With a new three-part album and a massive concert featuring the top tier of Asian Hip Hop, VannDa shows his inner Treyvisai [compass] this weekend. As a follow up to ‘Time to Rise,’ VannDa’s massively successful hit, the rapper aims to give a glimpse into the soul of the ‘Golden Land’ of Cambodia to the rest of the world.

LiFTED caught up with VannDa to question him about the new album, his honoring of Master Kong Nay , and his show with OG Bobby, Awich, KR$NA, Thinlamphone, and OZworld happing on May 17.

Thank you! Treyvisai means ‘compass’ in Khmer, and for me, it points to four things: my country, my craft, my family, and the people I consider family. They keep me grounded and remind me why I do this. Bringing Cambodian music into new spaces can feel overwhelming and scary at times. There’s no clear path to follow, no modern example to look to — just instincts and intention. But that’s why my compass matters. They keep me moving forward, even when the road is uncertain.

I wanted to tell a story in three acts because it is a journey that reflects my roots in a way that people of all ages can connect with. The first part, The Search for Light, is about trying to find purpose in the middle of success and confusion. The second part, Burn Like the Sun, is when you finally rise, but you face the heat, the pressure, the spotlight, and the pain of the journey. And the last part, Return to Sovannaphum, is about coming home, not just physically, but spiritually.

No matter what you go through — success, failure, struggle — your culture, your family, and where you come from will always bring you back to who you are.

The last part of the album took more time because it meant the most to me. It was where I wanted to bring everything home and to shape the sound in a way that felt true to my roots. I didn’t want to rush it or just put something out for the sake of finishing.

Most importantly, I also wanted to honor Master Kong Nay properly. I once told my fans that if ‘Time To Rise’ reached 100 million views, I’d make a part two. But when he passed, that promise felt impossible to keep. Without him, a direct sequel wouldn’t feel right.

So I decided instead to carry the essence of ‘Time To Rise’ into this final album, Treyvisai III: Return to Sovannaphum, coming out Friday, May 16. That’s what made it take longer. We had to find a proper way to honor his legacy, not just repeat it.

I hope people feel a deeper connection to themselves, to each other, and to where we come from. Golden Land, or Sovannaphum, isn’t just a place — it’s a feeling. A spiritual calling rooted in the traditions of ancient Southeast Asia. We’ve always had more in common than we think, and that shared history deserves to be recognized and celebrated. Sovannaphum also has something ancient and magical to offer to the world and we hope to show that in the Golden Land music video as well as the entire Treyvisai III album.

I hope the Treyvisai compass leads us toward pride in ourselves, pride in our neighbors, and a sense of unity we can carry forward and share with the rest of the world.

We have a small update that YOUNGOHM won’t be able to join us this time, but we’re looking forward to welcoming him to Cambodia in the near future.

That said, I’m honored to have my talented and dear friend, OG Bobby, performing with us. Alongside Thinlamphone, he completes what I like to call the Sovannaphum Golden Triangle - a reflection of the deep cultural rhythm that runs through our region.

Awich and OZworld from Japan, KR$NA from India — every artist on this stage is someone I respect not just for their talent, but for their belief in this shared mission to push Asian music forward together.

When I brought the Sovannaphum sound to ‘Asian State of Mind,’ the region responded and the world recognized us. That moment proved that what we’re building here isn’t just local — it has power, character, and the potential to stand proudly among the world’s sounds.

This concert is more than a lineup of stars to sing songs. This is a collection of artists now deeply embedded in the rising narrative of Cambodia and its resurging art scene. It’s a celebration of unity, identity, and pride. For them to come to Cambodia and celebrate with myself and the whole Baramey team plus 15,000 screaming fans says that we’re here, and we’re ready to be heard.