A song by emerging local singer Ha Okio has been chosen for the first round list of the 2014 Grammy Awards.

Ha’s song “Your heart” has been chosen for the first round list in the Category “Best Pop Solo Performance.” Though the song stands little chance of entering the Grammy’s Top 5, Ha considers it a notable achievement and source of encouragement to his and other local singers’ bid to enter the global market.

To be eligible for the list, a song must meet two requirements: it was previously released in the US, and nominated by one member of the Grammy jury.

The “Your Heart” single, released last year, is in the style of urban R&B. Its lyrics revolve around relationships in our modern society, packed with  plans and worries as well as dreams and aspirations.

Ha’s latest single is titled “Everybody has a choice.” Like his previous songs which focus on social issues, it conveys a positive message for his audience: “Make sure your choice in everything is worthy.”

The song was recently chosen by the 2013 YxineFF, an online short film fest, as its theme song.

Early in his career, 32-year-old Ha Okio, whose real name is Ha Luong Ngoc, quickly established his name as a rapper, singer, and songwriter. He is now also a music producer.

Ha is the ambassador of 350.org, a global environmental organization, and the 2012 and 2013 Earth Hour campaigns. Earlier this year, Ha was nominated as one of the Sexiest Vegetarian Celebrities by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), along with some 300 international celebs including Bill Clinton, Paul McCartney, Brigitte Bardot, Mike Tyson, Anne Hathaway, Leona Lewis, and Shania Twain.

In 2012 Ha won the Vietnam Song Award for Best Artist. “Noi Ay” (The Place), one of Ha’s thought-provoking songs, is thought to help crown Yasuy in the 2012 Vietnam Idol.