Chhom Nimol is the lead singer of the Cambodian band, Dengue Fever. She and the other band members have brought their own perspective to the forgotten Cambodian songs of the 1960s and ’70s which were banned under the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. Felicity Finch met Nimol during their recent tour.
On our recent tour through Europe and the UK, Nimol shared her personal story with the BBC. She talks about the struggles she has overcome to be where she is today as the lead singer of Dengue Fever, including her turbulent childhood as a refugee, the loss (and reunion) of her older sister. She also talks about coming to the U.S. to make money for her family, and her time in jail after overstaying her visa. Her Nimol’s story in her own words (Nimol’s segment starts at 34:45 in the link below).