STAR-STUDDED: Vietnamese singer Đông Nhi (centre) performs at the first ASEAN-Japan Music Festival yesterday in Hà Nội, featuring music stars from Japan and ASEAN countries. VNA/VNS Photo
HÀ NỘI — The first ASEAN-Japan Music Festival took place on Sunday in Hà Nội, featuring top music stars from Japan and ASEAN countries.
The event, themed Prayer for Peace, was held by Vietnam Television (VTV) and the Japan Foundation Asia Centre at the National Convention Centre.
Artists and groups, such as Fakhrul Razi from Brunei, Andien from Indonesia, the NEW & JIEW of Thailand; Vietnamese singers Noo Phước Thịnh, Đông Nhi and Trọng Hiếu; along with Japanese performers Exile Atsushi, Koda Kumi, Miura Daichi surpassed language barriers and highlighted the importance of peace to people.
“Through music, the festival is expected to send out a message about the value of peace and contribute to the development of Japan and ASEAN countries,” VTV Director General Trần Bình Minh said.
Singer Đông Nhi said she was proud to be one of Vietnamese representatives at the event.
“It is my honour to be part of the festival here in Hà Nội and be side by side with artists from different countries to spread message of peace,” she said.
Đông Nhi said she believed the festival would be a great chance for local performers to introduce their national music to international friends.
Đông Nhi was named Singer of the Year at the Cống Hiến (Devotion) Music Awards held by Thể Thao & Văn Hóa (Sports and Culture) newspaper in April.
The festival highlighted not only typical aspects in culture of countries but also commonality in Asian traditions.
The festival was held as a part of the ASEAN-Japan Day Commemorative Event that Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo announced to host, at the Japan-ASEAN Summit of last year.
This programme was produced by Việt Nam-Japan and Japan-Việt Nam Special Ambassador Ryotaro Sugi, who is also Special Ambassador for Japan and ASEAN. He also performed at the event.
The festival will be aired by VTV at 8pm on August 11. — VNS
OVietnam