Da Nang youth’s initiatives preserve and spread beauty of Co Tu culture
DNO - Amid the pace of modern life, an increasing number of young people are proactively returning to villages to explore and promote the cultural values of Co Tu ethnic minority people through experiences with customs, traditional crafts, and unique festivals.
Born in 2001 in Song Kon Commune, Huynh Ha is a Co Tu rapper. Starting to compose music in 2022, he considers music as a means to share stories about his homeland, resilient Co Tu people, and the unmistakable pride of national identity.
His compositions such as 'Ma'nuih Katu' (Co Tu people), 'How ve broanh' (How could it be enough), and 'Rau kieng mon'' (What I want to say), clearly convey these messages. Among them, the song 'Ma'nuih Katu' is considered the most impressive. The modern rap track highlights national pride, the spirit of work, moral values and the aspirations of the Co Tu people.
Meanwhile, a group of students from the FPT University Da Nang has recently launched the project “Co Tu-Gether” with the goal of promoting the traditional culture of the Co Tu people amid the rapid rise of modern communication platforms.
The project combines multi-platform communication and real-world cultural experience activities, enabling young people aged 18 to 24 in Da Nang to access Co Tu culture both online and in person.
The project is implemented in three main phases. In particular, “Sitting Down Together” is a multi-platform communication campaign with a series of social network content, aiming to introduce Co Tu cultural characteristics such as traditional craft villages, art and cuisine. “Walking in Village Together” focuses on premiering music videos and organizing events to experience the Co Tu cultural space. “Bring Stories Home Together” involves the launching of the project’s official website, the introduction of Co Tu cultural materials, and broadening public access to reliable information.
According to Mr. Alang Nhu, Director of the Ta Lang - Gian Bi Community-based Tourism Cooperative in Hai Van Ward, the “Co Tu-Gether” project not only helps honor and preserve the cultural identity of the Co Tu people, but also opens up opportunities for wider promotion to domestic and international friends.
Thus, through music, social media, practical experiences and community initiatives, young people are making efforts to turn traditional culture into a breath of contemporary life as well as strengthen their connection to cultural heritage in the city.