Khanh Hoa Mr. Tran Van Muoi and 10 beauties performed "Descendants of the Global Hung King" to praise roots, peace, and connect Vietnamese people from all over the world, at Miss World on the evening of September 2.
According to the representative of the Miss World organizing committee, the performance Descendants of King Hung Global is the highlight of the Hello Vietnam - Hello World program at April 2 Square, Nha Trang ward. The crew staged the music in a heroic style, combining melody, dance and images of Vietnamese beauties in national costumes, recreating the origin story in the exchange space of 111 cultures.
On a stage more than 110 meters long, businessman Tran Van Muoi - the author of the song - and 10 Vietnamese beauty queens and runner-ups including Kieu Duy, Yen Nhi, Phuong Oanh, Tam Nhu, Phuong Thanh, Thu Tra, Thu Ngan, Bao Ha, Kim Ngoc, Trinh Yen Nhi took turns contributing their voices and performing ao dai.
Not being a professional musician, Mr. Tran Van Muoi expressed the idea of composing songs from reflecting on his roots and what he observed after meeting hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese people across five continents. He realized that no matter where he lived or what he did, everyone's heart was towards their homeland.
The author explains that the phrase "descendants of King Hung" not only recalls the history of building the country but also creates a thread connecting the Vietnamese community around the world. "I wanted to write a song to remind us of our common roots, thereby sending a message of love, solidarity, peace, and joining hands to build a green planet for future generations," Mr. Muoi said.
Responding to VnExpress, businessman Tran Van Muoi said he accepted the invitation of the Miss World organizers because he saw the similarity in the message about roots, love for the homeland and connecting Vietnamese culture with the world. He spent a lot of time practicing with the team.
The performance does not emphasize technique but emphasizes the ability to convey emotions. According to Mr. Muoi, the audience may forget a melody but they will remember the emotions the show brings. He felt the youthful, positive energy and national pride when standing on stage with young people.
The author highly appreciates the attitude of the flower arrangement and runner-up. After he explained the origin of the work and the meaning of the image of King Hung, some members proactively read more historical documents.
After decades of cultural research, Mr. Tran Van Muoi believes that the language barrier may prevent listeners from fully understanding the lyrics, but the melody, images and emotions are still capable of creating a connection.
"Music is the shortest path from heart to heart. There are things that take hours to explain, but a song can help the listener feel faster. Without needing a translator, the melody can still make people move," he said.
Mr. Tran Van Muoi was born in 1965 in Thanh Hoa. In 1985, he took the first course at Thu Duc T12B Guard School, then worked in the guard force. Later, he expanded into business and is currently Chairman of the Board of Directors of Nhan Muoi Real Estate Joint Stock Company.
In addition, he holds the position of Chairman of the Board of Management of the Institute of Human Resource Development and Cultural Sciences; Vice Chairman of East Saigon Business Association; Standing Vice President of Thanh Hoa Business Club in Ho Chi Minh City and member of the Executive Committee of the Vietnam Record Holders Association.
In 2023, World Records University (WRU, USA) awarded him an honorary doctorate, recognizing the process of composing and coming up with the idea of adapting the poem Descendants of the Global Hung King into 18 musical forms. In November 2024, he received the title of Honorary Professor from International American University (USA). He was also awarded the title of Goodwill Ambassador in the cultural sector by the Indian Council for Global Trade and Technology.
Mr. Muoi released the poem Descendants of King Hung globally on October 10, 2020, inspired by the global Vietnam National Ancestor Day project and was granted copyright on November 12, 2021. He then transformed it into 18 musical forms, symbolizing the 18 generations of Hung Kings. Versions range from new music, Phu Tho Xoan singing, Ca Tru, Bac Ninh Quan Ho, Nghe Tinh Vi Giam, Chau Van, Xam, Bai Choi, Thanh Hoa folk songs, Ma River singing, Cheo, Tuong to lullabies.
New music only has Vietnamese and English versions. The diversity in expression helps the work reach many audience groups, while bringing some traditional art forms into contemporary life. In 2022, the work set a record for the poem adapted into the most musical forms in Vietnam.
After Miss World, Mr. Tran Van Muoi hopes to continue bringing the global Descendants of King Hung to the multinational Vietnamese community. He also cherishes projects on culture, traditional education, environmental protection and connecting overseas Vietnamese.
Miss World, first held in 1951, is one of the two largest and oldest beauty contests in the world. The playground honors the spirit of global solidarity, looking for girls with beauty, education and meaningful community projects. After 72 seasons, the contest took place for the first time in Vietnam, jointly organized by the Golden Lotus company.
