South Sudanese artist goes on refugee tour

The tour is part of his recently launched public outreach programme for South Sudanese refugees dubbed Wang Naath (Eyes of the People). Wang Naath was launched on 17 August on the 10th anniversary of K-Denk’s record label, Wangdunkon Empire.

“With the programme, we are looking to encourage people, especially the youth, to dream and explore their greatest potential in order to create a better life for their families,” K-Denk told Music In Africa.

“I was lucky to have gotten out of the war and managed to create a different life for myself. Unfortunately not everyone is that lucky. These people need to feel loved and given hope and music does that."

The rapper rose to regional fame in 2010 after representing South Sudan as a contestant on East African reality TV show Tusker Project Fame. Since then, he has used his brand to support charity initiatives in Uganda and South Sudan.

“The history of my country has taught me that as artists we exist to uplift others. That’s why nothing is more important to me than reaching out to them at refugee camps,” he said.

A 2018 World Vision report says that nearly 4 million South Sudanese have been displaced since a civil war broke out in December 2013, with 2 million of them fleeing to neighbouring countries. Uganda is home to about 1 million refugees, 60% of whom are children, making the East African country the biggest recipient of South Sudan's displaced citizens.

Last week, South Sudan celebrated a new peace agreement that was signed in September by President Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar. However, Reuters reported that fighting continues in the Western Bahr el Ghazal and Central Equatorial regions, a development that could scupper the latest peace agreement.

K-Denk confesses that he avoids political discussions but says that Africa is in need more socially conscious musicians to fight for equality and speak against injustice.

K-Denk tour dates:

10.11. Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement, Uganda
16.11. Molokonyo Camp, Uganda
17.11. Luwero, Uganda
20.11. Jebel Aan Camp, Sudan
22.11. Japan Primary School, Kenya
24.11. Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya