Many young Cambodian rappers are steering clear of social commentary in their lyrics, making artists like Kea Sokun part of a small cohort of musicians rapping about social justice and economic inequity, though laden with nationalistic overtones.
A production company run by local tycoon Leng Navatra is pulling a music video that shows people dressed as schoolgirls carrying weapons after it was criticized on social media.
A 22-year-old musician who rapped nationalist lyrics about “the bravery to stand up” has been found guilty of incitement and jailed for 12 months, while an underage collaborator who apologized in court was handed a suspended sentence and freed.
Siem Reap judges on Thursday probed two young musicians over their defiant, nationalist rap lyrics, questioning whether songs extolling “the bravery to stand up” constitute incitement as alleged by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts.
A prominent singer is speaking out to defend young musicians as a second rapper was arrested this month for incitement after posting songs about the problems he sees plaguing Cambodia.
A young rapper and a TikTok broadcaster have been arrested over videos that Cambodian authorities deemed to have the potential to cause chaos in society.
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