We recently put out a call to our readers and YouTube viewers asking them who they want to perform at the debut Eurovision Asia Song Contest. Amid all the talk of Korean and Japanese pop stars, the name of one Vietnamese artist has continually cut through: Son Tung M-TP.

In recent years the 23-year-old has cut a path from the underground to the mainstream, racking up more than 600 million YouTube views in the process. In January he became the very first Vietnamese artist to earn one million YouTube subscribers (he’s now up to 1.8 million).

His music video for “Lac Troi” suggests even bigger things are yet to come. Released on December 31 of last year, the glossy video earned 38 million views in its first ten days online. That made it one of the top trending YouTube videos globally and it now counts nearly 155 million views. Those are numbers many Eurovision stars can only dream of.

The self-assured singer, who parted ways with his label and set up his own entertainment company in December, lives up to the M-TP in his name. M stands for music; T stands for tai nang (talent); P stands for phong cach (style). He puts all three of those qualities on fine display in “Lac Troi”, whose title translates roughly as “lost and floating”.

Recounting a story of lost love, Song Tung serves major face in the four-and-a-half minute spectacle that melds Old World Chinese cinema with cutting edge technology and a splash of fantasy. Warrior, lover, fighter, musician — Song Tung plays all these parts with dramatic flair, serving a heady mix of sensuality, pain and even anger. Whether sitting on a throne, steering a boat or pining away for his beloved in a royal jacuzzi, he works avant-garde threads and a variety of hair styles that would make Dolly Style jealous.

Musically the song bridges time and culture. The opening suggests something traditional and Vietnamese. But the sound soon gives way to a mish-mash of R&B, house, trap and rap. Vietnamese rap, you say? Just watch him break it down — while wearing a red robe and drinking straight from a tea pot. Dude has ‘tude and it’s strangely irresistible.

About Son Tung M-TP

The son of a businessman and a theatrical singer, Son Tung began competing in piano and singing competitions as a child. During high school he joined an underground group of artists known as LadyKillah and created a studio in his bedroom, using only an old computer (donated by a relative) and free recording software he found on the Internet.

After completing vocal training at the Conservatory of Ho Chi Minh City, he continued to share songs on the Internet, hitting it big with “Con Mua Ngang Qua” (“The Rain Gone By”). The song soon landed him on “The Favourite Song” — a nationally televised song contest — and his track won song of the month. Upbeat, happy and brimming with sunshine, the song reflects his personality and cheeky swagger.

Since then he’s released countless hits like “Em Cua Ngay Hom Qua” (“You of Yesterday”) — a R&B-tinged ballad that’s racked up more than 98 million hits on YouTube.

He cemented his status as an A-lister when he starred in the 2014 film Chang Trai Nam Ay (Dandelion). And in 2015 he competed on The Remix, which sees Vietnamese stars preforming remixes of hits. In August of that year he won the coveted MTV Award for Best Southeast Asia Act.

Are you loving Son Tung M-TP? Does he have the M, T and P? And could he compete with the slick artists that Australia, Japan and South Korea are bound to field? Let us know in the comments box below.

Read more Eurovision Asia news

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mel
mel
6 years ago

I was attracted to his music even before knowing anything about him. He definitely deserves a slot and he may even surprise the audience 🙂

Brian Carter
Brian Carter
6 years ago

If you want to find a performer for vietnam son tung mtp is the best options to choose. Hope you will let him perform at eurovision asia

AshleyDoan94
AshleyDoan94
6 years ago

S?n Tùng M-TP!!! Love him so much!!! I can’t stop listening his music as well as watching his live performance in Viral Fest Asia 2017!!!

Alex Truong
Alex Truong
6 years ago

S?n Tùng is the best singer in Vietnam . He will bring a new breath to Asian music. He is a talented person.

Trinh
Trinh
6 years ago

He is so manly. I liked him so much.

mariaozawa
mariaozawa
6 years ago

S?n Tùng M-TP

sara arab sky
sara arab sky
6 years ago

SONTUNG OMG he do talented i love him voice it’s special

sali
sali
6 years ago

wooow SonTung M-TP im so excited ???? he have many MVs perfect ??

kim phuong
kim phuong
6 years ago

S?n Tùng MTP
He is amazing!!!

Tony Daniel
Tony Daniel
6 years ago

Son Tung MTP is a very talated singer and songwriter. His music is different and unique, we sky family are very proud of him!

Vu? Thi? Huyê?n Trang
Vu? Thi? Huyê?n Trang
6 years ago

Son Tung M-TP is a talented, handsome, cute singer.Especially he has a great fashion style.
Son Tung M-TP’s fandom is”SKY”.SKY are always proud of him.
Thanks for the great article about Son Tung M-TP

Suli Lazy
Suli Lazy
6 years ago

That’s great! !!Thank u #Eurovision Asia. I love #SonTungM-TP

Sambo Ha
Sambo Ha
6 years ago

He is a wonderful artist, I love him so much, i hope he is to attend and dedication everyone a great music party. Thanks all

phuonguyen
phuonguyen
6 years ago

Of course yesssss

duy phuong
6 years ago

i’m son tung mtp :v

Tree
6 years ago

Definitely and absolutely agreed. I say Son Tung MTP

kim nguy?t d?
kim nguy?t d?
6 years ago

🙂 S?N TÙNG M-TP

Kelly Tom
Kelly Tom
6 years ago
Reply to  kim nguy?t d?

S?n Tung MTP definitely has the swag! He’s eye candy and has the raw talent . I’m from the US and heard his music, now i can’t get enough of his music. MTP is awsome, you’ll regret listening because his music is addicting!!!

