No one knows when the Chapi of the Raglai people existed. Still, it was famous throughout the country by the musical work "The Chapi" by musician Tran Tien, composed during the anti-American resistance war.

Chapi is not only a purely musical instrument but has become an indispensable item in every Raglai family during the resistance war, "every poor person has a Chapi". Currently, Chapi guitar has become a favourite souvenir for tourists when coming to Ninh Thuan. However, there are very few Raglai people who make Chapi guitars today. Mr Chamalea Au is perhaps the only person currently proficient in the production of Chapi guitars imbued with the cultural imprint of the Raglai people.

Visitors wishing to learn how to make guitars come to Do village, Ma Noi commune, Ninh Son district to meet artisan Chamalea Au, who is always welcoming. He doesn’t only built Chapi but also made baskets and crossbows to serve the needs of tourists.

He said: Chapi is always present in all cultural activities of the community of the Raglai people, the presence of Chapi is a simple dream of the Raglai people when the music plays, it blends with the sound of the old forest.            

Huong Lan-Tourism Promotion Information Center