Liu Fajin - Suona Player in Yongren Countt, Chuxiong 

Introduction

Liu Fajin (刘发金) is a renowned Yi (彝族) suona (唢呐) artist from Xin Fangzi Village (新房子村), Daba Village Committee, Yongding Town (永定镇), Yongren County (永仁县), Chuxiong Prefecture (楚雄州), Yunnan Province. Born in 1954, he is recognized as a provincial-level representative inheritor of intangible cultural heritage (folk music category).

Over more than 20 years of performance experience, Liu Fajin has played over 1,000 public performances, contributing significantly to the preservation and development of Yi suona music.

Early Life and Training

Family and Mentorship

• Born in 1954, Liu Fajin began learning the suona at age 14 under his grandfather, Luo Tian (罗田).

• At 25, he completed his apprenticeship and became a recognized “mingxiang shi” (鸣响师)—a traditional folk musician responsible for playing at weddings, funerals, and other ceremonial events.

• During the period of cultural openness following China’s reform era, he was increasingly invited to perform at local festivals and ceremonies in Yongren County, gradually establishing a strong reputation.

Regional Influence

• Liu Fajin’s artistry reflects the Yi cultural traditions of Yongren County, while also absorbing diverse influences from neighboring regions, resulting in a distinctive musical style.

• He has performed extensively in Sichuan Province, including Panzhihua, Datian, Renhe, Pingdi, and Huili, showcasing Yi suona music beyond Yunnan.

Artistic Achievements and Style

Musical Characteristics

• Tone: Bright, loud, and penetrating, conveying a wide range of emotions.

• Technique: Skilled in circular breathing, allowing continuous performance; vocal range spans three octaves.

• Expression: Balances sharp, high-pitched tones with soft, lyrical passages to suit different occasions.

• Repertoire: Master of traditional Yi melodies, including 72 “standard tunes” and 37 “variant tunes,” choosing pieces appropriate for weddings, funerals, and festivals.

Representative Performances

Social Recognition

• Official Status: Recognized as a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage inheritor of folk music in Yongding, Yongren.

• Local Cultural Impact: A leading figure in preserving and promoting Yi suona music in Yongren County.

• Cultural Role: Serves as a “living fossil” of Yi musical traditions, maintaining the cultural identity and continuity of the community.

Teaching and Cultural Transmission

Mentorship Philosophy

• Liu Fajin emphasizes oral transmission, passing both technical skills and cultural understanding to younger generations.

• Conducts teaching primarily within Yongding Town and surrounding areas, covering suona playing techniques, traditional Yi music theory, repertoire knowledge, and performance etiquette.

• Plays an essential role in local intangible cultural heritage programs, nurturing the next generation of Yi musicians.

Contributions to Yi Culture

1. Cultural Preservation: Collects, organizes, and preserves traditional Yi suona music to prevent cultural loss.

2. Cultural Transmission: Mentors students, sustaining the Yi musical heritage in Yongren County.

3. Cultural Promotion: Performs widely in local, prefectural, and cross-provincial events, enhancing the visibility of Yi culture.

Yi Suona: Cultural Background

Historical and Cultural Significance

• Yi suona music is deeply rooted in the customs and rituals of the Yi people.

• Traditionally used in funerals, weddings, festivals, and building ceremonies, reflecting the Yi philosophy of life and death.

• Over time, Yi suona art in Yongren County has integrated elements from neighboring regions, forming a rich, diverse local style.

Musical Features

Preservation and Current Status

• Yongren County has 76 recognized intangible cultural heritage inheritors, including 12 provincial-level and 19 prefectural-level.

• Implements a four-level protection system (county, town, village, group) for systematic preservation.

• Conducts training, school programs, exhibitions, and community performances to maintain and transmit traditional Yi music.

• Integrates cultural heritage with tourism and community projects, such as “Intangible Heritage into Schools, Villages, and Farmhouses”, supporting both preservation and public engagement.

Conclusion

As a provincial intangible cultural heritage inheritor and master Yi suona musician, Liu Fajin has devoted decades to performing, preserving, and teaching Yi music. His work safeguards a vital piece of Yi cultural heritage, ensuring the continuity and vitality of traditional music while enriching the diversity of Chinese ethnic culture.