Kanda Bongoman (centre) and his band at this year's CPA celebrations in Yambio. [© Gurtong]
By Luk Riek Nyak
BENTIU, 08 March 2010 (Gurtong) – The musician, who arrived in Bentiu over the weekend ahead of yesterday’s launch of SPLM campaigns in the state, expressed his pleasure of joining South Sudanese as they walk towards their first democratic election.
“I have come all the way from my Europe base to come and share a great moment of history with the people of South Sudan”, he said.
“Sudan’s election is receiving the attention of peace - loving people all over the world and I am indeed grateful to the SPLM for inviting me to come and entertain the voters in South Sudan in preparation for the April election”, he added.
The Lingala musician is accompanied by a 13 - member team that includes singers, guitarists and performing dancers.
The king of kwasakwasa yesterday thrilled a huge audience at Bentiu stadium where the SPLM was launching its campaigns.
Sudanese musicians who also performed alongside Bongoman included Duop Pur Duop, PNC, DJ Khor, and Queen Mama.
The Congolese musician has become a common figure in South Sudan since the signing of the CPA in 2005 and his music has been revered by many as it provides a healing effect to the semi-autonomous region’s population that was adversely affected by the 2-deacde civil war.
His last major event was in January this year during the CPA celebrations on Yambio, Western Equatoria State.