The Latest News of Cambodian Film Stars

Unlike in the old days - before 1975 when there were only a handful of young talented girls or boys chose singing or acting as a career in Cambodia, today there are hundreds of young boys and girls growing up dreaming to be a famous singer, actor or actress. Because of that, the competition of becoming a super star in Khmer entertainment market today is fierce. There are not many of them successful. One has to rise above everyone else and be outstanding to get recognized and able to succeed. That does not come easy. Recently Tiengmom Sotheavy an 18 year old girl from Takeo Province seems to be one of a very few young female singers rising above and beyond the ordinary. She is transforming herself from just a school girl to a rising star in a relatively short period of time. That has caught Angkorthom.US’ attention.

It is amazing to see how well this pretty young girl putting her God-given talents, great voice, beauty and skills together and be able to perform to or above a level of Meas Sok Sophea who has been on the profession many years before her. I placed two music videos on which both Tiengmom Sotheavy and Meas Sok Sophea sang and danced next to each other so you can see how Tiengmom Sotheavy performs on stage yourself. While Meas Sok Sphea’s voice is silkier, Tiengmom Sotheavy’s voice is more soothing and comforting with more depth. This kind of voice is very unique and rare among Khmer female singers. Her choreography is effortless, graceful and natural, considering she only does this part time for little more than a year.

Tiengmom Sotheavy was born in 1989 in Tram Village, Takeo Province in a family of 4, her parents and a younger brother. Tiengmom Sotheavy is the eldest child in the family. She and her family left Takeo Province and came to live in Phnom Penh when she was 8 years old. Her father Tieng Samorn who is a professor and her mother Cheng Som who is an elementary school teacher both were having difficult time deciding which career path Tiengmom Setheavy should take – a teaching career like them or signing and acting? They both like singing and acting very much, but they also want her to be an educator. During the interview, Tiengmom Sotheavy told Angkorthom.US that she wanted to do both – an English professor and a famous singer.

At 18 years of age, Tiengmom Sotheavy is already very busy with her school and work schedules. For her education, she is now in her Bachelor program in English Literature at University of Panhasab, and she is also in another Bachelor program majoring in music at the Royal University of Fine Arts. Because English literature is her major at school, Tiengmom Sotheavy can read, write and speak English every well. During the interview Tiengmom Sotheavy spoke half in Khmer and English. In addition to taking two majors at two different schools, she is also taking piano lessons at home with Mr. Morm Punnaray who is a famous pianist in Cambodia as her instructor.

For her work schedule, she is now working for Reymeas Production and other productions such as 4U. She worked for New World Production, Blue Diamond Production and MS Production. For a last couple years, Tiengmom Sotheavy has sung and acted for more than 100 songs. Most of her music albums are sold overseas. Tiengmom Sotheavy also takes time between work and schools and makes TV appearances on weekends for TV concert programs such as Mon Sne Samneang of CTN.

Though she has just started her singing career for the last couple years, her name - Tiengmom Sotheavy has become known to many Khmer entertainment communities throughout the world; specially in USA where most of her CD/DVD albums are sold. Many positive comments are made by people who saw her music videos the first time and many have been trying to learn more about her. "Is Sotheavy the next new Touch Sonnich? Her voice is so smooth like her.", "She does sing beautifully." "She has a nice voice, It looks like Sokun nisa voice" and "well well !! Sotheavy again, soft hit.and smooth, it really cool i love it.her look, her voice real sweet but the camera a bit fast any way i'll take it, sa-art man na" are some of comments people posted on Youtube for some of her videos. Her popularity has been rising. The quality of her voice and her ability to entertain people have caught the attention of Mr. Thong F. Chau, the Marketing Manager of CEA. During his interview, he told Angkorthom.US that he has now been working around the clock to get Tiengmom Sotheavy come to USA to perform live for Khmer communities here. When asked why he chose Tiengmom Sotheavy, he said his research and observation had showed that Tiengmom Sotheavy is a great singer.

During her interview via telephone on January 13, 2008 with Angkorthom.US, Tiengmom Sotheavy said before she comes to USA at the end of the year and if everything is fine, she will be visiting France in October to perform there for a month. When asked what she wanted to say to Khmer people in USA, she said she is very thankful of being recognized by Khmer people living in USA for her talents and hard work. She is very hopeful to come and meet people here and be able to entertain them. She also hopes Khmer communities in USA will support and like her performance. Tiengmom Sotheavy wishes everyone in USA good heath and prosperity.

Tiengmom Sotheavy is a very bright and energetic young girl full with talents, abilities and potentials. She has proven herself as one of a very few emerging stars in Khmer entertainment world today. Undoubtedly, Tiengmom Sotheavy will succeed and excel in what she likes to do – being a famous singer and a teacher. It was very pleasant to talk to her, and Angkorthom.US wishes her the best of luck for her career endeavor and is looking forward to see her here in person.

Chan Chor Chet Nov Dodel by Teing Mom Sotheavy and Nhem Som Oun