Elder Kosalvohar Kong Nay, a well-known master of Chapei Dang Veng, a Cambodian two-stringed, long-necked guitar, passed away in Kampot province this afternoon at the age of 80 years old.

Master Kong Nay, also known as Kong Nai, was born on Mar. 15, 1944, in Daung village, North Svay Torng commune, Kampong Trach district, Kampot province. He is one the few great masters to have survived the Khmer Rouge genocidal regime.

He became blind when he was 4 years old due to an illness, and began learning to play Chapei Dang Veng at the age of 13 years old.

In 2012, Master Kong Nay was granted the title of “Living Heritage” with the name of Kosalvohar by His Majesty the King.

He received the Fukuoka Arts and Culture Prize in 2017. He is the third prominent Cambodian to obtain such prize, after Professor Chheng Phon and Anthropology Professor Ang Choulean.

Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse