Every traditional musical instrument carries a story about the life, customs, and soul of an ethnic community. In the deep forests of Khanh Hoa, Artisan Cao Di (from Khanh Vinh Commune) is widely known as a cultural anchor who quietly devotes his life to keeping the unique melodies of the Raglai people alive. Without formal schooling, he grew up surrounded by the sounds of stringed instruments, Ma La gongs, and regional folk songs. Driven by passion and self-taught dedication, he mastered numerous traditional instruments, including the Chapi, stone xylophone, Ma La, bamboo flutes, and traditional bows.
Beyond performing, Artisan Cao Di serves as a core member of the Raglai performance troupe at the Yang Bay tourist area and actively teaches younger generations. During practice sessions, he arrives early to carefully guide youths on every stroke of the stone xylophone, the rhythm of the Ma La, and the cadence of traditional dances. Thanks to his patience, many young people who once knew nothing about native instruments can now perform with confidence before tourists, developing deep pride in their cultural roots.
In addition to teaching, he spends countless hours handcrafting instruments from local jungle materials like bamboo, reeds, and wood. With skillful hands and a deep understanding of forest acoustics, Artisan Cao Di crafts intricate clapping flutes, Korea flutes, and Chapi zithers with distinct tonal qualities. As these melodies resonate through the mountain landscape, they offer visitors an enriching cultural experience while keeping Raglai heritage vibrant and relevant in contemporary life.
