South Sudan puts on show of hope for unity
JUBA — Strutting on stage to the delight of cheering crowds, the performers in a South Sudan talent show have a bigger dream than entertainment alone — of helping unite their war-ravaged young nation.
Destroyed by one of Africa’s longest civil wars — scattering communities into the bush to fight or sending them abroad to seek refuge — one year on, South Sudan is not only building a state but also a new identity.
“It’s just a dream for me, representing my country and showing the world that… as South Sudanese we have talent”, said Thomas Tombe, a rapper, who spent most of his life in the now rump state of Sudan.
Fans shout support at the finalists of the South Sudan Talent Search — an X Factor style music and dance competition also screened on the fledgling national television station — as soldiers push back the most excited from the stage.
Tombe hopes that the show will tour the South’s 10 states to foster a spirit of national unity, by using culture and entertainment to bring young people together to celebrate their new country.
Shuffling on stage in low-slung jeans to
Category: South Sudan News
Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
