The Music of South Sudan

 1. The South Sudan conflict: artist sing for peace

I'd like to start off with some background information here. This conflict began in June of 2016 When trips loyal to the south Sudan president Salva Kiir broke out in a civil war with this of his deputy, Riek Machar. The Civil War caused tens of thousands of people to die until Machar eventually returned to the capital in April 2017 under a peace deal. However, more violence broke out when five of Kiir’s men were killed at a checkpoint. Which created more bottles that left hundreds dead. This led to a group of South Sudanese artists (The All Stars) “singing for peace” to warn others of the revenge culture. MC Lumoex came up with the idea to use music to specifically send the message  “how revenge will finish us” to the people. Dafa Dafa, which was the song that was released, translates to revenge in the local Arabic. I personally think it is unique how this group of men came together to use music as a messenger to the people of South Sudan during this crucial time.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-36883957


2. Traditional South Sudan music 

Music is a very important part of cultural traditions in South Sudan. You can find traditional music and many ritual ceremonies. I also think that it’s interesting how South Sudan’s traditional music is primarily singing without an instrument or limited to a drumbeat. Looking back at all the other places we have studied so far instruments have been a very final part of the traditional music of these different cultures. However, there is one thing that I have found that is similar within all the cultures we have studied so far, and that’s dancing! Dancing has seemed to be vital to the traditional music of all the cultures we have looked at, which I think is pretty cool.

https://www.britannica.com/place/South-Sudan/The-arts


3. Traditional foods of South Sudan 

As many would figure South Sudan is hot, tropical, and full of jungle and swampland. I mean what else would you expect being south of the Sahara desert? Their traditional food is very simple and is based on porridge made from millet. Depending on which part of South Sudan you are in it is called “wala-wala” or “awal-wala”. And more populated cities you can find cassava fritters and sorghum flatbreads. Similarly, they use their proteins from grilled meat. They typically eat goat, beef, or chicken. And sometimes you can even find what’s called combo. Which are cooked down meat and starches and peanut sauce mixed with spinach and leaf stew. 

http://globaltableadventure.com/2013/04/09/about-the-food-of-south-sudan/





Comments

  1. AnonymousMarch 29, 2021 at 11:02 AM

    Hi Dallas! I agree, dancing is a common factor between all of the cultures that we have studied so far. For most, I believe that dancing is a way to be expressive and spread the traditions within the community. Also, I've never had "wala-wala" but it seems pretty tasty. If I ever come across the opportunity, I would definitely try it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Amber CoxMarch 29, 2021 at 7:53 PM

    Hey Dallas! Thank you for giving us a bit of history of South Sudan. I've heard of the country before, but never really gave it much thought. Isn't it interesting how that was only 5 years ago..? How is this capital doing now? are they at peace ore is there still some civil tension? Also, maybe its because I'm super hungry, but "Wala-Wala" sounds absolutely delicious and I'd love to try this one day!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Emilee Catherine JohnsonMarch 29, 2021 at 7:54 PM

    The videos you added here were beautiful! That food looks absolutely delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Cherelyn CogginsApril 8, 2021 at 8:47 AM

    I really liked how you included food to this post. I know the focus of this class is music, but there is so much more than only music to these cultures, so I like that you explored that through something else that is often very important to cultures as well. I think that I would like to look more into the South Sudan Conflict. This is very intriguing to me. I also like that you tied the connection and differences to the music in the different cultures.

    ReplyDelete

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