Elevating Our Own: Why South Sudanese Artists Deserve Better
By Gista Wasuk
The entertainment landscape in South Sudan is evolving, but unfortunately, it is not always moving in the right direction. A concerning trend has emerged: the consistent preference for so-called international artists over our own homegrown talent.
In recent months, South Sudan has witnessed a surge of events featuring “international” performers—many of whom are virtually unknown even in their own countries. While we wholeheartedly support cultural exchange and cross-border collaborations, we must critically question whether these acts are genuinely enhancing our creative ecosystem.
Meanwhile, South Sudanese artists—those who tirelessly create, entertain, and inspire—are being sidelined. Many of them have stronger local followings and deeper cultural relevance, yet they are often overlooked or asked to perform for free. Others receive nothing more than travel reimbursements, while foreign performers are compensated handsomely.
This issue is not merely about budgets; it is about dignity and equity. We cannot cultivate a sustainable entertainment industry if we continue investing in outsiders while neglecting our own. Even more troubling is when these foreign acts openly admit, in interviews and press appearances, that they have little to no knowledge of South Sudan—its music, culture, or people.
This raises an important question: Why are we inviting individuals who show no interest in understanding the nation they are performing in?
The Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Artist Union, and event organizers need to reflect on this troubling pattern. Our artists deserve more than applause—they deserve opportunities, respect, and fair compensation.
If we do not value our own artists, how can we expect the world to recognize their worth?
It is time to put an end to this neglect. It is time to reinvest in South Sudanese talent. Our future depends on it.
By Gista Wasuk, Comedian and Actor, Concerned Supporter of South Sudanese Creatives
