Use BBC.com or the new BBC App to listen to BBC podcasts, Radio 4 and the World Service outside the UK.

Find out how to listen to other BBC stations

Episode details

World Service,29 Jun 2026,40 mins

Risking it all for love songs

Outlook

Available for over a year

Nguyen Van Loc grew up singing the songs his father loved, classic Vietnamese ballads that were the signature music of the 1950s. When the communists took over, this sort of “dissident” music was banned, and Nguyen had to sing in secret with his friends. The police found out, and Nguyen was suddenly in a lot of trouble. Presenter: Jo Fidgen Producer: Harry Graham Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com or WhatsApp 44 330 678 2707 (Photo: A profile shot of Vietnamese singer Nguyen Van Loc. He is in his 50s with black hair and a black moustache, with a matching orange shirt and tie. He looks wistfully into the distance. Credit: Nguyen Van Loc)

Programme Website
More episodes