Grammy-winning producer debuts scholarship fund in Vietnam
Three-time Grammy Award-winning producer RedOne is currently in Vietnam for a music project with a Vietnamese-Australian singer/songwriter after attending a ceremony to launch a scholarship fund, to go partly to local autistic children, this week.
The Moroccan-Swedish music producer partook in the ceremony to debut Trinh Cong Son Music Scholarship Fund held on August 28 evening in Ho Chi Minh City.
Part of the fund earnings will go to autistic children.
The fund offers grants to outstanding candidates for programs run by the SOUL Music and Performing Arts Academy (SMPAA), initiated and managed by Vietnamese-Australian singer/composer Thanh Bui.
Ten candidates are named annually by a council made up of Thanh Bui, principal of SMPAA; Tyler Smith, vice president of the Trinity College London in Asia; Trinh Vinh Trinh, Son’s younger sister; violin virtuoso Bui Cong Duy; and some seasoned Vietnamese journalists.
“I’m positive that music is a miracle for patients, including autism sufferers. Music soothes autistic children and even helps them reclaim their non-autistic part,” RedOne told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.
He divulged that he has studied Son’s notable works and life.
“Though I don’t understand the lyrics of his songs very well (despite my friends’ rough translation), I’m really appreciative of his melodies and why he became such a legend dubbed ‘Vietnamese Bob Dylan.’ His music is simple yet profound and has never waned in appeal,” the 43-year-old producer observed.
Trinh Cong Son passed away at age 60 on April 1, 2001 to the shock and overwhelming grief of thousands of his fans, Vietnamese and foreign alike.
The BBC also covered his funeral, which was attended by some thousands of mourners.
Son has been added to the Encyclopedia Britannica, which highlights him as one of Vietnam’s most eminent composers, along with Pham Duy and Van Cao.
RedOne still has a few days left in his one-week trip to Vietnam, which will be spent discussing partnerships with Thanh Bui and exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels, a historical tourist attraction located in the outlying district of Cu Chi in Ho Chi Minh City.
According to Wikipedia, RedOne, whose real name is Nadir Khayat, is a producer, songwriter, and music executive.
As a producer and songwriter, he has worked with many high-profile recording artists, including Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull, Enrique Iglesias and Mariah Carey.
His discography boasts many Billboard and international hits, which he produced and co-wrote.
RedOne has been nominated for six Grammy awards and nabbed three so far.