Top 10 best musicians in South Sudan
Africa, with its many cultures, religions, and tribes, has a rich musical tradition. The world’s second most populated continent, previously known for music genres such as Makossa, Juju, Highlife, and Afrobeat, is quickly becoming known for genres such as Hip Hop, Rock, and Rhythm and Blues. Several African music musicians have recently made waves by delivering incredible music that has earned Grammy nominations.
South Sudan has a diverse and rich cultural legacy, and its musicians have enthralled audiences all over the world.
Based solely on lyrical prowess, vocal delivery, and an undiluted quality assessment by Clacified’s in-house musical experts, below are the top 10 best musicians in South Sudan:
1. Emmanuel jal
Emmanuel Jal (born Jal Jok on January 1, 1980) is a South Sudanese-Canadian artist, actor, former child soldier, and political activist. Jal, who was born into a Nuer family in the village of Tony Warrap in Sudan’s Bahr el Ghazal region (now South Sudan), was only a child when the Second Sudanese Civil War broke out. Jal spent several years fighting with the SPLA in Ethiopia, but when war broke out, the child soldiers were forced back into Sudan and joined the SPLA’s efforts to fight the government in the town of Juba. “Many kids there were so bitter, they wanted to know what happened to them. And we all sought vengeance. Jal believes that via his music, citizens may overcome ethnic and religious divisions and empower Sudan’s youth. After fleeing to Kenya, he fell in love with hip hop because it addressed concerns in the community, which he could relate to in a unique way. Although he had no musical expertise or knowledge of its history, he believed that hip hop would be the simplest and most successful way to tell his tale and campaign for political change. Jal is recognised for his socially aware lyrics and distinct blend of traditional African music and hip hop. His music has been included in numerous films and television shows, and he has worked with musicians such as Nelly Furtado and Alicia Keys.
2. Mary Boyoi
Mary Boyoi is a South Sudanese musician, author, and daughter of a former SSPDF commander.
She was born in 1980 in Malakal, South Sudan. Her music combines ancient African rhythms with current pop, and she has received numerous honours for her efforts.She is well known for her 2008 hit track, “Kokora”. Mary Boyoi began her musical career in the early 2000s, performing at local bars and events in South Sudan. She launched her debut album, “Kokora,” in 2008, and it had a tremendous success in South Sudan and nearby nations. Mary Boyoi’s second album, “Kokora 2”, was even more successful than her first.
3. Dynamyq
Dynamq is a rapper and producer who combines African and Western music traditions. The South Sudanese reggae-dancehall performer and DJ comes from a family of seven children and grew up in a refugee camp in Kenya after leaving Sudan’s civil war.From international battles to producing with major international artists such as Busy Signal, Mr Vegas, and Michael Rose (Grammy winner for Black Uhuru). The Sudanese Child has a diverse set of musical talents to share with the world.
He has played with musicians including Damian Marley, Beenie Man, Lady G, and others.
With his powerful and energetic voice, he always left the audience wanting more. In 1996, at Nairobi’s King Lions Sounds ‘Rasta Festival’, he made his first major stage appearance at City Hall.
4. John Kudusay
Kudusay, a veteran of the South Sudanese music scene, is noted for his beautiful voice and ability to combine traditional African rhythms with contemporary pop. John Kudsay, Ngong Longar Mou from erstwhile Northern Bhar El Ghazal, began his musical career in the 1980s while serving as an SPLA soldier. John Kudsay is an indisputable talent whose voice has captivated audiences and revolutionaries alike, and whose songs from the early 2000s foreshadowed what is happening now in South Sudan. He has published several CDs and is a well-known artist throughout the country. Among his songs was the song title “if we don’t work, we’ll be moving with money in our hands and nowhere to buy food,” and the song “if the leadership is given to a weak leader, the nation will fall into the ocean,” but I’m wondering what he really means in his second song in terms of the current situation.
5. Silver X
Okuta Ceaser Malish Jeremiah (born December 2, 1988 in Torit, South Sudan), also known by the stage name Silver X, is a South Sudanese singer. Silver X is one of South Sudan’s most popular young singers, recognised for his snappy, uplifting music and energetic stage appearance.
Silver X, originally from Juba, South Sudan, is a multi-award-winning dynamic singer/songwriter, producer, and performer of many classes who has emerged as one of the most in-demand artists in the South Sudan music industry.
6. Queen zee
Queen Zee is a female South Sudanese musician. She was born at a refugee camp in northern Uganda.
Queen Zed, a singer and songwriter who combines African and Western musical traditions, is noted for her strong voice and socially aware songs. She has published several CDs and is a prominent performer around the country. She has been nominated for the Female Artist of the Year award in South Sudan in 2021.
7. Mijok Lang
Lang is a singer and composer who combines ancient African rhythms with current music. He is noted for his deep voice and appealing tunes. He has published several CDs and is a well-known artist throughout the country.
8. Wj De King
WJ De King (“Man of Peace”), real name Wonlok James, is a South Sudanese reggae dancehall award-winning artist from Juba. A rapper and producer who blends African and Western musical styles, WJ De King is known for his socially conscious lyrics and unique sound. He is from South Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria State. He is a well-known and renowned South Sudanese musician/artist who has made important contributions to supporting peace and children’s rights.
WJ De King, a musician and activist for peace and children’s rights, was born on April 12, 1987, in a remote hamlet in Parajok-Magwi County, South Sudan. He previously worked as an international representative for Save the Children in South Sudan.
His professional music career began in 2005 as a member of the Freedom Boys music group, followed by a solo career which led to the founding of the Lokwilili Kingdom. He is the current ruler and is known as “WJ De, King of Lokwilili.”
The Superstar, who rose to notoriety as one of Sudan’s finest singers and a source of inspiration for many, has utilised his musical abilities to entertain, inspire, and promote peace in his own country.
He has won multiple awards for his work and is a rising star in the South Sudanese music scene
9. Tutu baibe
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4FC8JzHfjp/?igsh=ZDE1MWVjZGVmZQ==
Baibe is a singer and composer who combines traditional African rhythms with current music. She is noted for her beautiful vocals and appealing tunes.
Tutu Baibe has unexpectedly gained the attention of most South Sudanese music fans and critics. The only female singer with many honours in South Sudan.
Riding high in the nation’s nuisance music industry. Tutu has an affluent background because she sings her own choruses. The Baddest Dancehall Diva Represents South Sudan Music. She makes dancehall sound sensual.
She has published several CDs and is a prominent performer around the country.
She attended St. Lawrence University in Kampala, Uganda, where she studied public relations.
10. Lady Kola
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Lady Kola was born in Eritrea on August 16, 1996, and her given name is Akoul Ajom. She’s a South Sudanese female artist, model, DJ, and peace activist. She is a multi-award-winning female performer renowned as the only living South Sudanese female musician, Sankara.
The young diva hasn’t slowed down after her triumph with “Mata Futu” (2018) and “Dugu Kas” (2019). In November 2021, she collaborated with Uganda’s top vocalist, John Blaq, on a new hit tune called “Tonight.”
Lady Kola, a well-known South Sudanese singer, has had ten award nominations. She has, nevertheless, received two awards: Best Female Artist of the Year 2019/2020 and Fans Favourite Artist of the Year 2018/2019/South Sudan Music Awards.