Natural music
For several years, the Central Highlands has been famous for its echoes of gongs, which have been recognised as an masterpiece of oral and intangible oral heritage of humanity by the United Nations.
The sound of gongs can be heard at many festivals, but the Jrai people in Duc Co District, Gia Lai Province are also known for their ability to make music with a simple leaf.
Rolan De, who can play bright, fascinating melodies on his leaf instrument, said he learned how to play from village patriarch Puih Hyong when he was young. Hyong also taught De and other men in the village how to imitate the sounds of animals for hunting.
Since the Government has forbidden illegal hunting, the instrument is now used chiefly for performances at festivals and on stage. Young village people play the songs of Jrai and Bahnar on the leaf instrument.
The 50-year-old man says he cannot remember how many congratulatory certificates he has received in the past years for his leaf instrument playing.
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