N anyin or "Southern tunes" is a narrative song art presented in the Cantonese vernacular; it was once a popular form of entertainment in Hong Kong during the early 20th century. Nanyin was mostly sung by blind artistes, accompanied by zheng and yehu, and to the rhythm given by clappers. The lyrics often reflected the living hardships of the lowest stratum of society. Today, nanyin is essentially blended into Cantonese opera and Cantonese operatic songs as part of their singing elements.