing, very ordinary. Because I am not good at housework, taking care of the house, calculating investments or doing business. I am not a mother who likes to pick up and drop off children, teach them to study. Luckily, I know how to sing, know how to do well, and stand out in my field.

I don't care about public opinion or noise about myself because life is like that. I have to read and listen to everyone's comments, and from there adjust myself to be better. The important thing is that those comments are based on respect, and if they are intended to put me down, I will ignore them and save my time for meaningful things.

- How do you keep your energy positive?

- I have a habit of accepting things from a multi-dimensional perspective, never questioning who is right or wrong. From then on, negative things automatically do not enter my thoughts. On the other hand, I do not gossip about other people's stories, focusing on my own work. If I see good products or discover new talents, I immediately find out to learn.

Physically, I always put myself into a regular exercise routine. A healthy, flexible body makes me feel happy.

Thu Minh's son appeared on stage with his mother for the first time at the "Hozo International Music Festival" in Ho Chi Minh City. Video: *Kim Thao*

Thu Minh joined the music industry in 1992 and became famous through the songs Nho anh (Ky Phuong), Chuong gio (Vo Thien Thanh), Mong anh ve (Duong Cam). The artist won first prize in the Ho Chi Minh City Television Singing Contest at the age of 16, and received the awards for Blue Wave, Vietnamese Song, and Golden Album. In 2012, the singer pursued dance music and achieved much success.

The singer married her businessman husband in 2012 and has a son (eight years old). Her family left Ho Chi Minh City to live in Singapore since 2019.

Hoang Dung

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