When he was 7, Brak Sophanna’s life turned upside down when his parents were tragically murdered by robbers. Following their demise, he and his brothers sought refuge in Phnom Penh. Not long after, Sophanna was struck down with a debilitating fever which paralysed both his legs, condemning him to a life on wheels from the tender age of 10.
Now 33, the man with a disability had his share of obstacles on his way to becoming a musician, songwriter, and singer. Despite all, his determination bore fruit when he performed his inspiring song, “There’s Hope in Every Breath,” at the ASEAN Para Games, an act that stirred a wave of admiration among the audience.
“I was born in Veal Lngeut village, Kampong Chamlong commune, Svay Chrum district, Svay Rieng province, and I’m the third of four brothers. The horror unfolded in 1995, when robbers murdered my parents. After the tragedy, my brothers and I decided to move to Phnom Penh, entrusting our youngest sibling to our relatives back home,” Sophanna shared.
Sophanna recounted: “We roamed the streets, braving the elements, without any parental guidance. Our luck turned when a compassionate Thai couple took us in and supported our education”.
However, after two years with his adoptive parents, a serious fever left Sophanna paralysed from the waist down.
“At that point, I was confined to a room, unable to attend school. As my brothers continued their education, I yearned to follow suit,” he expressed.
After living with his Thai guardians until 2001, Sophanna was sent to the Nehemiah orphanage in Siem Reap. His stay there, though brief and interspersed, was instrumental in shaping his future.
He elaborated: “At the orphanage, I learned music and basic English. However, I longed for independence and left, only to return due to life’s adversities. Yet, it was here that I honed my music skills, setting a foundation for my future”.
Confined to a wheelchair, Sophanna rented a room in Treak village, Siem Reap, where he taught English and entertained the community with his music. Currently, he also works with The Global Child Organisation based in Siem Reap’s Sala Kamroeuk district.
“I teach music at the organisation and also compose and sing,” Sophanna stated.
His breakthrough came in 2017 when he composed “There’s Hope in Every Breath.” The song, which caught the attention of the Royal Government of Cambodia, was performed live at the 12th ASEAN Para Games and lauded by the audience.
“The song led to a generous gift of a house and land in Siem Reap from senior minister and Minister of Public Works and Transport, Sun Chanthol. Now, I don’t have to worry about rent. Additionally, I received $5,000 from the Ministry of Public Works and the Chip Mong Company,” he said.
Besides his musical prowess, Sophanna is adept at cooking. He has also found love with a woman from his birth province, Svay Rieng.
While they haven’t formalised their union yet, Sophanna revealed: “We live together, and once I have a suitable home, I plan to honour tradition and marry her, so as not to disappoint.”
His story, filled with both despair and hope, is a testament to his unyielding spirit. And through it all, Sophanna’s life underlines his belief that indeed, there is hope in every breath.
