By Evaline Martins.
Juba witnessed a historic musical event as South Sudanese artiste Lujang De’nyangos delivered the nation’s first-ever orchestra performance at Baobab House. The groundbreaking concert not only showcased Lujang’s innovative musical style but also marked a significant moment in South Sudan’s artistic journey towards healing and unity.
Lujang De’nyangos is a South Sudanese singer,songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who is reshaping the R&B and jazz music scene in Juba with his distinctive blend of Juba Arabic, English, and Kiswahili. with but also marked a significant moment in South Sudan’s artistic journey towards healing and and unity.
Lujang curated a talented ensemble to bring this vision to life. His live orchestra performance captivated the audience, leaving revelers in awe of the harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary sounds.
In an exclusive interview, following his groundbreaking performance, Lujang emphasized the need for diversity in South Sudan’s music scene.
“South Sudanese need to experience different styles of music, and that is something we have not been experiencing much in Juba.” he said
He noted the repetitive patterns in the local music scene, particularly the prevalence of similar love songs, which motivated him to introduce a new style.
“There is almost the same thing, we are copying and pasting everywhere so there is so much of the same type of love music happening around the city” he added
Lujang’s musical journey began in 2017 with live performances that captivated audiences and helped him refine his craft. By 2019, he ventured into recording music, releasing his first song titled “No Place Like Home,” which allowed him to experiment with different sounds and solidify his unique musical identity.
According to him, introducing a new musical style comes with challenges.
“The challenge was definitely getting the right people to this style of music. It took a minute, but I managed to find a few who can comprehend this style.”
His style signifies a bold step towards embracing musical diversity and innovation in a city where traditional love songs have long dominated the airwaves.
The performance took place at Baobab House, a cultural space in Juba founded in 2019 by visual artist and curator Abul Oyay Deng Ajak. Originally serving as a small studio, Baobab House has grown into a hub for artists, musicians, filmmakers, and writers, offering a safe space for artistic expression and community healing.
The venue’s mission aligns with Lujang’s vision of using music as a tool for unity and healing in South Sudan. The harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary sounds during the performance left attendees in awe, marking a significant step towards embracing musical diversity in the country.
The event brought together a diverse group of artistes, including hip-hop artist Lil Been, known for his track “Salam,” which was nominated for Best Hip-Hop Artist of the Year at the 2021 South Sudan Music Awards.
Also in attendance was Sarah Atoj an artist who uses her art to advocate for women’s rights and empowerment in South Sudan’s largely patriarchal society.
Their presence underscored the collaborative spirit of the evening, highlighting the unifying power of art and music in South Sudan’s journey towards peace and cultural renaissance.
Through his artistry and dedication, Lujang De’nyangos exemplifies the resilience and creativity of South Sudan’s emerging music scene, bringing fresh sounds and perspectives to audiences both locally and beyond.
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