Focus on National Values, not Fame, Singers Urged
Sos Mach, a rising star in the 1960s and 1970s, said singers, as Cambodian artists, should be knowledgeable and nationalist. They should not sing or do anything to affect the nation’s values. Photo: Ngeav Chankresna
- By Song Sotheavy
- April 24, 2023 10:21 AM
PHNOM PENH – Cambodian artists, singers and songwriters should create their own songs with values and meaning instead of only translating foreign songs and covering old songs, former Khmer Artist Association president Sos Mach says.
Sos Mach, a rising star in the 1960s and 1970s, said singers, as Cambodian artists, should be knowledgeable and nationalist. They should not sing or do anything to affect the nation’s values.
They should not have their eyes only on money and forget about the criticism and morality, he said. He would not want to earn money from doing things that harm society, such as promoting beer through his songs.
Asked how singers should reject such offers, Mach said, “I wouldn’t even touch the beers, so let alone sing to promote them.”
Sos Mach said such offers would have a negative influence on society. As a professional, Mach would also correct spelling mistakes in the lyrics of songs he had received from composers.
His advice as a senior singer to new and inexperienced young singers who fear losing opportunities to become famous was that artists should not do anything that can negatively affect society.
“They should dare to reject the negative offers, overlooking even the big budget,” he said.
“You cannot be famous for that one song which affects the nation’s pride.
“Sometimes you would even be criticized by the public and that song could also be banned by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts.
“Would it be worth it? They have to think for themselves as the public’s people,” he added.
Sos Mach was worried that most recent hits in the Khmer music industry did not hold Khmer characteristics and were influenced by foreign styles.
He feared that the country might gradually lose its music identity due to the lack of conservation.
“As Cambodians, singers ought not to focus on modern or foreign styles,” he said.
“Traditional songs are not out-of-date and up-to-date and modern songs don’t have to be foreign. There’s nothing to lose by including Khmer styles in songs. Young people who are so into foreign songs should consider Khmer characteristics.
“In many occasions, there are also folk dances, including Romvong, Saravan, Lamleav, Jok Kampeus dances. However, Madison or Twist dance is foreign too,” he added.
Sos Mach said seniors should sing and use words correctly and correct other artists if they are wrong, while the next generation artists should also listen to their seniors’ advice.
Only by doing this would things improve.
Regarding songs being composed, Mach said there have been some new melodies but most were improvised from old songs without any new creativity. The only change was from male to female versions and vice versa.
“Would covering old songs improve the music industry?” he said.
“Some only cover the old songs by changing a few things on melody or instruments, while some others only translate the lyrics of foreign songs. It’s not a proper thing for artists to do.”
He urged the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts to check these cases, because some young people who need guidance may not be as considerate as the old generation.
Originally written in Khmer for ThmeyThmey, this story was translated by Meng Seavmey for Cambodianess.
