Young South Sudanese artists: abandoning traditions?
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By Philip Thon Aleu
March 8, 2011 (KAMPALA) – As western music takes the place of the
traditional arts in South Sudan, family names are too being lost in
the process. The young men and women exploiting the emerging
entertainment industry choose western influenced songs and aliases
such Dan Joyling or 40 J as their preferred names.
Artist ‘Dan Joyling’ (left) explains to the ST’s Philip Thon (right)
why young South Sudanese musicians use aliases. Kampala, Uganda. March
8, 2011 (ST) “Our fathers didn’t give us this chance to be in music,”
said Jol Garang Jol, alias Dan Joyling, the head of the South Sudanese
musicians association in Uganda.
“They say that if you are an artist, perhaps you are somebody who is
spoiled….and afterwards, when you become known, then the family will
like what you are doing,” he added.
In an interview with the Sudan Tribune, Joyling said he no longer
concerned about telling his family about his career choice, now that
he is succeeding.
South Sudanese artist Jol Garang Jol, AKA {Dan Joyling} When an elder
criticised local artists’ preference for western or foreign names
during a function during 4-5 March in Kampala, a young musician,
identified as 40 J publically supported his fellow musicians.
“Put on track number four,” he yelled. As the audience patiently
waited for the DJ to click on the number, 40 J interrupted: “We use
international names. Not local names and that is how we make it.”
There were cheers and whistling in the room before his track ensued.
All members of the South Sudan music association are students,
according to their leader. The group, “with many members” as their
president put it, concentrates on studies during week and entertains
fans on special arrangement.
South Sudanese artist Jol Garang Jol, AKA {Dan Joyling} The young
artist defended South Sudanese artists, saying that they are in touch
with good traditional beliefs and there is nothing to suggest that
they are “spoiled.”
“People used to move around naked in those days of the past, and it
was a culture. But today, nobody can do that, unless they are mad,” he
said when asked what he thought about perceptions of South Sudanese
artists and changes in South Sudanese culture.
(ST)
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