Credit: Tep Boprek’s Facebook Page
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — With a dazzling blend of ancient Khmer traditions and modern artistry, independent Cambodian singer Tep Boprek captivated an international audience at the 2025 Round Festival, bringing the full spectacle of Khmer culture to one of Asia’s most celebrated stages.
Credit: Tep Boprek’s Facebook Page
On Sunday 22 June, Ms. Tep Boprek released a behind-the-scenes video chronicling her experience at the festival. The five-minute clip offers a rare glimpse into the meticulous backstage efforts from intricate costume changes to the coordination of classical dance performers that brought her cultural performance to life.
Particularly striking was a moment of vulnerability that emerged during the video, where Ms. Tep Boprek revealed the anxiety she felt during a rapid costume change ahead of her performance of Thevaraja or Thevareach, a segment rooted in Khmer royal mythology. “I was very nervous and almost in tears,” she shared, noting the intense pressure to execute the transformation in time. “I was worried that the set change was not in time. However, everything ended smoothly.”
The performance itself was a stunning fusion of traditional Khmer art forms. Accompanied by troupes of classical dancers, Ms. Tep Boprek's showcase featured Apsara dance, Lakhon Khol masked theater, the Manee Mekhala mythological dance, and the martial art form known as Kun Lbokator. As each act unfolded, the hall erupted in cheers from an international audience awed by the depth and vibrancy of Cambodian heritage.
Credit: Tep Boprek’s Facebook Page
Fans and cultural advocates online have widely praised the performance, not only for its entertainment value but for its cultural significance. The singer’s ability to harmonize music with Cambodia’s diverse artistic traditions has been hailed as a powerful act of soft diplomacy.
On her social media page, Ms. Tep Boprek summarized her mission succinctly:
“Ancient and contemporary art and culture together, created for the benefit of the Khmer nation at the 2025 Round Festival in Malaysia. BRING OUR KHMER TO THE TOP.”
Credit: Tep Boprek’s Facebook Page
Her message, resonating with pride, purpose, and a sense of cultural duty, has since been shared widely across Cambodian digital platforms. In an era where modern entertainment often overshadows heritage, Tep Boprek's commitment to presenting Khmer identity on a global stage stands out not just as performance, but as preservation.
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