Protecting Khmer Music & Artists' Rights: A Legacy at Risk 🎶
The Khmer Rouge Genocide: A Cultural Devastation
Between 1975 and 1979, Cambodia lost more than 90% of its artists, intellectuals, and cultural records. The Khmer Rouge systematically erased Khmer literature, music, and institutions, leaving a deep void in the nation’s artistic heritage. Entire archives were burned, pagodas destroyed, and musicians executed simply for their talent.
"The Khmer Rouge didn’t just kill people; they tried to erase our memory."
Uncredited Khmer Artists: Forgotten Voices
Despite its tragic past, Khmer music has resurfaced globally, often without credit to its original creators. Many artists' works have been exploited, remixed, and used in Western productions without compensation.
✅ Yol Aularong – Cambodia’s lost rock rebel, his music was revived posthumously without rights to his family.
✅ Sinn Sisamouth & Ros Sereysothea – Khmer legends whose songs now circulate globally, unprotected.
✅ “Cambodian Rocks” Compilation (1996) – Western releases of Khmer music without artist royalties.
"Our music is heard worldwide, but do our artists benefit?"
Current Copyright Challenges in Cambodia
🛑 Weak Copyright Enforcement – Cambodia's laws fail to protect artists from uncredited use.
🛑 Piracy & Unauthorized Distribution – Khmer music is widely shared without proper royalties.
🛑 Government Censorship – Modern artists like Kea Sokun have been arrested for politically charged music.
How We Can Protect Khmer Music
✅ Raise Awareness – Acknowledge the artists behind Khmer music.
✅ Legal Protection – Strengthen international copyright claims.
✅ Support Authentic Khmer Music – Stream from verified platforms that compensate artists.
🎵 At Khmer Style, we protect our music through SACEM and fight for Khmer artists’ recognition worldwide. The world is listening—it’s time to protect Cambodia’s musical heritage.
🔗 Learn more:
📜 UNESCO on Cambodia’s Cultural Loss
📖 Cambodian Music & Copyright Issues
🎥 Documentary: "Don’t Think I’ve Forgotten"
🚀 Join the movement—support Khmer music rights today!