Central Highlands’ pop singer Y Moan drew his last breath at the age of 53 at 15:25 pm on October 1, after a prolonged fight with stomach cancer.
Known by his fans as Y Moan, Y Moan Enuoi’s real name is Y Blieo. He was born September 6 1957, one of seven children in an Ede ethnic family of modest means.
Y Moan was discovered after Vietnam’s reunification in 1976. He left his home in the mountains of Tay Nguyen (Central Highlands) and headed for Hanoi upon being recruited by the Song and Dance Troupe.
He studied at the then Hanoi Conservatory of Music from 1979 until 1986. During that time, he met Nguyen Thi Minh Ngau from the northern province of Thai Binh whom he married shortly thereafter. He then also met composer Nguyen Cuong.
Nguyen Cuong wrote Oi M’Drak especially for Y Moan after witnessing his passion for music and love for his land. The song became a turning point for the artists’ respective careers. The song-writer mentored the singer and the two formed a strong bond which lasted throughout their careers.
Y Moan never stopped singing about the Central Highlands' mountains and forests. He also sang songs by known song-writers such as, Tran Tien, Linh Nga Nie K'dam, and Ama No. Songs such as Oi M’Drak (Hey, M’Drak), Ly ca phe Ban Me (Ban Me coffee cup) and Doi chan tran (Bare foot) expressed his love for his homeland and introduced the beauty of the Vietnamese landscape to millions of people both within and outside the country.
Y Moan’s international performances included China, North Korea, South Korea, Thailand, Germany, Poland and France.
In 1997, Y Moan was conferred the honorary title of Meritorious Artistfor exceptional artistic achievements by the Vietnamese State.
In 2000 the Culture and Information Ministry recognized his lifetime career achievements.
He was conferred the title of People’s Artist, the highest honor given by the State to an artists, by President Nguyen Minh Triet during his live show Flame of the Central Highlands on August 6 of this year.
Y Moan’s funeral will be held at his private house in Dha Prong village of Buon Me Thuot City in DakLak Province Tuesday. He will be buried at Dha Prong Cemetery on October 5.
