Vannda


Mann Vannda , known mononymously as Vannda, is a Cambodian rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He rose to prominence with his 2021 single "Time to Rise", featuring Kong Nay, which became a cultural milestone in Cambodian popular music. He has since been described by NME as "one of Cambodia's most exciting contemporary artists".

Childhood

VannDa was born on 22 January 1997, in Sihanoukville, Preah Sihanouk Province, Cambodia. VannDa's father Mann Bunnheng and mother Kang Kimseak run a family-run coconut-shaving business in Psar Leur, a local market in the middle of Sihanoukville city. VannDa has two older siblings, Sophy and VannDy. VannDa has had a passion for music from a young age and has always dreamt of being a star. VannDa grew up discovering music online and considers music as his friend that takes him away from dark paths. VannDa looks up to rapper Kanye West and Kid Cudi.

Career

After several independent releases from 2016 to 2018, In 2019, VannDa joined Baramey Production, a Cambodian talent management and music production company founded by Cambodian-American singer-songwriter Laura Mam that champions the Khmer original music movement.

"Time to Rise"

Originally released as part of a marketing campaign for mobile network, Cellcard, "Time to Rise" blends traditional Khmer instrumentation and singing with hip-hop. The song features celebrated chrieng chapei artist Master Kong Nay, who contributes chapei playing and sings verses. The lyrics serve as a call to arms for Cambodian youth to preserve the traditions and knowledge of the past and carry the torch into the future, bringing originality and creativity to Cambodia's modern cultural scene. The song quickly became a legitimate pop hit, surpassing one-million views in three months.
The music video was filmed at the National Museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh, showcasing the building's unique architecture, and features VannDa and Master Kong Nay in traditional Khmer clothing.
In October 2022, the music video for "Time to Rise" reached 100 million views on YouTube, a first for a Cambodian artist.
On 25 October, VannDa announced a 100 million riel fundraising campaign to support Kong Nay, whose health has seen decline in 2022.
In 2024 VannDa performed alongside Phoenix, Angèle, Ezra Koenig and Kavinsky at the 2024 [Summer Olympics closing ceremony] in Paris.

Achievements

  • First Cambodian musical artist to reach 100 million views on YouTube
  • Time To Rise named Best Video of the year by LiFTED Asia
  • Ranked #6 in LiFTED Asia's Top 50 artists of 2022
  • Ranked #6 in LiFTED Asia's Top 50 artists of 2023

    Discography

Singles:
Albums:
VannDa has collaborated with various Cambodian artists including label mate and rising rising R'n'B singer , La Cima Cartel,, as well as Thai rappers F.Hero, 1MILL and OG Bobby.
  • Gamer អត់លិត
  • ភ្លៀងហើយអូន -
  • Player -
  • J+O ft. Reezy & Khmer1Jivit
  • ម្តាយ -
  • Follow Ma Dance -
  • Be With You -
  • HIK HIK -
  • ALL3RGY - LA CIMA NIGHT
  • Time -
  • Time To Rise -
  • MONSOON -
  • RUN THE TOWN -
  • Young Man -
  • BONG -
  • កម្លោះស្រុកខ្មែរ -
  • ចងចាំសាវតារ -
  • VannDa - 6 Years in the Game
  • Kwan - មេឃបើកថ្ងៃ
  • Mesa - ដូចមេ
  • Vanthan - មិនអាចវិលវិញ - Point of No Return
  • Norith - ក្រមុំស្រុកណា
  • Zedes - Sidequest feat. VannDa
  • Awich, Jay Park, Kr$na, Masiwei & VannDa - Asian State of Mind