Village de la Francophonie : A Whirlwind of Energy, Sokunthea Ignites Siem Reap
- Editorial team
- 19 hours ago
- 2 min read
As the evening fell softly over the pavilions of the Francophonie Village 2025 in Siem Reap for the opening concert, Sokunthea’s music electrified the atmosphere far beyond the first notes.
As the evening fell softly over the pavilions of the Francophonie Village 2025 in Siem Reap for the opening concert, Sokunthea’s music electrified the atmosphere far beyond the first notes.
Originating from Siem Reap, the singer radiated elegance and from the moment she took the stage, her full energy filled the festival. She did not hesitate to invite the audience to come closer: moments later, adults and children alike were carried away by the fiery choruses of classic Khmer pop, sung in unison by the crowd.
"I am proud to participate in this major Francophonie event, surrounded by so many French and Cambodian friends," she warmly confided, with a sincere smile that stayed with her throughout the evening. "We share music, fashion, and the art of living... These are moments of connection that are very dear to me."
The Art of Sharing Between Two Cultures
Sokunthea did not wait long to express her attachment to France:
"I have many French friends here in Siem Reap, some are almost family... The French are people of heart and sharing, I admire their way of life, their gastronomy, and of course, their natural elegance."
Although she does not yet have French songs in her repertoire, she explained that she is trying to familiarize herself with the language, dreaming of maybe one day adapting great Francophone classics for the Cambodian audience.
Bringing People Together Through Music
The magic of Sokunthea is above all a unique talent for transmitting joy. Her contagious energy is hard to resist when the singer begins the first measures of a Khmer hit, revisited with passion and modernity. Gradually, the entire crowd rises, starts dancing, forgetting protocol to rediscover the simple pleasure of a spontaneous celebration.
"Seeing everyone united by dance, that’s the success of the evening," she summarized backstage, radiant. For Sokunthea, the Francophonie is "first a friendship, then an art of bringing people together, surpassing language to vibrate in unison to the rhythm of the celebration."
This event not only celebrated the French language: thanks to artists like Sokunthea, it reminded everyone that music has no borders and that even for one concert, Siem Reap can become the vibrant heart of the Francophonie.
About Sokunthea
Sokunthea Duk is a Cambodian singer known for her performances in Siem Reap, where she has been active since 2013. A member of groups like Cambojam and At Panha, she offers an eclectic musical style, blending jazz, soul, and Khmer classics. Known for her powerful and evocative voice, she enchants audiences at events where music and personal stories combine harmoniously.
Based in Siem Reap for more than a decade, Sokunthea captivates with performances often enriched with spoken word, sharing intimate stories in venues such as 60 Road Studios or Tevy’s Place. She regularly collaborates with other musicians, notably bassist Andrey Meshcheryakov, thus consolidating her place in the local music scene.