By Lodu William Odiya
Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA) has called on artists to exercise responsibility, cautioning them to refrain from promoting hate speech.
Speaking to No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper on Monday, Executive Director of CPA, Ter Manyang cited a song, trending in a local language that promotes hate speech.
“It is really promoting hate speech because I went to attend a community gathering; that’s where I drew my observation,” he said.
He appealed to the community to encourage young artists to compose songs that have meaning and promote peace and reconciliation.
“If people decide to promote songs that divide people and have hate speech, the state also has the right to caution those guys. When you are producing a song that brings hatred, it is not good,” he added.
According to Manyang, in the past seven years, CPA had been monitoring trends in the music industry and also observed that some songs contained inflammatory language that fuels division, incites violence, and threatens the fragile peace and social cohesion of South Sudan.
“We recognize the vital role that music and artists play in shaping public opinion and inspiring communities. With that influence comes a great responsibility,” he said.
He highlighted that music should be a tool for unity, healing, and national reconciliation—not a platform for hate or division.
Manyang emphasised that artists, producers, and music promoters should be conscious of the impact their messages, on audiences, especially young people.
He also urged media outlets and digital platforms to avoid circulating content that promotes hate speech or violence.
“South Sudan is a nation striving for peace, and every sector, including the creative industry, has a role to play in building a harmonious future,” Manyang noted.
He stressed that CPA remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote peace, tolerance, and inclusive dialogue, and welcomes partnerships with artists who are willing to use their voices for positive change.
However, the Secretary General of South Sudan Artist’s Union, Isaac Lumori, aka Mc Lumoex denied the claims by the Center for Peace and Advocacy.
“There is nothing like that,” MC Lumoex told No. 1 citizen Daily Newspaper in a telephone call.