A Cambodian rap artist whose song about social injustice has gone viral said Friday that he is under heavy surveillance by authorities and fears for his safety.
Chhun Dymey’s song “Sangkum Nis,” or “This Society,” contains lyrics about widespread graft, forced evictions, poverty, gun violence and oppression, and calls on Cambodia’s youth to “wake up” and take control of the country’s future.
The song went viral on social media on May 13, prompting police to visit his parents’ home in Trapang Ses village, in Siem Reap city’s Kochork commune, and allegedly deliver a warning to the 24-year-old musician.
Chhun Dymey, who performs under the moniker Dymey-Cambo, or Khmer for Life, removed the song from Facebook and YouTube after the police visit, and pledged to stop singing it, but said Friday that authorities continue to stake out his parents’ home, causing him to fear for his safety.