Probably one of the most popular pop singers in Cambodia is Preap Sovath.
Like most pop singers, in addition to his own work he often adapts songs that are popular from overseas – China, Korea, whatever works. ‘Careless Whisper’ in Khmer? That was him.
(Issues of royalties I will leave to the World Trade Organization.)
Here he is advising his pal to “Kick out your girl friend”.
(Literally, ‘sweetheart’ (‘sangsaa’)) so it could apply to either gender.
Foreigners love the used Vespas that you can find in Phnom Penh. The appearance of a swanky refurbished one in the video popularized it – to the amusement of my friend Emiko who’d had one for over a year before. Suddenly it was cool.
Following the recent tunes ‘Sexy Boy’ and ‘Sexy Lady’ comes ‘Sexy Lady’. A weird guy follows a wealthly lady around the malls and restaurants of Phnom Penh.
I was in a CD shop when they played this video, and the staff and customers were just busting a gut laughing. I couldn’t figure out what was so funny about it until I realized underneath the big afro style hair and sunglasses was …. that wacky Preap Sovath!
Virtually a novelty record, it’s a welcome break from the ‘broken-heart-walking-in-the-garden’ style of Karaoke you get here.
Beyond karaoke, there’s lots more to be had. Tomorrow: Khmer Fusion music.
