Seducing youth through style and song

IT would be no exaggeration to say that Preap Sovath has taken Cambodia by storm over almost two decades in the public eye.

Widely hailed as one of the most famous Cambodian singers of his generation, Preap Sovath’s personal styling has also made him a fashion icon for today’s Cambodian youth.

The 37-year-old started his career in the early ’90s, working for Rasmey Hang Meas, perhaps the country’s most progressive production company, and has recorded over 2,000 nontraditional Khmer karaoke-style songs to date.

Yet it is perhaps his fashion sense which has left an indelible mark on Cambodian pop culture.

Preap Sovath smiles with pride when he discusses his influence over youths.

“I am so happy. When I see people follow my fashion ideas, it is a great compliment, and they may not know it, but their support encourages me to work even harder,” he claims.