South Sudan stand up!!! Last night the Ruger show scorched the stage at Nyakuron cultural Center. An evening that electrified the city and de-electrified the city at one point because of a brief power outage, saw a large audience show out for the Nigerian star. South Sudan’s local artists; Silver X, John frog, Mary boyoi, Lavale, Emmanuel Kembe, John Baraga, Lady kola and many more performed their smash hits, joined by Dj Biggie Deng, an international Dj based in Juba alongside Dj Alisha from Rwanda mixing jams back to back to keep the crowd entertained.
The stage was populated with some of the best media personalities including Kafuki Jada (Eye Radio), Sambrose Lupai (Advanced Youth) and MC Chirbek John co-hosting and championing the responsive crowd, fueling the euphoric atmosphere. The excitement was high as the headliner; Ruger was about to hit the stage.
The anticipated concert was well planned from the start by Next Level Entertainment ltd, the newest company on the scene to organize an event of this magnitude and promises to build the local music industry in terms of exposing talent to the international arena.
CEO bol Kerbino Kuanyin, an inspiring young entrepreneur is the founder of Next Level Entertainment ltd. He stated the vision of the company was to “Put South Sudan on the map”. His team coordinated the whole event that started with an extensive coverage and marketing campaign on all platforms to prepare Juba for this highly anticipated event. The Next Level entourage alongside corporate sponsors and the media team made sure every activity of Ruger was publicized the moment the artist landed in Juba airport.
After the buzz, the Afro beat hitmaker Ruger walked on stage with the South Sudan flag over his head. The Nigerian Ambassador was also on stage to show support to the young prodigy extending the peace signs in the air throughout the first minutes of Ruger’s performance.
The crowd erupted in pandemonium as Ruger performed his smash hits “Girlfriend” & “Snapchat” that sent the crowd in frenzy singing his words verbatim. Lights magnified theThe performer shuffled into his signature dance and took selfies with his fans sitting at the edge of the stage. During the concert a fan was allowed to perform a duet with Ruger and took center stage.
Ruger had a few words to say about the huge reception he received.
“Yet what most of my own people do is make me look & feel less. It hurts to be honest”- Clearly taken aback by the love from the people of South Sudan.
A few of the attendees were in jovial moods and wanted to express their gratitude to the organizers and to the people that made this historic event happen.
“This experience was wild, such an event in South Sudan, even my friends outside are not believing my Facebook live feed” –Philip Samuel
“The whole event was well organized and secure, i really felt safe with my sisters” –Suzy Deng
“I hope our music industry develops as we have proved to ourselves, we can come together as young people and support our local artists, Thank You Ruger!!” -Emmanuel Lokudo
South Sudan’s music industry is rapidly developing with new artists venturing abroad for performances and concerts. As confidence rises in our local sounds, captivating and building a strong vibrant market will lead to more exposure and advance collaboration opportunities with international stars. In all this event showed us a glimmer of hope to what can be achieved with peace and stability in the young nation.
