The Saigon-based indie band Jaigon Orchestra is making waves with their latest single and music video, “Chinatown” — a vibrant, humorous, and deeply nostalgic tribute to the city’s iconic Chinese-Vietnamese neighborhood, Chợ Lớn.
Blending retro Cantonese cinema aesthetics with modern indie flair, “Chinatown” opens like a scene straight out of a 1980s Hong Kong film: smoky alleys, flickering neon signs, and the clattering rhythm of late-night street food stalls. Within seconds, the track immerses listeners in a sonic world filled with brass, drums, and the cozy hum of Saigon’s multicultural soul.
More than just a catchy tune, “Chinatown” captures the spirit of the Hoa Kiều (Chinese-Vietnamese) community with a unique blend of affection and satire. It’s cheeky, it’s stylish, and above all, it’s unapologetically local. Jaigon Orchestra embraces the vintage charm of “Ba Tàu” stereotypes, turning them into something endearing and relatable — a rare feat in today’s polished pop landscape.
Directed by Thanh Tú (DÍNH), who also handled much of the cinematography alongside Hoàng (AKI) and Đình Tuấn (Chuotsamset), the music video was shot across several atmospheric locations in Saigon — including Chợ Lớn, Vĩnh Viễn Apartment Complex, and the delightfully retro M. Vinh Fitness Club on Âu Cơ Street.
The MV stars the band themselves, supported by actors Ngọc Diệp and Đức Thọ (aka Anh Ca Dé), with help from a dedicated team: Thúy Vy, Khánh Tâm, and Gia Bảo. Wardrobe styling came courtesy of Hoàng, Khôi, and Thanh Thảo, while the promo photos were shot by Hà Lan.
Musically, “Chinatown” is a labor of love. Written by Vinh Kiệt (KET) and Thanh Tú (DÍNH), and performed by Jaigon Orchestra, the track is rich in live instrumentation and cinematic layers. Drums were recorded by Kevin Chen at GHS Studio in Taipei, with mixing and recording handled in Saigon by Vinh Kiệt (KET). Final mastering was done by Phúc Thạch at Only C Production, ensuring the track sounds as polished as it is playful.
