Cambodian hip-hop powerhouse G-Devith made a triumphant return to the Philippines, sitting down with members of the local media for an intimate press conference covered by Orange Magazine PH.
Reflecting on his growing international footprint, upcoming musical projects, and his deep connection to his Filipino fanbase, the music icon proved why his reach is extending far beyond Cambodia’s borders.
Having already captured the hearts of local music lovers during his standout performance at the ROUND Festival, G-Devith expressed massive gratitude for the reception he has received in Manila.
Making the Philippines a Second Home
When asked about his experience with local audiences, G-Devith was quick to praise the sheer energy of Filipino music fans. He shared how monumental this reception has been for his career trajectory:
“I’m very surprised and very excited… this is like one of the biggest achievements for me and m career. Thank you very much for making [me] feel like home.”
Comparing the concert cultures of Cambodia and the Philippines, G-Devith playfully pointed out that Filipinos have a very distinct way of showing love. “I think here [the fans are] more aggressive—like, they actually know how to party,” he shared in a mix of English and Khmer. He recalled being so overwhelmed by the crowd’s intense energy at the ROUND Festival that he completely forgot the Tagalog words he had practiced: “When the crowd was hype, I forgot everything… but I tried my best!“
Pioneering the Cambodian Sound
A major hallmark of G-Devith’s artistry is his ability to honor his roots while pushing boundaries. He explained how he seamlessly weaves traditional Cambodian elements into modern, hard-hitting hip-hop beats to introduce a unique flavor to the global stage.
“I combine the traditional instrument with the hip-hop. Our traditional instrument has a special sound that can make the rap more attractive… We have one instrument that we call Sralai [a traditional Cambodian reed instrument]. If we put it into the hip-hop music, it makes another flavor to the song.”
He added that while he does not play the instruments himself, his connection to them is deeply spiritual: “I have some passion in my spirit. I also can understand the feeling of the instrument. I can’t play the instrument, but I feel it. I know how it wants to show the people what it wants to say.“
Philippine Collaborations and Admiring BINI & SB19
Filipino fans have noticed that G-Devith maintains a remarkably curated Instagram following list of just 70 people—and among them are local acts Alex Bruce and the boy group HORI7ON.
G-Devith revealed that he discovered Alex Bruce through her viral rap videos and previously invited her to perform as a guest at a music festival in Cambodia. As for HORI7ON, he crossed paths with them at the ROUND Festival and instantly connected with their talent and warmth. Fans won’t have to wait long to hear them on a track together.
“Actually, we have some plans for the future… we have a collaboration and now it’s all processing,” G-Devith teased, confirming they are aiming for a release this year. “We want to exchange the music style and make it more interesting.”
When asked if there are any other Filipino stars he keeps his eye on, the hitmaker didn’t hesitate: “I admire like SB19 and BINI. If they are open to collaboration, I’m happy to explore the new music together.“
Embracing Local Culture (and Chicken Adobo)
Beyond the stage, G-Devith is making sure to fully immerse himself in the local lifestyle. Because of his strict dietary preferences, he has found a perfect match in a beloved Filipino staple.
“I love chicken adobo,” he smiled, noting that he avoids beef and fish. He also mentioned being a fan of balut (fertilized duck egg), a delicacy that mirrors a popular street food back home in Cambodia. As for his famously slender frame? He joked, “I eat vegetables like a little bit. That’s why I’m skinny!“
Advice for Independent Artists
With a career spanning over 12 years, G-Devith closed out with a piece of advice for independent Southeast Asian artists looking to break into the international scene:
“The first thing is to have the vision of your own creativity, and also the commitment to show your creativity to the world… commitment and never giving up is important as a foundation.”
With a new, more aggressive, deep-rapping album on the horizon, an upcoming track with HORI7ON, and tentative plans for a Philippine tour leg, G-Devith’s journey in Manila is just the beginning of a massive cross-cultural chapter.
Before leaving the stage, he made sure to practice his newly learned Tagalog phrases for his supporters, eagerly repeating: “Mahal ko kayo” and “Salamat!”