South Sudan: Silver X to perform in Nimule

The ‘Overdose’ singer will be joined by fellow Ugandan-based South Sudanese musicians Mapia One and Navy Martiz.

“It’s always a good feeling to know that our people love and appreciate the efforts that we put in this industry to represent South Sudan,” Silver X told Music In Africa. “I hope to take this opportunity to promote my recently released album Saaga Love in Nimule. The music revolves around peace and love and I hope it will be a unifying factor in our broken communities. ”

The event is part of a monthly concert series launched at the beginning of the year by K2 Promotions and Events, with the aim of bringing together all South Sudanese regardless of their political affiliation.

Navy Martiz said: “This concert will definitely be massive because we are working with an experienced promoter. I'm glad to be part of this peace initiative project because music is part and parcel of our daily lives. If we achieve peace today, believe me, all the citizens of South Sudan who are in other countries will return home with the interest to rebuild it.”

The event organiser Koryom Kuol said he expected a huge turnout.

“We are bringing people together and using music as therapy so that they can forget our current political situation. Working towards peace is our responsibility as artists for the sake of our children. Our main aim is to use the youth to end tribalism in our country," he said.

On Wednesday last week, South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar signed an agreement that includes among others a permanent countrywide ceasefire and a three-year power-sharing deal. However, fighting resumed on Friday in multiple locations killing 18 and injuring 44 civilians, including three Ethiopians and two Sudanese.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) trade bloc has committed vast resources in an attempt to end the war that has killed tens of thousands and displaced about 4 million since 2013.

“As musicians we do not directly engage ourselves with politics," Kuol said. "However, once it is officially announced that we are going into an election period, then we shall conduct civic education and mobilise people to go and vote – but not endorse any candidates to avoid disappointing some of our fans.”

For more information about the Nimule concert, click here.