Prum Manh

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Prum Manh (Khmer: ព្រហ្ម ម៉ាញ) is a Cambodian comedian and ayai singer with one of the longest acting careers in the country, along with Dy Saveth. He survived the Khmer Rouge regime and has remained a popular performer in Cambodia.

He was born around 1950 in Kampong Speu province into a peasant family. He has four brothers—one works in sculpture, another in teaching, and the youngest is a traditional Bokator boxer. Prum Manh was the only one in his family to pursue the performing arts.

He began his career as an ayai performer in 1970, at about age 20, during the Khmer Republic. When the Khmer Rouge came to power, his family was lost to the regime. He lived in Toek Chor commune, near the border with Banteay Meanchey, and had to hide his talents to survive. He also worked as a barber. After the regime fell, he returned to the stage at around age 30, performing in ayai duos, and his reputation grew across Cambodia.

Prum Manh has performed abroad in countries such as France, Australia, and the United States. In March 2007, Prime Minister Hun Sen called him an example of freedom of expression and movement in Cambodia. In 2008, he was involved in a motorbike accident, which he said looked like an intentional hit. In 2010, he participated in the Khmer Rouge Tribunal by acting for Khmer and Cham villagers to help promote justice and heal trauma.

His niece Srey Pov is also pursuing a career in Cambodian performing arts. Prum Manh is a traditional Cambodian singer who also takes inspiration from global figures like Charlie Chaplin. He is known for making new jokes and puns and engaging with his audience. While he remains popular with many, some critics say his humor has aged, and in October 2022 he apologized for a joke about a speech disability.

In 2022, while dealing with arterial tension at a hospital, Prum Manh received an honorary doctorate by Royal Decree dated April 9, 2022, at the request of Prime Minister Hun Sen, recognizing his long career in acting. He remains a beloved figure in Cambodian entertainment.