Nguyen Huyen Thuong
Nguyen Huyen Thuong
6 years ago

S?n Tùng M-TP- The pride of Vietnam <3

gaim
gaim
6 years ago

Thanhs very much!S2

rose
rose
6 years ago

thank you eurovision.. <3
#SonTungMTP

D
D
6 years ago

#sontungmtp

Elley
Elley
6 years ago

Son Tung M-TP

EUROFAN MEXICO
EUROFAN MEXICO
6 years ago

ESTA GENIAL THAT GREATH

Thu
Thu
6 years ago

#SonTungMTP #VietNam

K
K
6 years ago

#sontungmtp

Hoai Nguyen
Hoai Nguyen
6 years ago

very niceeeee =)) thank u for inviting him to #EurovisionAsia ^^ He’s the most talented singer I know ^^

G-dragon
6 years ago

Son tung M-TP
1: Em cua ngay hom qua
2: Chung ta không thu?c ve nhau
3: Lac troi
4: Noi nay co anh
Vote

G-dragon
6 years ago

Son tung M-TP

Alex
Alex
6 years ago

Son Tung M-TP, him absolutely worthy

ngntrnqnh
ngntrnqnh
6 years ago

GREAT!!!

Tâm Thanh
Tâm Thanh
6 years ago

Is a great singer, he has good morals and he deserves fame over the territory of Vietnam I am proud to be his Sky – His fan

Tâm Thanh
Tâm Thanh
6 years ago

Thank you so much Wiwiblog. In my opinion, Son Tung is a great singer, he has good morals and he deserves fame over the territory of Vietnam I am proud to be his Sky – His fan 🙂

H??ng
H??ng
6 years ago

From Vi?t Nam ??
Plz invite him, he is very talented

Hoang Khuyen Dang
Hoang Khuyen Dang
6 years ago

He is absolutely worthy to be VietNam ‘s representative at this contest <3 <3 <3 because he is SON TUNG M-TP- our pride <3 <3 <3

Hien Nguyen Thanh
Hien Nguyen Thanh
6 years ago

Thank you very much for this information! #SonTungMTP is a excellent singer and song-writter of VN. His success is the symbol for young generation who always try to get their dream. We hope he can stand on the stage of #EuroVisionAsia and devoted an unbelievable performance which attract all audiences. Team #SonTungMTP

blondboybc
blondboybc
6 years ago

Wonderful artist and video! Absolutely love the fusion of ancient and modern music…very well done…he definitely needs to go to ESC Asia! Let’s hope Vietnam participates! 🙂

Hieu Tran
Hieu Tran
6 years ago

Thank you very much for writing about him. In Vietnam, his fandom named “SKY” and we are exciting to watch his performance at EAS Contest!!!!

Huong
Huong
6 years ago

I am excited to watch the contest if Son Tung MTP will join it. Love him so much!

YellowRose
6 years ago

Greetings from USA! “More than 600 millions views on youtube.” “Strangely irresistible.” “won the coveted MTV Award for Best Southeast Asia act.” Why you must be talking about none other than Son Tung M-TP! <3

Ana Clara
Ana Clara
6 years ago

He is a great artist, the videos are always well produced as well as the songs ?? I am from Brazil

Bella
Bella
6 years ago

Omg!! I’m so happy to read this! This guy is definitely going places! I hope he performs in ESC Asia 🙂

Lisa Tung
Lisa Tung
6 years ago

He is a wonderful artist, and he has fans all over the world cheering for him, we in Brazil are doing his best to get him nominated

Dan
Dan
6 years ago

@Polska He is a male. You can search him on facebook with the name M-TP ( his fan page ) or S?n Tùng M-TP Official ( his channel ) on Youtube

Priscilla
Priscilla
6 years ago

Check out his hit L?c Trôi

D
D
6 years ago

I first heard “Chung ta khong thuoc ve nhau” when everyone was saying it ripped off Charlie Puth, and I actually ended up really liking the song. I’d love to see him representing Vietnam, it might persuade me to actually follow the contest.

Vi Vân
6 years ago

Thank you for writing about him.. <3 He has a lot of fans, His fandom's name is "Sky", they support him very enthusiastically. He is not only talented but also a good guy. He has inspired many young people in Vietnam. He also has many other good songs . Hope you guys like it . ^^ – Chung ta khong thuoc ve nhau – We don't belong together ( 2016 ) – Noi nay co anh – I'm here for you ( 14/2/2017) – Remember Me ( 2015 ) – Khuon mat dang thuong – Pitiful Face. ( 2015) –… Read more »

Kiai
Kiai
6 years ago

A well written article giving useful insights into this outstanding young artist’s career. Thank you for putting so much effort into writing it. What I find so remarkable about him is his positive outlook on life. Whenever he gets the chance, he encourages people to stay positive, to be brave, to focus on the bright side even when facing hardship or failure. Hardships are challenges, failures are lessons to him. Even when wronged, he stays polite and open-minded while continuing to work diligently. Needless to say that his personality and passion for his work is reflected by the quality of… Read more »

Kinie
Kinie
6 years ago

K-pop? i could not hear anything tbh, and that’s why i liked it. You could feel the traditional asian influence in the song and video. Each to his own i guess.

Kinie
Kinie
6 years ago

That was beautiful. It’s what i’m expecting to see in Asian ESC tbh.

Polska
Polska
6 years ago

Its the person a he or she or a they?

Nancy G
Nancy G
6 years ago
Reply to  Polska

He’s all man. That video was just very artistic and deliberately provocative. He’s really cute. Check out his Instagram!

escphbelgium
escphbelgium
6 years ago
Reply to  Polska

*Facepalm intensifies*

Bella
Bella
6 years ago
Reply to  Polska

He’s a very gorgeous man who knows how to rock long hair and a man bun! 🙂