Tuan Cry (real name Nguyen Sy Tuan), was born in 1992 in Yen Phong, Bac Ninh. Losing his father before birth, Tuan grew up with his maternal grandparents as his mother worked far away to support his education. She never remarried, focusing solely on raising him. Despite lacking affection, his childhood brimmed with resilience. Young Tuan learned independence early, herding cows and catching crabs.

His passion for music sparked at 8 or 9. At that time, he often sang at weddings. After high school, with no guidance, he scoured the internet and applied to the University of Theater and Cinema in Hanoi but failed the entrance exam.

He then enrolled in electronics at Hanoi University of Industry, a pretext for him to go and live in the capital city. "I barely focused on studies, mostly spending time on dancing hip-hop, singing at cafes, and performing for school clubs," Tuan recalled.

Later, realizing that singing couldn’t sustain him, he returned home and took manual jobs like hauling goods and driving trucks.

Grandfather’s threat 

In 2018, a chance moment changed Tuan’s life. After a grueling workday, he livestreamed on Facebook, singing "Nguoi la oi” (Stranger, Please) in a distinct northern accent. Unexpectedly, the clip went viral.

Seizing the opportunity, Tuan sold his truck, built a house for his mother, and moved to Hanoi to pursue music. The decision faced strong opposition from his grandfather. Unable to talk face to face, Tuan wrote a letter to him: "I want to chase my passion and explore the world. I don’t want a repetitive life."

Tuan Cry’s music journey wasn’t smooth—he returned home multiple times after setbacks. However, this gave him the opportunity to learn more about quan ho folk music and Kinh Bac culture. He realized that the "treasure" he sought was right in his hometown.

Tuan Cry gradually made his mark with contemporary folk music hits like "Moi Trau," "Ken Ca Chon Canh," and especially "Bac Bling"—a project hitting 100 million views, topping social media platforms for days.

"Bac Bling dared to introduce local material, showcasing Bac Ninh’s quan ho beauty, loved by many. It reflects national identity. Young people, elders, and friends from other provinces feel proud. International peers praised it," he said.

Bac Bling introduces local material, showcasing Bac Ninh’s quan ho beauty, loved by many. It reflects national identity.

Success transformed Tuan’s life, from packed schedules to public recognition. "After Bac Bling, work piled up, and I lost 3 kilos," he admitted.

At 33, he said: "I’m calmer now. Rise without pride, fall without fear. Even if I stumble, I’m used to it. I’ll bounce back fast."

Huy Minh

Huy Minh