Longgang District Jie Songs

Longgang is located within the centre of Shenzhen’s Longgang district. Longgang Jie songs is a type of folk music constructed from local Hakka dialect. The songs have a simple melody and clear meaning that is easy to understand, especially with the unique word structure, and are also easy to sing. All the elderly local Longgang residents can sing along.

The performance of Longgang Jie songs come in many forms: a Capella or with instrumental accompaniment; solo or duet; separated or within a group. The biggest feature of the Longgang Jie song is：After the first line of lyrics, it is followed by a padding syllable*,（“Jīn Mu Dān Na”）；After the second line of lyrics, another padding syllable follows（“Mu Dān Huā，Yī Duì Yuān Yāng Sái Hóng Huā Luó Liē”). For example, “Ā Gē You Xīn Mèi You Yì（“Jīn Mu Dān Na”), Wú Pá Shān Gāo Shui Yòu Shēn（“Mu Dān Huā，Yī Duì Yuān Yāng Sái Hóng Huā Luó Liē”). The fourth sentence then becomes “Shān Gāo Mèi Huì Lái Kāi Lù，Shui Shēn Gē Zào Chuán Zai Rén”.

This demonstrates the use of padding syllables within a song. The two padding syllables are always consecutive with two lines of song lyrics, and the structure never becomes separate. Due to always being in a fixed position, the following melody is also always the same, making it easy to pick up and remember. The lyrics of Longgang Jie songs are similar to Hakka folk songs, complete with hand gestures, free movement and choice of decorum or vulgarity. All songs are fast paced, have a cheerful melody, and taken place within a social gathering. The performances easily attract the attention of the masses, and encourage more participants to sing and interact on stage with each other. Therefore, not only do Longgang Jie songs implement festive features and a sense of celebration, but they are also a display of strong group identity.

According to research, Longgang Jie songs originate from the end of the Qing dynasty. It spread throughout the nation, and flourished during the 40s and 50s of the previous century. To the Longgang district researchers, the cultural preservation and inheritance of the Hakkas is of substantial value.

*A padding syllable is a repetitive sentence that is arguably needless, but still enriches the song.

This piece is a translated work, translated from Chinese to English as part of the Shenzhen Nonmaterial Heritage Project of Shenzhen Polytechnic University and Shenzhen Museum.