Artisan of merit K’Brel: Over 50 Years of preserving the central highlands Gong culture
Born in 1959 in K’Rot Dơng village, Bao Thuan Commune (Lam Dong), Artisan of Merit K’Brel is one of the most outstanding representatives of the K’ho ethnic community in preserving, practicing, and passing on the cultural heritage of Central Highlands gongs.
Growing Up with the Gongs' Rhythm
Growing up in a time when village life remained pristine, K’Brel’s childhood was closely tied to festivals around the communal fire. The resonant sound of gongs blended with flickering flames, K’ho folk songs, fermented rice wine, and grilled buffalo meat, with children falling asleep beside the fire after long nights of celebration.
In 1970, at the age of 11, K’Brel began learning gong performance from his father, K’Sé, a respected keeper of folk culture. He was taught how to play gongs, blow the buffalo-horn trumpet, and sing K’ho folk songs. Each evening, the family gathered as his father patiently instructed the children in technique, posture, and sound perception.
From an early age, K’Brel was deeply attentive to producing soulful, expressive gong sounds. Despite aching hands that caused his siblings to give up, he persisted, gradually mastering each gong, repertoire, and rhythm. The more he practiced, the deeper his passion grew.
At 15, he was selected to join the village youth gong ensemble during the New Rice Festival, having already memorized key ritual chants honoring deities of nature. Through active participation, he gained a deep understanding of ceremonial sequences and offerings guided by village elders.
In 1986, K’Brel was chosen by Bao Thuan Commune to join gong performance exchanges with neighboring areas. Performing on stage for the first time, he felt immense pride in presenting the K’ho cultural heritage to a wider audience. His heartfelt performances left a strong impression, and from then on, many people sought him out to learn the art of the gongs.
Preserving and Passing on Gong Culture
Artisan of Merit K’Brel possesses deep folk knowledge and has long played a key role in performing rituals and preserving K’ho gong culture. After joining provincial gong festivals from 1989 and later performing across the Central Highlands and in Hanoi following UNESCO recognition in 2005, he became increasingly aware of his responsibility to safeguard the heritage.
Despite hardships, he has consistently taught gong playing on weekends, passing on both techniques and cultural meanings. Since 1988, he has trained over 250 young people. Through oral and hands-on teaching, he systematized traditional K’ho gong repertoires and mastered 16 major gong pieces.
In 2022, he was awarded the title Artisan of Merit, honoring more than 55 years of dedication. After 55 years of immersing in the rhythm of gongs, Artisan of Merit K’Brel has never stopped being devoted to them. He shared: “I hope that all K’ho children will know how to play the gongs, dance "xoang", and understand the precious cultural traditions of our people.”
