VietNamNet Bridge – At the age of 24, Nguyen Thanh Binh’s talent is recognized by prestigious music awards.

 

 

Thanh Binh in his studio.

We saw Binh at large café, located near the Nghia Do Park, Hanoi. Facing a vast lake, the café was full of natural wind in the early summer. "The feeling of close nature is great," the 24-year-old man opened the conversation.

At first glance, Binh is not different from a fashion guy: glossy hair, black shirt, jeans and the smell of elegant perfume. "I choose clothes myself. I remember the color of clothes and combine them with my own imagination. I also do my hair. If I’m invited to an important event, I will consult others," Binh said. Under the glasses, his eyes were still bright. Those who first meet him will not think that he is a born blind.

"Music is destiny"

Stirring the cup of coffee, Binh said, he learned music from the age of 6, when he lived with his parents in Quang Ninh.

"My parents introduced me to music in order to create a pleasure of life for me. They did not think that I would follow the music career. It is the fate," Binh said.

When he was 9, Binh went to Hanoi to study at the Nguyen Dinh Chieu School for Blind Students. His talent was discovered by their teachers and he was trained. For normal people, it is not simple to learn music and it is a thousand times more difficult for a blind man like Binh. The normal people only need to make copies of pieces of music to practice. Binh had to ask others to read pieces of music and noted them in Braille. Binh said music is not simply studying in paper but the way he feels it. Seven years ago, Binh almost lived with foreign music. Sometimes he listed to jazz all night. Binh’s today works are influenced by his hobby that time.

When he was at school, Binh did a lot of extra jobs hard but he could earn enough money for himself. After graduation, his parents helped him open a small studio.

"I’m much luckier than many other people because I was not born in a rich family but I have my parents’ best support," Binh said.

Initially, only friends used Binh’s studio but gradually it attracted young singers like Hoang Nghiep, Khac Viet, etc. After 4 years, the name Nguyen Thanh Binh was known not only in Hanoi market. Famous artists such as My Linh, Huy Tuan, Ho Hoai Anh, Le Hieu, Tuan Hung and Van Mai Huong believe in the talent of the blind musician.

The 24-year-old musician who has just stepped into the music industry is very confident to cooperate with famous artists such as Anh Quan, Huy Tuan and My Linh. Binh said despite any genre, the music must be fresh. The older artists try to rejuvenate their music so working in conjunction with young people will make their products appropriate to the audience’s tastes.

The studio operated very well and Binh had money to send home. "I earn money in joy so I spend money in joy, too. Artists earn money easily but they also spend money easily," Binh said.

Being an instrumentalist before becoming a musician, the feeling of Binh roots are from melodies. In 2009, he received two prizes “Impressionist” and “Prospect” for the song "Dreams" of the Vietnamese Song competition. In August 2012, he received the “Instrument” award of the Vietnamese Song contest.

"I'm not different"

 

 

Thanh Binh received the 2009 Vietnamese Song Award.

Every day, if he is not too busy, Binh normally spends 3-4 hours for the job. The remaining time, he spends in tasting coffee, shopping, fishing, surfing internet or traveling with his friends.

He has been to many famous places in Vietnam. Each place Binh had different impression. For him, Hue is peaceful while Da Nang is a dynamic city. Binh said he "looked" with his ears, by listening to the surrounding movements.

Binh also participated in a charity group to assist poor children in mountainous areas. He and his family regularly do charity in their hometown - Quang Ninh.

Binh said, he is feeling very happy because he has everything: family, brothers, friends, work. Love is still far but Binh believes that he will find a suitable girl. "I will not love by the eye but by my soul. Who loves me and marries me will take the benefit that she will not have to be worried of aging in my eyes," Binh said and laughed.

He cannot look in the mirror, but through all the comments, Binh knows that he is tall and good-looking. Whenever going out, he always dresses nicely. "I’m blind but I want to prove that I'm not any different than those around me. My situation can create sympathy and even pity sometimes from others. I believe that with what I’ve done, I will change that way of thinking," Binh said.

Having had a sad and desperate time, but Binh always tries to choose for himself a positive way of living. He said that he is blind so he does not have to witness bad things. "Now it is the time when people often lament. I see nothing sad. Just having confidence and hope for a better future then nothing is distressing. After all, life is never fair. It is important that you feel enough, comfortable and happy," Binh added.

In addition to cooperate with artists, Binh plans to make his own products and in collaboration with singers to hold prestigious music shows.

T. Van