It feels impossible to imagine being onstage without Channthy and just having to write this thought and share with you here is something that is simply heartbreaking. But today we will come together in a Memorial Concert with Channthy’s family, her Cambodian Space Project band members, dear friends, fans, and colleagues to pay our respect and share our love for Channthy and all that she has meant to us. We will gather at the FFC Mansion where Thy last sang for a incredibly special and memorable New Year’s Eve concert. Sadly, we will never hear Thy sing again but today we bring together some of her favourite local bands and musicians to sing our loud and make some beautiful music under the night skies of Phnom Penh. Some how I feel that Channthy’s spirit and her deep heart and soul will be with us all.
Losing Channthy is a tragedy that is devastating for all who new her and so difficult to understand. Channthy’s life was for the most part extremely hard and unkind, however, she rose above everything to shine like a light coming through darkness. The power of her heart and her soulful song has touched so many people of all walks of life from so many corners of the world – we are overwhelmed with your messages of love and support right now. It will take time for all of us so closely affected by this tragedy to heal from all the pain and grief but at the same time there is much work to do. First and foremost is security and support for Channthy’s 13 year old son and her immediate family – today’s Memorial Concert will help raise funds for urgent expenses. Beyond today, there will be more occasions to reflect upon and remember Channthy’s life. As per Khmer custom, her funeral will conclude with a 100 Days ceremony and this will be held in her village in Prey Veng Province where all are welcome to join. A 100 days ceremony will be an occasion to set Channthy’s spirit free from this world and to celebrate her life.
Channthy’s legacy in music and song will endure as she was legendary in life – a true Cambodian heroine – and is now immortal in death. Channthy gave us so much and will never be forgotten by all who loved here and knew of her greatness in life. Her legacy is incredibly meaningful, profound and important too all of us and we will strive to continue to work to create good, joy and happiness through music and art. Today we pay tribute to Channthy and thank all of our friends in the Cambodian music scene who will join us on stage tonight for Channthy’s Memorial Concert. She is a true Cambodian legend and will never be forgotten.
The Cambodian Space Project family will forever love and respect the incredible inspiration and love Channthy has given us, she was loved and she was a gift to the world. R.I.P Kak Channthy 1980-2018.
